Something for Everyone

Whether you’re practically minded and learn through hands-on experience, or you’re more comfortable in a classroom or office environment, there’s a great job waiting for you in construction.

There’s a variety of learning pathways available to suit all styles and needs – lets explore some of them.

Degrees

Many job roles, such as managers, planners or analysts, are typically performed by individuals with further education qualifications, and may even have expertise in their area from working in other industries or completing a degree in a different subject area.

Many universities or colleges offer degrees in subject areas such as planning, business management, health safety or the environment, which can give you great potential for a career in construction.

Apprenticeships

Contrary to some stereotypes and myths, apprenticeships are not just for school leavers who don’t want to go to university. They are offered to people of all ages with a range of existing qualifications – whether you have just left school, are an older adult looking for a career change, whether you have just a few or even no GCSE passes, or have already obtained a degree in a different subject area.

Apprenticeships are divided into different levels. Some apprenticeships are degree-level and give you an equivalent qualification to a traditional university degree. Others are entry-level, are comparable to GCSE or A Levels, and give you a great starting point in the industry.

Apprenticeships are offered by a range of employers, often in partnership with local colleges or universities, and they allow you to gain a qualification, build work experience and earn an income all at the same time.

T Levels

T Levels are a great new initiative which allow students to undertake a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels in practical and vocational-based subject areas and industry trades.

T Levels are available in on-site trades, as well as areas such as engineering, planning or design. You will still spend the majority of time in the classroom, but, unlike A Levels, there will be some time (at least 20%) spent on work placements within the industry.

Work Experience

Like apprenticeships, work experience opportunities are available to you at any stage of your career. Depending on where you’d like to work, gaining work experience could be an important step as many construction employers view it as essential. On a work experience placement, you will get the opportunity to shadow skilled professionals as they undertake their role.

When the work experience placement ends, you may be encouraged to stay with the company and apply for vacancies, or be given a reference in order to get a job with a different company.

Some companies and job sites will advertise available placements online, but they can also be found through your school or college if you are a student. You can search for opportunities on Talentview.

Traineeships

For those who are in England (aged 16-24) or in Wales (aged 16-18), traineeships could be a way into a trade that interests you. You need to be eligible to work in the UK, currently unemployed with little work experience, and have qualifications limited to GCSE level or equivalent.

Traineeships can provide you with essential skills, such as CV and application writing, interview techniques, coaching and mentoring, and assistance with English and maths if needed.

In Wales there are three levels of traineeship: Engagement, Level 1 and Level 2. You will get a financial allowance of up to £50 per week and £5 travel allowance.

Read more about traineeship opportunities on Go Construct.