As the population in the UK continues its growth, there has been an increasing demand for improved infrastructure and building. Whether it’s building new homes or creating commercial office buildings to support new business growth, skilled construction workers are in high demand.

There are a number of different ways to get into the industry. In the past, people joined a construction company straight after leaving school and learned while they worked, but this is changing. According to recent studies, the industry is ageing, with over 30% of construction workers in the UK aged 50 or over. The industry is in need of new talent, but how can you secure a job in this lucrative industry and what is the best route for you? Let’s take a look at how to get a career in construction:

What is a construction apprenticeship?

With skill shortage becoming a problem for the sector, many people believe that apprenticeships could be key to survival for the industry. So much so that Engineering and Manufacturing, Construction, and Planning and Built Environment are thought to be among the top five sectors for apprenticeship starts.

The number of apprenticeships that fall under the Construction bracket and the Planning and the Built Environment bracket in England have shown a positive increase over the last five years:

Year Apprenticeships

13/14 16,000

14/15 18,000

15/16 21,000

16/17 21,000

17/18 23,000

However, it’s important to understand that this career route wasn’t always as popular and didn’t offer the same benefits as they do currently. Today, more businesses are offering further advanced apprenticeships that range from a Level 3 qualification to even a degree. Speaking on the matter, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB): “Apprenticeships are longer in duration and cover a broader range of knowledge and hand-skills. This not only benefits the employers but also the apprentices who will be arming themselves with a wider range of skills for their future careers.”

Apprenticeships in construction are just like any other job but includes at least a years’ worth of training that earns a learner a qualification that is recognised by industry leaders. However, for those seeking an apprenticeship in this industry, it’s important that you find the area that you’re most interested in as there are over 100 apprenticeships offered in this field.

Don’t think that you’re too old for an apprenticeship either. This form of learning is not just for school leavers and only requires you to be over the age of 16 — there is no upper-age limit. However, if you’re aged 24 or above, you could be eligible for adult skills funding if you carry out an advanced-level apprenticeship of Higher Apprenticeship. Undeniably, apprenticeships are a great choice for those looking for their first job after school or university, or those in later life who are looking to change careers.

Whether you’re looking to work onsite or in the office’s planning department, Go Construct offer a great tool that can give you an idea of what jobs are available. This considers your preferred place of work, interests, qualifications, and skills.

In terms of apprenticeships, you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘earn as you learn’, and it’s completely true. You’ll be entitled to the National Minimum Wage while you’re working, but the minimum wage rate for an apprentice is currently £3.70 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices who are under 19 and those who are over 19 but are in their first year. If you have completed your first year and are over 19, you’re required to be paid what the minimum wage rate is for your age.

What is a construction graduate scheme?

Interestingly, a lot of people do go to university with hopes to have a career in construction. When looking at WhatUni’s database, we found that there were 76 universities offering 231 different degrees in relation to Architecture, Building and Planning.

However, one study found that 44% of university students didn’t know what they want to do once they left. A graduate programme could be the answer. Many construction firms are beginning to understand the advantages of hiring someone straight out of university, as this can be a quick solution to the employment and skills crisis the sector is facing.

Essentially, a graduate scheme in construction is a structured training programme run by an employer to develop the next generation of workers. In terms of length, these usually last between one and two years, although they can be longer depending on the area of learning. Within most programmes, graduates will take on immense responsibility within a business and develop their understanding of the task requirements at hand.

Geoenvironmental consultants, Patrick Parsons, is just one company that provides a graduate scheme that has become the starting point for many people’s careers: “We actively develop pioneering, passionate, creative and motivated engineers to become integral members of our high-performing team. Our graduate scheme has proven to be successful for both our business and anyone who is coming out of university looking for the right experience in the field. More businesses should definitely be looking to offer these type of initiatives as it is one way to proactively solve the skill shortage problem the industry is facing.”

More businesses should definitely be looking to offer these type of initiatives as it is one way to proactively solve the skill shortage problem the industry is facing.”

Evidently, apprenticeships and graduate schemes are the way forward for both businesses and those looking to start their careers.