JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016 - 138

Getting in
Vocational training has long been the
most common route into the industry.
You don't need formal qualifications -
just start at the bottom, as a Labourer,
and work your way up. Alternatively,
you can become an Apprentice.
An apprenticeship combines
off-the-job learning with on-site
experience. It allows you to learn the
skills for your role while working
1 3 8 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S

Apprentices learn all
about cement mixers

towards the qualifications you need to
rise up the ranks. Apprenticeships are
highly valued by employers and are very
successful within this industry, where
experience matters. You need
to be in full-time employment with
a construction company to be able
to complete an apprenticeship, so you
are earning as you learn.
Apprenticeships are offered at craft,
technical and higher levels so you can
continue to progress your career (see
the feature on pg42 for more information
about apprenticeships).
You can also study for National
Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or
the equivalent Scottish Vocational
Qualifications (SVQs). These show you

have the skills to do the job in line with
national occupational standards, and are
gained while you work. They're assessed
either via a portfolio of your work or you
may be observed at work by an assessor.
Within reason, NVQs do not have to be
completed in a specified amount of time.
There are no age limits, either, and no
special entry requirements. But they are
only available if you are employed.
If you're not, progression awards,
certificates, diplomas and other vocational
awards can help you learn the knowledge
and skills that you would need to do a
job or take an NVQ.
These are assessed via assignments,
practical tests, written exams or online
multiple choice tests.

Words :Jessie Bland, Images: Shutterstock

There are around three million
people employed in construction
and the built environment, according
to CITB. But there is still a housing
shortage, which means more people
are needed to join the construction
industry. A lot more.
The industry is set to grow by
2.5% annually, according to research
from CITB, which suggests there is
a need for an additional 232,000 jobs
over the next few years to deliver
expected output growth to 2019.
One of those jobs could be yours.
It's a constantly changing industry
which is always creating new
challenges, so would suit those who
enjoy variety in their work. If you
are prepared to work hard, there are
plenty of opportunities to move up the
career ladder quickly once you're in.
You can develop your skills and
knowledge as you work, too, as there is
lots of on-the-job training available.
A great reason to get into the
construction industry is the sense of
achievement in helping to shape the
world around you. You'll be part of the
essential work that helps to drive
the economy forward, constructing
a huge range of buildings and
infrastructure including houses,
schools and hospitals; roads,
motorways and train stations; and
large investment projects, such as
big-name stadiums and skyscrapers.
You could be building the next Shard.
Your career path is likely to be
varied and may well change as you
begin to specialise. You may start as
a labourer, for example, then go into
carpentry or plumbing. Not only that,
but more than a third of people
working in construction are their
own boss, so you could even end up
running your own business.
JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016

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