Are you interested in a career in the building industry? Maybe you’re a budding plasterer? Or perhaps you’re keen to learn the skills you need to be a decorator or plumber? As building contractors in Derby, we often receive enquiries about working in construction around exam results time. And the good news is it’s an industry that’s growing. From painters to roofers, there’s a stronger need than ever for skilled workers throughout the UK. What’s more, the skills you can learn are often transferrable, so you can use them in other areas of the industry. But where do you start? And do you need a formal qualification? We’ve put together some information that might help you get started.
Do I need an apprenticeship?
From our own experience, gaining an apprenticeship is the most recognised way to obtain a construction-specific qualification. Because the skills you learn will mainly be practical, this sort of apprenticeship tends to be delivered in a college-based setting. The range of qualifications you can choose from are extremely varied and cover areas such as bricklaying, property maintenance and plastering (to name a few). So, there should be a course that accommodates the skills you want to learn. If you complete an apprenticeship, you’ll also get the support and information you need to apply for a CSCS card, which provides proof that you have the appropriate training and qualifications to work safely on construction sites.
What entry requirements will I need?
If you’re interested in enrolling on a construction-based apprenticeship, you’ll be given information about the entry-level requirements. But as a general rule, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and show an interest in the area covered by the apprenticeship. Training providers will also expect you to have an English and maths-based qualification. However, they’ll be able to upskill you by delivering a Functional Skills course as part of your apprenticeship. We have worked alongside many other building contractors in Derby, and they have been able to complete their training without formal qualifications, so don’t let this put you off from applying.
Do you need a formal qualification to work in the building industry?
Although you can a qualification by completing an apprenticeship, it’s not the only route into the industry. Individuals sometimes undertake work experience with a contractor, for example, and learn specific skills on the job over time. This is often the case if you know someone who already works in the construction industry and they’re happy to teach you the tricks of the trade. While this is perfectly acceptable, it’s worth remembering that some employers may prefer you to have a certification. If you want to work on a building site, for example, you’ll be expected to own the CSCS card we mentioned earlier because it provides proof of your competence to perform your job safely. So, while on-the-job learning doesn’t need to be ruled out, a formal qualification might be necessary depending on the construction setting you want to work in.
Contact ASK Building and Repairs for further advice.
If you have any queries about working in the construction industry, feel free to send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk and we’ll do our best to answer them. This is just an overview to answer any initial questions you might have about your next move, but if there is anything specific you’d like to know, you’re very welcome to contact us. ASK Building & Repairs work alongside a range of contractors who have all been experts in their trade for a long time, so we can send your queries their way if there is something you’d like to know.