Construction - Building Your Future
Choose a career in construction, and as well as joining one of the UK's largest industries, you'll be choosing a rewarding career that's challenging, exciting and rewarding. You'll also be joining an industry that's respected around the globe.
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The UK has a reputation for world-class design, inspirational architecture and the highest quality building work. Infact, construction is the biggest export, generating over £1 billion a year. A career in construction could mean you build your football teams next stadium, your local hospital, or manage the construction of an ecological success story like The Eden Project in Cornwall.
It's all about Teamwork
Choose a career in construction and you won't be starting out on your own. You'll be joining team of people all working together to build a strong, long-lasting future.
Whatever your role is in the industry, whether it's a bricklayer or plasterer, civil engineer, architect or construction manager, every team member is as important as the next. So, whether your talent is working with your head or your hands, you can be sure there's a career in construction for you.
Starting out in Construction
There are many ways to get into construction. And what's more there has never been a better time given the range of opportunities open through apprenticeships, work placements, sponsorship and graduate jobs. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the main governing body that works alongside the construction industry. Each year it helps to place hundreds of young people in work through their many contacts within the industry.
Apprenticeship
There are many apprenticeship schemes to help young people get involved with the construction industry such as the Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) or the Scottish Building Apprenticeship And Training Council (SBAC) Through the CITB the first steps towards gaining an apprenticeship is to complete an application form by the CITB. You will then be assessed, interviewed and get to talk to CITB about your particular interests within the industry. If you are successful, CITB will try and match you with a suitable employer in your area, if you haven't already found one. The employer will then interview you. If you are both happy you'll start earning and learning.
Work Experience
There is no better way to test the water than to gain real work experience. Construction offers a huge variety of two-week placements to help you decide if it's the right career for you. Most schools run work experience schemes and may be able to arrange one for you. If you enjoy your work experience why not try and get an apprenticeship at your local firm. Remember, a lot of big construction bosses started out on an apprenticeship, who knows the next one could be you!
Sponsorship
Many employers offer sponsorship to students choosing a construction-related course through their strong links with colleges and universities. The employer will support you financially through your course and provide valuable hands on experience. What's more you'll almost certainly be offered a job at the end of your course!
Graduate Careers
If you are an undergraduate on a construction-related course, chances are you want to find out as much as possible about all the exciting and varied opportunities that construction companies have to offer you including:
o Sandwich year/industrial placement
o Work experience opportunities during or after graduation
o Sponsorship opportunities
o Mentoring
o Events and corporate days to gain employment opportunities
o Graduate profiles
o Company project information
o Information for projects and dissertation
These main routes into the industry provide just the right amount of training for you. However, one of the great things about construction is its flexibility as you are always going to be gaining valuable experience and therefore do not necessarily have to follow a set career path. Once you've started training in Construction you can progress and divert your career by gaining further qualifications and experience. The possibilities therefore are endless!
If you would like more information about getting involved with the construction Industry then contact the Construction Industry Training Board on 01485 577577 or try logging onto their website www.citb.org.uk
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