Construction
What does a career in Construction involve?
This is one of the broadest Apprenticeships available, covering a range of occupations from bricklaying and plant maintenance to civil engineering and joinery. Construction is a multi-billion pound industry that deals with developing and building anything from a housing estate to a bridge. Few industries are as wide-ranging, or offer so many different career pathways.
Apprentices have a lot of occupations to choose from – if you’re the sort who enjoys physical work, you could help lay the foundations of a ten-storey building; build scaffolding around a famous landmark due for restoration; plaster the interior of an office building; or maintain heavy plant.
Apprentices with a flair for organisation could help make sure projects run on time and within budget; liaise with suppliers; or assist a civil engineer with design plans.
With a construction Apprenticeship, you could be working on various sites in your region and beyond – there are also plenty of opportunities to work abroad, as many of the largest construction companies operate around the world.
No matter where you start your career, if you have the determination and work hard, there’ll be plenty of chances to move up the career ladder.
What type of Job Role can this lead to?
- Bricklayer
- Civil engineering technician
- Scaffolder
- Painter and decorator
- Steeplejack
- General construction operative
- Joiner
- Roofer
- Crane operative
- Lightning conductor engineer
What do I need to start?
1. Previous qualifications/training
No previous qualifications required, however you will be required to take a Key Skills initial assessment based on literacy and numeracy, attend a college interview and complete an industry test.
2. A Job
You will need to have a construction related job and be employed for a minimum of 16.5 hours every week.
What will I get out of it?
4. Earnings
The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £2.50 per hour, however research has found that Apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. Research also shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
The starting salary (once qualified) is £12,000 - £18,000.
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
5. Qualifications
When you have successfully completed your apprenticeship you will gain:
Plumbing
City & Guilds Award MES Level 2 or Level 3 in Plumbing
- Framework from the Sector Skills Council (Summit Skills)
- Key Skills in Numeracy and Communication, relevant to the Apprenticeship level.
Carpentry & Joinery
- CSkills Level 2 in Carpentry & Joinery or Bench Joinery
- Framework from the Sector Skills Council (CSkills)
- Key Skills in Numeracy and Communication, relevant to the Apprenticeship level.
Painting & Decorating
- CSkills Level 2 in Painting & Decorating
- Framework from the Sector Skills Council (CSkills)
- Key Skills in Numeracy and Communication, relevant to the Apprenticeship level.
6. Prospects
Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost?
The government cover the full cost of training for 16-18 year olds and contribute towards costs for those aged 19 or above.
How do I apply?
Not sure if an Apprenticeship is right for you?
Call Employer Services on 01902 317691 for more information or to book an appointment with a Careers Advisor