What is the best way to get your first job as a labourer?

One of the best ways to get started in the construction industry is by working as a labourer on a construction site.  

Labourers, groundworkers or general construction operatives, as they are sometimes known, get hands-on experience in a whole range of tasks, gaining skills that will help them in their construction career.  

But how do you get that first job as a construction labourer, and what are the best things about being a labourer? Find out in our comprehensive guide below.  

What is a labourer?

A labourer performs manual tasks on construction sites. A labourer usually does not need any experience or qualifications, other than a CSCS card, but that does not mean their role is not important to the construction industry. Labourers carry materials to where they need to be, load and unload items of equipment and building materials, and ensure that areas of the site are ready for other trades to do their work.

Why labourers are important to the construction industry

All construction projects need teams of labourers to assist tradespeople, from preparing sites before construction work begins right through to completion. Labourers are required to undertake a wide range of tasks, such as digging trenches for foundations, mixing and pouring concrete, fixing scaffolding, laying pavements and operating machinery.  

How to become a labourer

Essential skills to become a labourer

The most important skill for labourers is to have a good level of physical fitness. You will be on your feet outside, all day long, in all weathers. You will also need a good head for heights, as you will be going up and down ladders and scaffolding. You should be able to understand instructions and carry them out.

Training and certifications

No formal qualifications are required to work on a construction site. If you have GCSEs in English and maths, that would be a bonus, but not essential. Some labourers choose to do some training to improve their abilities and job prospects. Popular courses include the Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations. To get on the Level 1 course you would need two GCSEs at grade 1-3 (D-G), and two GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D) for the Level 2.  

Labourers will need a CSCS card to work on a construction site. To get a CSCS card, you have to complete the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. The test takes around 45 minutes and assures employers that labourers can keep themselves and their colleagues safe on site.

Apprenticeships and work experience

Apprenticeships are a great way to get more training and still be earning while working. They can improve your job prospects and give you the chance to develop your skills. You will usually need two or more GCSEs (including maths and English) to be accepted on an intermediate construction apprenticeship.  

One of the great things about being a labourer is that it is one of the jobs in construction that you can get without having had any previous experience. However, getting some work experience is still useful if you want to find out what working as a labourer might be like. To get work experience in school holidays or at weekends you will need to contact a construction company or know someone (like a friend or family member) that works in construction. Work experience is a good thing to be able to put on your CV.  

Strong work ethic

Of all the skills you need to become a labourer, perhaps the most important is the willingness to work hard. Manual labour can be tough at times, and having a strong work ethic will impress an employer and make you a valued member of their staff.   

Applying for your first labourer job

Your CV and cover letter 

When you are writing to a company applying for a job, you should include a covering letter and a CV. The cover letter should showcase what you can bring to the company, and why you are the best candidate for the job. It doesn’t have to be long – five paragraphs should do, and it can be on one page of A4 paper.  

Tips for making your CV stand out 

Your CV should also be concise. Don’t think you have to fill it with lots of information. This is your first job – employers aren’t expecting you to have too much experience. It should just simply be a summary of your education, work experience and skills. Keep it to a maximum of two sides of A4 if you can.   

When discussing your strengths and skills, use active words such as ‘organised’, ‘built’, ‘created’, ‘managed’, or ‘planned’. Get some tips on how to write an effective CV.  

Preparing for job interviews 

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it is your first one. Make sure you do plenty of preparation and have a good idea of the kind of questions you might be asked, and what your answers might be. The fact that you have got an interview means that your CV and cover letter impressed the employer. Focus on the points from your CV that you think made you stand out. Be confident in yourself, dress smartly for the interview and arrive in plenty of time. Here are some more interview tips. 

The best things about working as a labourer

If you are looking to get started in the construction industry, then working as a labourer is a great way to do it. There are also many other benefits about this type of work.

The physical and mental benefits of manual labour

Working as a labourer in construction comes with numerous physical and mental benefits. First and foremost you will be outside, breathing in fresh air. Not everyone likes working in an office, and human beings are made to be active – long periods of inactivity can lead to all sorts of health issues. Labourers are engaged in continuous exercise everyday, which brings great benefits to physical and mental health.

A manual labourer job leads to your muscles becoming stronger and helps improve your overall fitness levels, increasing with time the longer you do it for. No need for the gym if you’re a labourer – you’re keeping fit and healthy while getting paid. Win, win!

Your body also releases a rush of mood-enhancing chemicals to the brain while you’re physically active, improving your ability to think clearly and causing a sharp decrease in stress levels. Carrying out physical work every day as a labourer helps increase overall productivity, and releases the ‘feel good’ factor.  

Pride in the tangible results of your work

There are few better feelings than being able to look at a finished project and say, ‘I built that’.

All types of jobs can leave you feeling satisfied and proud of your work at the end of the day, but nothing quite feels as good as seeing the end product of something you’ve physically made. Building a house, redecorating an office or paving the way for construction to begin, gives you a great sense of accomplishment and is extremely rewarding, especially if you’re making someone else happy in the process.

What are the advantages of manual labour?

As well as providing tangible health benefits, manual labour has additional professional and personal advantages, too.

From learning new skills which can be applied anywhere in your life to great job prospects with clear progression opportunities, a job as a labourer can help you in many ways. After time spent as a labourer, you can pick up the skills needed to move into other construction trades.  

You’re always in demand!

Labourers, and other manual labour-intensive roles such as groundworkers and bricklayers, are always sought after by employers. In fact, they are amongst the priority occupation areas in construction, and it is predicted tens of thousands of additional labourers will be needed over the coming years to meet demand.

They all perform important roles and are essential components on the vast majority of construction sites.