So what qualifications do you need, to get the job that you want?
bConstructive is a national website with lots of information to help you find out what training you need to do different jobs in the construction industry.
They can help you find the qualifications you need, and also help you find out what jobs you can do given the qualifications you already have and that you are currently studying for. Click on their logo below to find out more.
There are three main routes for people wanting to get into the construction industry:
- craft - most people train and gain qualifications as they work through an apprenticeship, although there are other kinds of training schemes. To enter the industry in a craft occupation, you will need a good basic education; Maths and English would be good. Craft trainees will develop skills using their hands and specialist equipment whilst learning about construction materials and production methods. They will also have the chance to do qualifications that can take them into technical, supervisory or management occupations, possibly running their own business.
- technical - to train in a technical occupation you'll need four good GCSE passes, A levels or an equivalent vocational qualification. There are two main options: either you can work and go to college part-time through an apprenticeship or you can get full-time college qualifications before joining the industry. You will have the opportunity to complete further vocational and professional qualifications and move to supervisory or management roles.
- university - People with a foundation degree or degree in a subject such as civil engineering, structural engineering and construction management, can expect a high level of responsibility when they enter the industry. Entrants with a non-construction related degree may also have the opportunity to learn about the industry and become a qualified member of the construction team. Graduates will be trained for highly specialised or management positions and will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications such as chartered status.
It's worth remembering that there's a huge variety of training programmes available in the construction industry, so whatever you choose to do first, is not necessarily what you'll do for the rest of your life.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme
The construction industry is getting qualified, and already many sites won't let workers on without an appropriate card to prove their skills. This is set to increase as we approach the industry wide deadline for a fully qualified workforce by 2010.
Click on the link below to find out more about:
- What is a card scheme?
- What card schemes are available?
- How do I get a card?
More Information
CITB is the national training organisation for construction in the UK, and this website provides more information on training.
Provides specialist training in construction crafts and building services, located in Portsmouth.
