As long as you know what you’re doing, starting a career in construction is relatively easy. If you want to get your foot in the door, now’s the time. This industry is booming in the United Kingdom, which may give you a better chance of landing a prime position.

Why Should You Get a Job in Construction?

One benefit of joining this industry is meeting all kinds of people, broadening your horizons and expanding your professional network.

Nazar Vincent, CEO of Avatar Construction, recently offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself. He said you shouldn’t be afraid to follow your passion and take risks because the industry “is evolving.” He also said you should “focus on building relationships” because the job is “about people” at the end of the day.

If you start a career here, you’d build a practical skill set in a spectrum of roles. You also spend time outdoors, which is a breath of fresh air compared to typical office life. Of course, the work may be messy. The U.K. saw almost 150 days of rain in 2021. However, if you’re not the type to be deterred by mud, you will be fine.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and want a job that produces tangible results, this is the right field for you.

Matt Prince, CEO of Riley Construction, says he got into the industry because he “never wanted to be tied down to a desk.” Once he found out it would get him into the field, working with people from various backgrounds, he joined and never looked back. Today, he feels a “deep sense of satisfaction” after every project.

How to Start Your Career in Construction

While some opportunities may arise through informal networking or on-site visits, it's more effective to apply through proper channels with a CV and relevant qualifications.

In this industry, who you know isn’t as important as what you know. However, references help employers gain insight into your work ethic. Consider listing two to three references to put your path into perspective. Ideally, you should include people you have worked with or under. If you have no relevant experience, list a teacher, volunteer coordinator or family friend.

Work history is the most important part of a resume because it shows your qualifications and experience. You should also list your skills. For example, you could say you are an expert with power tools, can lift up to 50 pounds or are bilingual.

Before applying, explore apprenticeship programmes through organisations such as the CITB or local training providers. Trade unions and professional bodies can also provide valuable guidance. They can take months or even years to complete but make finding a job easier. If you’re ready to join the workforce, ensure you have a U.K. driver’s license, good literacy and basic technical knowledge. Companies may require you to have a General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Types of Construction Jobs You Can Get

This field has numerous entry-level roles. You could join the cleanup crew to keep construction sites tidy or become a traffic marshal to direct heavy equipment traffic. As an entry-level materials testing technician, you would test and sample concrete, asphalt and soil, continuously travelling to perform tests and update records.

Becoming a general labourer is among the easiest ways to begin your construction career. You will mainly use hand tools, move materials and operate light machinery. It typically pays £14,000 to £18,000 annually to start. With experience, you can earn up to £30,000.

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is a popular, quick route to gain the labourer card, which you need to find employment as a general labourer. The one-day course ends with a 30-minute exam. The certificate is valid for five years once you pass.

Painter, flooring installer and roofer are some of the easiest support roles to get with little to no experience. You may be stuck with tedious tasks like mixing paint or carrying shingle bundles up the ladder, but you’ll get more important responsibilities in time.

While you do not need a formal education to become an entry-level plant operator, you may need local licensure or an apprenticeship. The average entry-level salary is £19,000, according to the National Careers Service. Experienced workers typically earn £36,000.

Tony Cook, a project manager at PCL Construction, advises budding professionals to “actively seek diverse experiences and exposure to various aspects of the industry” to “build a well-rounded skill set and gain valuable experience.” He wants you to accept projects beyond your current abilities because the field has tremendous growth opportunities.

How Do You Decide Which Career Path Is Best?

Consider which path aligns with your interests and qualifications. Being a general labourer is very physical, but you get to be active, stay outdoors and see tangible results. Plus, you can work up to site supervisor, earning a £30,000 to £40,000 salary to begin. In time, you can easily make £60,000 annually.

If you become a landscape labourer, you can eventually work up to site supervisor or project manager roles. Alternatively, you can specialise in irrigation, hardscaping or arborist positions.

Performing basic tasks to support skilled workers can help you enter specialised, well-paid posts. You can become a carpenter, electrician or pipefitter. However, you will likely need formal education, certifications and on-the-job training to progress.

Chris Grower, CEO of PCL Construction, said the sector’s labour shortage needs more attention. He stated the amount of skilled workers coming in “isn’t enough” and believes the problem will “be exacerbated” within the next decade as more craftspeople retire. He advocates for “an increased focus on skilled trades.” This path would help achieve job security.

It’s Time to Start Your Career in Construction

A lot of construction jobs overlap. If you start with one and realise you don’t like it as much as you thought, you can change. Alternatively, you could always wait until you have enough experience to start your own business as a general contractor. The choice is yours.

Author: Evelyn Long 
Evelyn Long is a leading advocate for diversity and mental health in the construction industry. As a contributor to respected publications such as Construction Executive and Construction Business Owner, she shares her insights on fostering inclusivity and well-being in the trades. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine, where she drives conversations around innovative practices and cultural change in construction.