With construction outputs rising, and a quarter of a million additional construction workers predicted to be needed by 2026 to keep up with demand, now is a great time to begin a career in construction. Knowing how to begin your career can be daunting, especially when construction is not something typically focused on in schools or at universities. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of ways to find your place in the industry, just some of which are covered below.
Work experience
Work experience is common practice amongst many schools in the UK, typically taking place during year 10. If you have an interest in the construction industry, then this would be a great time to explore. If you have already left school, this is not a problem either. Lots of companies are willing to take people on for work experience placements at any age. These provide a great opportunity to shadow people and get a better idea of what part of the industry you would like to work in. When approaching companies for work experience opportunities, be sure to include a personalised cover letter explaining why it is that you want to work with them specifically.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to find your feet within the construction industry. There is such a wide range available, from broad apprentice trade options to more niche opportunities such as apprentice bricklaying. These are offered by companies of all trades, including new build homes developers and energy providers. They are arguably the best way to start your construction career as they provide both hands-on experiences paired with structured learning. They are a good choice if you are looking for job security and clear progression opportunities.
College courses
For some, diving straight into hands-on work on-site is not the best approach. If that applies to you then starting with a specialised college course could be the way forward. Similar to apprenticeships, there are courses varying from broader construction to specific trades courses such as plumbing. These courses aren’t just aimed at people who have just left school, they can be taken by anyone looking for a career in construction. Some courses even offer apprenticeship opportunities alongside the course, the perfect opportunity to test out your new skills with the confidence that you have the knowledge to go alongside them.
A career in construction can be very fulfilling and provide a great sense of variety, so why not give it a go?