Considering getting started in a construction career but aren’t sure where to begin? In this blog, we’ll be telling you about all the different ways you can get your foot in the door, or onto the construction site. From teenagers leaving school, to older adults returning to work, there’s a route available for everyone.
STARTING A CONSTRUCTION CAREER WITH GOVERNMENT HELP
Recently, the UK government announced they’re working with leaders within the construction industry on schemes to help more people access quality training for a construction career. The schemes outlined are open to a wide variety of people. Meaning everyone should have the option to complete this training if they wish. Opening up opportunities for those who may not have had access before. Whilst also hopefully helping to solve the current skills shortage issues.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships are a training scheme that have been going for a long time. They can be a really great way to get hands-on experience whilst also receiving quality training. Apprenticeships are paid jobs and are open to people of all ages, despite often being seen as an option just for young people. With an apprenticeship, most of your time will be spent on the job, but you’ll also spend time completing off-the-job training. On average, this is around six hours a week. This training is completed through a provider, such as a college or university.
T LEVELS
Another government scheme available to help start your construction career are T Levels. Although, these are only open to young people aged between 16 and 19 years old. T Levels are vocational courses that are a great alternative to A Levels. With one T Level holding the same value as three A Levels. You’re also given the opportunity to spend up to nine weeks on an industry placement gaining work experience.
RETURNING TO YOUR CONSTRUCTION CAREER
Are you an adult looking to return to your construction career after some time away? Or maybe you’re looking to switch paths? There’s help available for you too, in the form of skills bootcamps. Skills bootcamps are open to anyone over 19 years of age. Whether you’re full or part-time employed, self-employed or unemployed. The bootcamps are put together in partnership with local employers, with the aim to fill job vacancies in your local area. These courses are available around the UK and there’s a wide variety that cover different areas of construction.
THE NEXT STEP – SETTING UP YOUR OWN CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
Perhaps you’re thinking of taking the next step in your construction career by starting your own business? Although there’s no denying how challenging this can be, it can also be hugely rewarding. One of the first steps of setting up your own construction business, would be to create a business plan. Whilst doing this, you should be determining the type of service you’ll be providing. Once you know this, you can analyse your competitors, and identify any tools, equipment and machinery that you may need. Potentially the most important task is to build a strong and reliable team to help you. Then you can apply for all the correct permits and licences, as well as ensuring that your team holds the necessary tickets and qualifications to carry out the work.
PLANT TRAINING COURSES
A really great and easy way to boost your construction career prospects is to complete a course with a plant training school. There’s a huge range of courses available to complete novices, as well as those more experienced looking for a refresher to get them back into the swing of things. These courses can be an excellent place to start progressing your construction career.
COURSES AVAILABLE FROM DIGGERLAND PLANT TRAINING SCHOOL
Whether you’re an individual looking to learn how to use an excavator, or an employer looking to send a group of your employees to do a first aid course. At Diggerland Plant Training School we’ve got you covered.
All of our plant training courses are NPORS accredited, meaning they’re recognised by employers within the construction industry. They can also be completed in a short time period, with most courses being between 1 to 5 days in length. Our main training site is based in Kent, however we also operate in Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
View our full range of courses here. If you have any questions or would like to book a course, please contact us.
