Construction

The construction industry is thriving, it employs over two million people in the UK alone. The way you decide to start your career could be the best foundation to your success - whether that’s an apprenticeship, degree or going straight into a full-time job after university.

Construction has a lot of paths to success and it’s not all what you’d expect. The industry is diverse, so your construction career could take you down many routes, from bricklaying and plastering to road building, architecture, surveying or project management. No matter what it is, you can expect a fast-paced environment, strict deadlines, management opportunities, or even the option to become self-employed and set up your own business.

You could be shaping cities, the homes people live in, how we get from A to B, or the landmarks we'll visit for years to come. It’s a very rewarding industry and you’ll be able to see the impact that you make on communities for years to come. There are even global construction opportunities in some organisations, or you could choose to move abroad and take your knowledge there!

What options can I take for a career in construction?

Work Experience

Work experience in construction could be what matters the most to you when you start thinking about applying to your first roles. Not only will it help you find out what it is you like but also, you’ll get a personal view on how the different jobs available in the construction industry all work together to allow you to achieve great things. Work placements will also allow you to develop your skills to improve your CV to make you stand out from the crowd. From even small things such as working with friends or family on a new development in your home, to much larger opportunities like project management or surveying, it all matters!

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

Apprenticeships

A construction apprenticeship will allow you to get experience in a full-time role and gain all the knowledge you’ll need for a full-fledged career in the industry, gaining the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues who can aid you on your journey. All of this while studying towards a qualification and being paid. It’s an industry where the experience you have and the skills you learn on the job are incredibly valuable! These are some of the apprenticeships in construction that are available.

• Level 2 – Carpentry and Joinery
• Level 2 – Demolition Operative
• Level 2 – Bricklayer
• Level 3 – Gas Engineering Operative
• Level 3 – Building Services Engineering Craftsperson
• Level 3 – Advanced Carpentry and Joinery

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships in Construction offer you the opportunity to gain valuable experience with an employer alongside studying for your degree. Your construction degree apprenticeship will mean you can combine academic study where you can gain theoretical knowledge, and also the practical opportunity to get hands on and apply this in your day job. You may become involved in special projects, or even run a project entirely! As a degree apprentice, you’ll get a lot of responsibility, a mentor in your workplace, a (debt-free) degree and be paid a salary for all your hard work! Some Construction degree apprenticeships include;

• Level 6 – Architectural Assistant (degree)
• Level 6 – Chartered Surveyor (degree)
• Level 7 – Architect (degree)

Is a degree apprenticeship up your street? We’ll help you know!  

University

Your career in construction could start by you opting to go to university and getting a degree. A degree will give you the opportunity to choose exactly where you’d like to specialise in the construction industry, as you can choose the units that you’ll study. You’ll learn the academic and theoretical knowledge behind the industry and then apply this all to your role when you graduate. You could look at degrees with a year in industry or a year abroad too to gain some experience that will impress your future employers. Some degrees in construction include;

• Construction Project Management BSc (Hons)
• Construction Engineering Management BEng (Hons)
• Construction Management and the Environment BSc (Hons)
• Project Management for Construction BSc (Hons)
• Construction Management BSc (Hons)
• Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management BSc (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

Graduate Jobs

There are a huge amount of graduate opportunities in this sector. In some areas of the construction industry, a specialist degree may be required. If you have the one perfect for your role then you’re good to go, but if not, there are opportunities to undertake a conversion course to tailor your learning to your desired career. Some companies offer gradate schemes which offer support to new employees and allow you to gain some relevant experience or achieve the relevant accreditation necessary for your job. If going into work straight away isn’t for you, why not consider a Level 7 apprenticeship in the industry and continue to develop your skills whilst and become qualified whilst you earn?

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

Other routes

Construction is an industry that you can go straight into the sector with fewer qualifications than other industries, as much of your role is hands-on and based around taught practical skills. Many people choose this path and progress through an organisation from the bottom up, really earning their stripes whilst they do – you could one day be managing your own teams or construction projects. However, it’s important to remember that qualifications and work experience is always useful in this industry for opportunities of progression!