Entry level construction roles in the UK
Getting into the construction industry can be achieved in a few ways. One is by taking on an entry-level job, which means you start out at the beginning in terms of experience, although in some cases you may have existing knowledge from an apprenticeship or work experience.
Entry-level construction roles give you a chance to work your way up within the industry, learning as you go, meaning more people can access the career they want in construction.
The options available for those with no experience
Some people will have experience in construction from training or work experience. But what if you have no experience at all? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of options.
Construction apprenticeships
Open to anyone aged 16 or over, an apprenticeship will let you study for a qualification while you work to gain experience too. They are available across almost every type of construction role, so you could be studying and working towards your dream role from the very start.
As a construction apprentice, you’ll be employed full time and earning a salary while you learn. There are a huge range of diverse, rewarding construction apprenticeships to choose from. You could be behind a drawing board, developing project management skills, training as a bricklayer or plasterer or any other type of construction trade.
Traineeships
Traineeships are available in England and Wales to help get ready for an apprenticeship or job. There are slightly different rules for eligibility depending on which country you apply from, but if you need experience for your CV or need to try out a role to see if it’s right for you, this is a great way forward.
Work experience
Qualifications are important, but work experience is where you can truly get an idea of a job role, develop skills, and put them into practice. Plus, it can help you if you apply for apprenticeships or other training schemes as well as jobs.
T Levels
Only available in England, these are equivalents to three A Levels. T levels can help you prepare for a role in construction with industry experience in the form of a 45-day placement, plus you’ll study in a classroom.
Do I need A-Levels to get into construction?
Getting an entry level job doesn’t mean you don’t have any qualifications. In fact you could have A-Levels or even a degree, but no relevant work experience.
Most construction jobs don’t require A-Levels. If they do, there are usually jobs like surveying or civil engineering that also ask for applicants to have a degree. A-Levels in subjects like Maths and Physics are generally seen as being more useful for these kind of construction jobs. However, not everyone follows the same route into construction with the same A-Levels.
The main advantage of gaining A-Levels is that it shows that you have good academic capability, an ability to think clearly, understand complex subjects, solve problems and communicate effectively with the written word.
Some entry-level roles to consider
General construction operative
In the role of general construction operative, you’ll be involved in a lot of different tasks, many of them manual labour-related such as preparing ground, loading materials and accessing tools. It’s a great all-round role for those wanting to get stuck in on a construction site.
Trainee maintenance operative
Maintenance is key to any construction project, so you’ll be a vital part of the process as a maintenance operative. If you’re a fan of DIY, this could be the perfect job.
Trainee painter & decorator
If you’re handy with a paintbrush or can really bring a space to life with your decorating skills, this role could be for you. Painting and decorating is key to developing all kinds of construction projects, from homes to commercial buildings.
Trainee quarry worker
If you have a passion for power tools, quarry workers use them to dig, drill, and transport materials like slate and gravel to construction sites.
Trainee wall and floor tiler
Working on any number of construction projects, as a wall and floor tiler you will be learning how to work with tiles and the tools of the trade on all kinds of surfaces.
Trainee groundworker
Usually the first tradesperson on a construction site, groundworkers set out and prepare the sub-surfaces ready for structural work to begin, and often carry out the final tasks, such as laying driveways and footpaths.
Construction graduate schemes
A graduate scheme is an entry-level job with a training programme alongside. This way you get to know the company while you gain experience. They are slightly more structured than a graduate job, with more support while you learn. There are various graduate schemes available in construction, so if you are finishing up your course at university, start doing some research so you can apply in good time.
Find out about your options for entering the construction industry
You have a lot of options for getting into the construction industry, even if you didn’t study a related course at university. However, if you’re looking for a job role already it’s best to start with Talentview.
For employers looking for support or advice on recruitment and apprenticeships, head to gov.uk, or gov.wales for Welsh employers.