Figuring out what’s next after school can sometimes be daunting to think about. That’s why Go Construct has been asking our STEM Ambassadors and some industry apprentices to share what advice they wish they had when they left school and why a career in construction could be the right path for you.
Meet Natalie Readman, Assistant Construction Manager at Bovis
Hello, my name is Natalie, I’m an Assistant Construction Manager for Bovis who has recently begun my journey to becoming a Construction Manager. I started with Bovis back in October 2025 as an Office Manager with a vision to progress into a career within the construction industry. I am currently completing my NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision to follow on into my Construction Site Management Degree Apprenticeship.
What advice would you give your younger self when leaving school?
When I left school, I thought I needed to know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Looking back, I'd tell myself to stay open to opportunities, work hard, and trust the process. Every experience, challenge, and setback helped shape who I am today. Confidence, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning are worth far more than having all the answers from the start. I'd also encourage myself to ask more questions, take every chance to gain experience, and remember that mistakes are part of learning, not something to fear.
Why should school leavers consider a career in construction?
A career in construction is a great option for school leavers because no two days are ever the same. It is an exciting and fast-paced industry where you are constantly learning, evolving, solving problems, and working with different people and projects.
Whether your interests lie in project management, engineering, surveying, design or site management, there are countless opportunities for growth and development.
While construction is challenging and requires hard work and long hours, it is extremely rewarding. You can look back at a completed project and see the tangible results of your efforts, knowing you have contributed to something meaningful.
Most importantly, a career in construction allows you to make a real difference to the built environment. From schools and hospitals to housing and infrastructure, you play a part in creating places that have a lasting impact on communities and people’s lives.
What are some of the benefits of a career in construction?
A career in construction offers a wide range of benefits while helping you develop valuable skills that can be used throughout your career. One of the main advantages is the variety of work available, as no two days are ever the same and each project brings new challenges and learning opportunities.
The industry also provides excellent career progression and also offers strong earning potential, job security, and the chance to make a real difference by having a hand in creating projects that have a positive impact on communities.
What are some the skills you can learn working within the construction industry?
Alongside these benefits, a career in construction helps develop a range of valuable skills. You learn how to communicate effectively with clients, contractors, consultants and colleagues, while also building strong team working skills through collaboration with a diverse range of professionals.
The industry enhances your problem-solving abilities by requiring practical solutions to project challenges, and it provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through managing people and coordinating activities.
Construction also strengthens organisational and planning skills, cost awareness, improves adaptability when responding to changing project requirements, and builds technical knowledge of construction methods, health & safety and industry regulations.
Learn more about careers and apprenticeships with Go Construct
Find out more about the 180 different careers available in construction: