Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships aim to prepare young people, aged between 16 and 24, for a job within their chosen career path. As part of an apprenticeship you will gain valuable work experience with your employer, whilst studying part-time at a training centre or college.
There are three levels for construction apprentices: craft, technical and graduate.
Craft apprentices train for jobs such as roof slating and tiling, painting and decorating, or stonemasonry. You'll be concentrating on developing skills with your hands, using specialist equipment and learning about construction materials and production methods.
Technical apprentices train for jobs such as civil engineering surveying assistant, construction estimating assistant and site technical assistant. With this route, you can choose the standard apprenticeship format of working and attending college part-time, or go to college full-time to get qualifications before entering the industry.
Graduates go to university first and study for a degree or foundation degree in subjects such as civil engineering or construction management. You will generally be aiming for specialised or management positions, and will have the opportunity to get further professional qualifications such as chartered status.
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2. How old do I have to be to start an apprenticeship?
To start an apprenticeship, you have to be between 16 and 24 years old. You can, however, apply at 15 years old provided that you have turned 16 by the time you start your course. If you start an apprenticeship before you turn 25, then you will still be allowed to complete your course.
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3. Will I receive a salary during my apprenticeship?
Yes, you will receive a salary from your employer during your apprenticeship. The salary will vary according to your chosen sector, as well as the size of the company that you apply to.
Often you won't get paid the same as other employees your age who aren't doing apprenticeships. But, don't forget you'll have the advantages of getting valuable on-the-job training from your employer as well as coming out with a qualification.
Most employers will also give you holiday on top of standard time off such as weekends and bank holidays.
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4. How long are apprenticeships on average?
If you choose an apprenticeship you need to be prepared to work hard, when both working for your employer and studying for your qualifications. You also have to be committed to finishing what could be up to a five-year training programme.
However, most apprenticeships usually last three to four years, depending on whether you apply for a foundation or advanced course and the sector you are looking to work in.
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5. What if I don't have a degree? Can I still apply for an apprenticeship?
Yes. You only need to be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) to apply for non-technical apprenticeships. However the more technical career routes such as surveying, civil engineering and architecture require you to have A-levels (or equivalent) as well as GCSEs before you begin the course.
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6. How do I go about doing an apprenticeship in construction?
In addition to talking to your own careers guidance tutor at school or college, there are three main ways to apply for an apprenticeship. You can approach an employer and ask if they are interested in taking on an apprentice. You can also apply through the Learning and Skills Council. They will put you in touch with a training provider who will then try to match you with an employer.
Finally, you can apply directly to a training agency such as the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). Through the CITB, you will be assessed and interviewed to join CAS (Construction Apprenticeship Scheme). All such schemes will enable you to earn a wage while you learn, and provide just the right amount of training and practical skills across a variety of specialist subject areas.
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7. I have just graduated with a degree in a construction-related subject. Where do I go from here?
Research companies in the sector you want to work in and make sure they have a role that suits you and your skills. If you're uncertain about what each job role involves, you can start by browsing our So you want to be... section an extensive guide to the key roles in the industry, and the skills and qualifications involved.
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8. I would like to work abroad but don't know where to start
There are lots of opportunities in the construction industry to work abroad. You can start by working for a UK-based company with offices abroad or a company who frequently have projects overseas. If you want to find out more about working overseas, browse our working abroad section which contains useful information sources and tips on how to land a job overseas so you'll be more equipped to venture out into the world!
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9. What is a typical working day like in construction?
With many different job roles in construction, it's hard to describe a typical day. If you choose a consulting role, this would involve creating plans, doing calculations and organising the construction process. You may also make site visits before and during construction and have regular meetings with clients and colleagues. As a contractor, you would oversee the entire process on the construction site and keep track of where everything is. A craft or technical job might involve practical work at any stage from preparing the site to the final touches.
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10. What kind of work/life balance will I have?
Construction professionals tend to work hard but keep decent hours, so you should have plenty of time for friends, family and outside interests. It may be necessary to work long hours if a project is running behind schedule. At a large organisation you're likely to work with other employees of a similar age, so there will be lots of opportunities to socialise.
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11. What are the opportunities for professional development?
Most companies support continued learning because they need to keep up with new developments and safety regulations, as well as ensuring that skills are always up to date.
Larger construction organisations often provide structured training and a clear path for career progression, while smaller employers have less structure but may include faster routes to responsibility. As you gain experience, you'll be awarded more responsibility. If you enter as an apprentice, the employer may sponsor you to do a vocational qualification or a degree so that you can progress to a more managerial role.
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Need to know more?
Our
Useful links section gives you access to information from professional and training bodies across the construction sector. Connect to some of the industry's leading blogs and keep up-to-date with current news, views and comments within the construction, building and design communities.
If you have any other questions or would like to leave a comment please do so at the following address:
marketing@careerstructure.com
