Leaving school – or university – can be a confusing time. With so many decisions to make, we look at why a career in construction could be one of the most lucrative, satisfying and safe choices you could make.
What’s A Job Centre?
Unemployment in construction is at a significantly lower level than most industries in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a full time, permanent position, contract work or an apprenticeship, construction is one of your best bets for a steady paycheque.
Make The Most Of Your Earning Potential
It’s basic economics that anything in short supply and unable to meet demand will command a higher price on the open market – and in this case, that could be you. With significant government commitment to both housing and infrastructure growth, the construction industry will need a quarter of a million new recruits by 2021, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Over the next five years or more, employers will be left with no choice but pay top dollar for the best candidates to keep their builds… well, building!
Smart school-leavers will look at all their career options and target high growth sectors, as well as those facing a skills shortage. Construction is both.
Start Earning Straight Away
University isn’t for everyone after leaving school. Not only do degrees carry less weight in the job market these days, but students now also rack up thousands of pounds of debt just to say they have a piece of paper.
That’s why more school-leavers are turning to apprenticeships as a way to continue learning and laying the foundations for a life-long career; the difference is that they get paid for their work along the way.
Learning On The Job
The job you start on isn’t the job you finish on. An entry-level job in construction may not sound glamorous and a lot of hard work – both are true – but you have to start somewhere. Luckily, the government has introduced a levy on construction companies of 0.5{5bd4dbeb095e6afd0553a3eb2804eeb537458bfdee92d71a335bb02b85762530} of annual wage bills to reinvest in training across the industry. This is available to apprentices, as well as established professionals looking to develop their careers further and is a great way to grow your career with the Prime Minister footing the bill.
The Graduate
If you choose to pursue higher education, then it still pays to target the most profitable path. As higher profile industries such oil, gas and renewable energy attract more university-educated mechanical or civil engineers, the construction industry faces a shortage of talent at graduate level.
So whether you work your way up on the job or enter the industry after graduating, construction will be one of your best options. We at Kingston Barnes are committed to helping young people discover this exciting and rewarding career path, so we sponsor the University of the West of England (UWE) awards for Excellence Within Construction.
Make The Most Of Your Career Potential
Most construction bosses start their careers as an apprentice; nearly 60{5bd4dbeb095e6afd0553a3eb2804eeb537458bfdee92d71a335bb02b85762530} started out at the bottom and worked their way to the top. Along the way, they learned the business inside-out and earned the respect of the people that ended up working for them. Qualified graduates may command a premium, but many employers prefer to promote or bring on candidates with hands-on experience –there’s no substitute for knowing what you’re doing.
Building The World Of Tomorrow
Without getting too philosophical, a career in construction really is building the world of tomorrow. Whether you’re raising the roof over families’ heads, cutting commuters’ travel time or providing retail therapy for the masses, the structures you help to erect will become a part of the landscape for years to come. There’s no feeling like being able to point to a local landmark and say, ‘I made that!’
Find Out More
If you’re considering a career in construction, then talk to the experts! We work with some of the biggest names in the South West and pride ourselves on finding the right job for the right person every time. We’d love to help answer your questions about the industry and your prospects, so talk to us today on 0117 325 2233 or send us an email at office@kingstonbarnes.com
