The construction industry can offer an exciting and rewarding career. You’ll be involved in building and maintaining safe and secure buildings. The good news is it’s a career that’s open to anyone who has gained the necessary skills. You can gain these skills in a variety of different ways, including through both formal and on-the-job training. Read on to learn more about qualifications you can take for a career in construction from a bespoke construction training company.
Apprenticeships
A construction apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn while working in the industry and is a great way to get your foot in the door. It’s a hands-on way to learn the necessary skills to start a construction career. You’ll be employed and work while earning a salary, and you’ll also spend some of your time studying and completing formal training. You’ll work alongside experienced construction workers to learn the tricks of the trade and gain practical experience, while learning construction theory at the same time. To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to have attained certain grades in specific GCSEs. At the end of the apprenticeship you’ll achieve a formal qualification, such as an NVQ. You’ll also have made some useful contacts for continuing your construction career.
College courses
You might prefer to take a formal college course before entering the workforce. Many colleges offer construction courses, and there are even colleges that specialise solely in construction training. As well as learning the theory behind construction, you’ll also gain practical skills in using tools and applying the theory to real-world situations to cement your knowledge. These types of qualifications are usually at Level 1 (introductory) or Level 2 (if you’ve already achieved Level 1), and you’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification, such as a City & Guilds Diploma.
CSCS Labourer Card
Although not an official qualification, a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card is usually required before you can work on construction sites. To get it, you’ll have to pass the CITB health, safety and environment test to demonstrate your knowledge of health and safety rules and regulations.
Although you don’t actually need formal qualifications for a career in construction, having some will show potential employers that you have a good understanding of the basics and some experience behind you. This will help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs, while also proving that you have the necessary motivation to succeed in a construction career.
