How to Get a Construction Job
Construction is one of the most popular and fastest growing industries to work in within the UK. There are a number of avenues you can follow to find a career in construction.
Apprenticeships – NVQs and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) – Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Degrees – Construction Cards – Health, safety and environment test
METHOD 1 – Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a job which your are employed and paid but at a low rate. Through out your employment you will be trained in your particular role and then your training provider will give you the skills to perform that role.
There are over 100 construction apprenticeships from hands-on occupations such as plastering, bricklaying, welding and more technical roles – management and supervisory jobs.
For further information on apprenticeships can be found at Guide to Apprenticeships.
Finding an Apprenticeship Employer
Finding an employer who will take you on is easier than you think, they could be a small business, large business, local company or self-employed employer.
The quickest way to find out available apprenticeships in your area search the Gov database for apprenticeship roles in your area.
Companies may be eligible for funding up to £12,000 form government grands and from the CITB to help cover your wages.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
METHOD 2 – NVQs and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
METHOD 3 – Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Degrees
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
METHOD 4 – Industry skill certification / Construction Competency cards
In order to obtain the majority of these construction cards you need to have passed the specific health, safety and environment test with CITB.
CSCS Card License Jobs
CSCS Cards are the single most important qualification in the construction industry. Obtaining a CSCS Card proves that you have the required skills to work in a construction working environment and that you have passed the Health and Safety knowledge needed to work safely.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
CPCS Card License Jobs
CPCS is recognised by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) and Major Home Builders Group (MHBG), amongst others, as the preferred card to comply with codes of practice for competence and certification. For more information visit the CPCS website.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
CISRS Card License Jobs
Scaffolders are required to obtain a onstruction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) card. The card has been the industry recognised scaffold training scheme for over 40 years and is the major preferred scaffolding card license of all the major organisations including CSCS, NASC, HSE, Build UK, UNITE, UCATT and the largest scaffold systems manufacturers. For more information visit CISRS website. .
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
CCDO License Card Jobs
CCDO (Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives) Card is used for workers in the demolition industry. The National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) was formed in 1978. It is operated jointly by the National Federation of Demolition Contractors Ltd (NFDC) and CITB, the NDTG. For more information visit CCDO website
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
JIB Card License Jobs
The JIB card is used by electrical workers and is an impartial organisation that sets the standards for employment, welfare, grading and apprentice training in the electrical contracting industry. Our work is targeted at improving the industry, its status and productivity. We have the latest JIB card jobs. For more information JIB-PMES Card.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
NPORS Card License Jobs
Plant machinery oporators must have the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme card. NPORS is one of the UK’s leading Accreditation and Registration Bodies, working across the Construction, Industrial, Utilities, Warehousing and Distribution, Agricultural, Ports and Marine sectors. For more information visit NPORS website.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
PASMA Card License Jobs
Mobile tower workers must have a vaild PASMA license in order to work with towers. PASMA is the lead trade association for the mobile access tower industry. Representing the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers and users. For more information visit PASMA website.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
IPAF Card License Jobs
Jobs involving powered access machine are required workers to have an IPAF license. IPAF is the international powered access federation (IPAF) and promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. For more information visit IPAF website.
[su_divider top=”no” style=”dotted” divider_color=”#e6e6e6″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]
METHOD 5 – Health, safety and environment test
You need to have passed the health, safety and environment test in the past two years to apply for a CSCS Card or SKILLcard. The purpose of this is to ensure you know how to stay safe in a construction environment. Depending on what card you require there are 4 tests:
- Operative
- Labourer
- Specialist
- Managers and Professionals
For further information and how to book your test we have a list of test centres in the UK and also direct from CITB.