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The 14 best things about a construction apprenticeship
07 June 2020
There are so many great reasons to do a construction apprenticeship! From helping others in your community, to saving money, making friends for life, or travelling the world, we’ve listed some of the biggest benefits, to help you decide whether an apprenticeship could be for you.
1. You can earn while you learn
An apprenticeship is a job with training. While you won’t be earning big bucks straight away, you will receive a wage, learn new skills and gain industry-recognised qualifications.
2. You won't rack up huge debts
Many university graduates have large student debts which take years to pay off. An apprenticeship is free, no matter what age you are, and you won’t owe anything at the end of it.
3. Gain hands-on experience
During an apprenticeship, you’ll gain practical experience. You’ll see a job done first-hand, and then have a go yourself.
4. Learn important life skills
Improve your time-keeping, decision-making and ability to meet deadlines - it’ll boost your confidence. And you’ll learn the importance of a good night’s sleep, too!
5. Gain a head start on your career path
Even after finishing university, some graduates don’t know what they want to do. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship you’ll be on track for a varied career with many opportunities, and you’ll have a good chance of staying on with your employer.
6. Mix with new people from all walks of life
Apprenticeships are great for getting you out there and meeting new people, some of whom may become friends or mentors.
7. Enjoy the variety of construction
Many construction apprentices say that no two days are the same. On Monday you might be at college, Tuesdays on-site, Wednesdays in the office… there’s always variety!
8. Travel the world
Your apprenticeship could open up opportunities to work around the globe. Construction happens everywhere, so transferable skills are highly sought after.
9. Use your skills closer to home
By completing an apprenticeship near to where you live, you could have a big impact on your immediate surroundings and improve the local area for others in your community.
10. You could compete at international events
As a construction apprentice, you’ll have the chance to enter SkillBuild, where you’ll compete against apprentices in your chosen trade. The winners represent the UK at the WorldSkills competition
11. Inspire others
If you love construction and want to tell everyone just how great it is, you can become a Construction Ambassador and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
12. Go to the top
Apprenticeships offer huge potential for career progression. Take Sir Terry Morgan CBE, he started out as an engineering apprentice in a car parts factory and went on to be knighted for services to infrastructure, skills, and employment. The possibilities are vast!
13. Leave a legacy
As a construction worker you have the ability to build something that could last forever – a skyscraper, if you like to think big, or a project in your community, if you want to make a difference locally. Not many other jobs can offer you the same.
14. There's a job to suit every personality
There’s so much more to construction than steel toe boots and diggers. To find out what job would suit your personality, take our Ultimate Quiz. Or, to find a role to suit your skills, interests and qualifications, try our Career Explorer.