Apprenticeships

Where to find a construction apprenticeship?

Go Construct Careers is the place for people to find construction apprenticeship opportunities throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Also those living in Scotland can go to the Apprenticeship.Scot website, individuals in Wales can go to the Careers Wales government site.

What Apprenticeship Level Can I Take?

Why choose an apprenticeship in construction?

As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, so you can gain an industry-specific qualification without needing a student loan. You’ll be employed full-time (usually between 30-40 hours per week), which includes time spent with your training provider. Apprentices receive a wage and, depending on individual circumstances, may be entitled to some benefits, too.

How much can a apprentice earn?

The current minimum wage for apprentices is £6.40 an hour, as set by the Government. This applies if the apprentice is under the age of 18, or if they are in the first year of the apprenticeship, regardless of age.

Should I do an apprenticeship or go to university?

It's a good question! There are benefits to completing a degree or an apprenticeship. Employers hold both routes in high regard.

Construction-related university courses often focus on theoretical study, but many include practical experience in the form of a year in industry. If you complete a higher or degree level apprenticeship, your qualification will be equivalent to an undergraduate or masters degree, but you’ll have gained much more hands-on experience.

Apprenticeship

• Takes 1 - 5 years to complete, depending on the apprenticeship level
• Start your career straight out of school with little to no qualifications
• Time split between your employer and training provider (typically 1 day a week off-the-job training)
• Focus is on learning hands-on skills relating to a specific job role
• Over 100 roles can be pursued through apprenticeships, with more being added
• Earn as you learn, with no tuition fees or student loans.

University

• Full-time degrees take 3 - 4 years to complete
• You can apply for higher-level jobs after graduation
• Time spent in lectures and seminars or on individual study - or can be via distance-learning
• Focus is on academic study, although many construction-related degrees offer a year in industry
• 1000’s of courses to choose from, which could lead to careers in construction
• You’ll pay tuition fees of up to £9,520 per year in the UK (correct as of 2023).

How do I find an employer?

In order to become a construction apprentice, you’ll need to find an employer who can provide on-the-job training. This could be a small or large business, a local firm, a family member or a self-employed person.

If you haven’t got an employer yet, don’t worry. There are lots of ways to find someone who wants to hire you as an apprentice:

• Apply for apprenticeships in England, Scotland  or Wales 
• Register and upload your CV to job sites such as Indeed or Totaljobs , where you’ll also be able to set up job alerts that get sent to your email, and employers can also contact you directly.
• Go direct to construction companies’ websites to check the apprenticeships/vacancies section and follow their social media channels.
• Contact your local college, specialist training provider or apprenticeship managing agency to register your interest as they may be able to help you find an employer.
• Ask your friends, family or neighbours to see if they have any apprenticeships where they work.

When speaking to employers, let them know that, depending on their circumstances, they could receive up to £14,000 in grants from the government or Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for taking you on. This will help them to meet the costs of employing you.

Funding is also available via the Apprenticeship Levy or through certain government incentives. This will help them to meet the costs of employing you.

What happens when I finish my apprenticeship?

Once you’ve completed your construction apprenticeship, you’ll be awarded an industry-specific qualification.

Your employer may offer you a full-time job (on their wage structure) or you could discuss the possibility of progressing onto a higher level apprenticeship with them. Of course, you may choose to look elsewhere for work and gain experience with another employer.

If the company you completed your first apprenticeship with is unable to provide you with the correct work experience for a higher level qualification, you may need to look elsewhere to continue your training.

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