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How to begin your career in construction

If you’ve recently left school and are interested in starting a career in construction, there are certain things to keep in mind. Keep reading as we share our top tips for entering the construction industry and the best courses to take for your future career.

 

Construction apprenticeships

One of the best ways to set yourself up for a career in construction is via an apprenticeship. These will allow you to receive vocational training while also earning a small amount of money to begin with. The tuition is paid by either your employer or the government, and you’ll still have your weekends free after studying and working in the week. An apprenticeship will look great on your CV, allowing you to build your skills and experience for the future. The more qualifications you can obtain at the start of your career, the stronger chance you have of becoming a site manager or taking on more responsibility further on in your career. An apprenticeship will generally last between one and four years, setting you up for success in the industry.

 

Top Qualification Options for a Career in Construction

If you’ve opted out of A-levels but are still looking to continue your education, BTECs are a practical alternative. They are ideal for people who prefer to learn by doing, as opposed to taking written exams and reading books. Higher National Diplomas are another good option for construction workers. They offer you a hands-on course which doesn’t involve studying in classrooms. You can also convert this into a degree in the future by continuing your education with a one or two-year top-up course.

Consider getting a degree in construction

Foundation degrees or undergraduate degrees are your next option for this career route. Of course, an undergraduate degree involves a lot more commitment but may be a good idea for anyone who is particularly interested in the business and management side of the industry. It’s important to note that some jobs in the industry will require a degree, such as architectural or structural engineering. Should you decide in the future that you want to pursue a more specialised career, you’ll then need to consider further professional qualifications for the job role you are looking to undertake.

 

Develop Professional Skills

As well as gaining experience or qualifications in the industry, it’s also important that recent school leavers begin to cultivate professional skills. These include teamwork and communication, which are critical for safety in the industry. Ensure you always have a positive attitude, even when carrying out repetitive tasks at the start of your career. Be willing to say yes to anything to make a good first impression, as this will help you get ahead and stand out from the competition.

 

As you can see, there are many different ways to enter into the construction industry after leaving school. By choosing the right qualification for your needs and learning style, you can set yourself up for success in the future. Starting your career in construction is an exciting time, and by maintaining a positive attitude at all times, you’ll be able to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

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Nicholas Michael recruit for construction workers across the UK in a wide range of roles. From labourers to site managers, crane operatives, and more.

Our team at Nicholas Michael will help you find your next construction job quickly and effortlessly, taking away the stress of applying to dozens of jobs and matching you with one that suits you. We work with our fantastic clients across the UK and help find people like you the job they deserve. You’ll be matched to one of our experts at our construction recruitment agency who will identify the best construction jobs we have that suit you.

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We’re a professional construction recruitment agency covering the whole of the UK. We hire construction staff across a variety of roles and help our clients fill positions nationwide.

If you’re looking to hire your next construction worker we can almost certainly help you. Nicholas Michael recruits construction workers across the UK for our many fantastic clients. Hiring in the construction industry can be difficult, as skilled workers are hard to come by, but our database of skilled construction professionals across the UK, from bricklayers to site managers, helps us find your next hire quickly and efficiently.

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