How to Get into the Construction Industry

Discover how to start a career in the UK construction industry. Learn about entry-level roles, qualifications, CSCS cards and training options.

How to Get into the Construction Industry

The construction industry is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse employment sectors, offering a wide range of job roles, career paths and opportunities for people with different skills and backgrounds. Whether you're leaving school, switching careers or looking to turn practical experience into a profession, there are many ways to break into construction.

In this article, we explain how to get into the construction industry, what skills and qualifications you need, and the best routes to secure your first job on site or in an office-based construction role.

1. Understand the Roles Available

Construction is much more than just bricks and mortar. The sector includes hands-on site work, technical trades, planning and project management, engineering, surveying and administration. Some of the most common entry-level roles include:

  • Labourer

  • Bricklayer

  • Plumber

  • Electrician

  • Painter and decorator

  • Groundworker

  • Plant operator

  • Carpenter or joiner

  • Site assistant or site administrator

  • Quantity surveyor trainee

  • Construction technician or trainee manager

Understanding the type of work that appeals to you will help shape your entry path and training needs.

2. Gain Basic Skills and Qualifications

For many roles in construction, especially on-site positions, you do not need formal academic qualifications to start. However, you will need to demonstrate basic skills such as:

  • Reliability and good timekeeping

  • Physical fitness and stamina

  • Ability to follow instructions and work in a team

  • Basic maths and communication skills

To improve your chances of getting hired, you should also aim to complete:

  • A Health and Safety awareness course

  • The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test for Operatives

  • Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

Once you pass the HS&E test and complete the Level 1 course, you can apply for a Green CSCS card, which is often required for general labouring jobs.

3. Apply for an Apprenticeship

One of the most popular ways to start a construction career is through an apprenticeship. This allows you to earn while you learn, gaining on-site experience while working towards an industry-recognised qualification.

Apprenticeships are available in nearly every trade, including:

  • Plumbing

  • Bricklaying

  • Electrical installation

  • Roofing

  • Plastering

  • Civil engineering

  • Construction management

You can search for opportunities through:

  • The government’s apprenticeship portal (www.apprenticeships.gov.uk)

  • Local colleges and training providers

  • Construction firms and recruitment agencies

Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, not just school leavers.

4. Try Work Experience or Site Labouring

If you are unsure which path to take or want to build confidence, consider applying for entry-level labouring jobs or short-term work placements.

Many construction companies take on general labourers with little or no previous experience, provided you have a valid CSCS card. This is a great way to:

  • Learn how a construction site operates

  • Build contacts and references

  • Get a feel for different trades and roles

  • Gain valuable experience for your CV

Temp labouring roles are often advertised through construction recruitment agencies and job boards.

5. Choose a Training Course

If you want to specialise in a specific trade, you can take a short course or full-time college programme. These are available through local further education colleges and private training centres.

Popular courses include:

  • Level 1 or 2 Diplomas in Bricklaying, Carpentry, or Plastering

  • NVQs for experienced workers

  • City & Guilds qualifications in plumbing or electrical work

Some training centres offer fast-track programmes or bootcamps for adults looking to retrain or re-enter the workforce.

6. Get the Right Cards and Certification

To work on most construction sites in the UK, you need a CSCS card relevant to your job role. The most common cards for beginners are:

  • Green Labourer Card – for general site workers

  • Red Apprentice Card – for those in apprenticeships

  • Red Trainee Card – for people completing construction qualifications

To get a CSCS card, you need to:

  • Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test

  • Hold a recognised qualification or be registered on one

  • Apply through the official CSCS website

Other cards may be required depending on your trade or role, such as CPCS (for plant operators) or JIB ECS (for electricians).

7. Look for Entry-Level Jobs and Trainee Programmes

Once you have your basic qualifications and CSCS card, start looking for work. Good places to search include:

  • Local job boards and construction-specific websites (e.g. CareerStructure, Indeed, CV-Library)

  • Recruitment agencies specialising in trades and construction

  • Company websites – many large firms have dedicated trainee and graduate programmes

  • Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook job groups

When applying, tailor your CV to each job and highlight any practical skills, training or enthusiasm for construction.

Final Thoughts

Getting into the construction industry can be straightforward with the right approach. Whether you start as a labourer, apprentice or trainee, the sector offers a clear path for career progression and a wide range of specialisms to choose from.

With demand for skilled workers across the UK, now is a great time to enter construction. Focus on building your qualifications, gaining practical experience and staying motivated, and you will be well on your way to a long-term and rewarding career.