When you’re browsing job boards and recruitment sites, it may feel like the majority of jobs require more experience than what you have. But if you’re interested in the construction industry, there are several jobs available that require no experience. We look at a few good options to start off your career in construction.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a good way to gain work experience in construction while you study for a qualification. This is a great way for graduates with little to no experience to earn a living while doing their qualification. It also allows you to have hands-on experience in your chosen career and will look great on your CV. Construction apprentices are usually employed full-time. There are opportunities available in a wide variety of construction jobs, from hands-on careers in carpentry to office jobs in project management and surveying.
Entry-level jobs
If you have no experience, then your biggest asset should be the willingness to learn and work hard. There is no magic way to immediately start earning a high salary. You’ll have to work your way up from the bottom. Entry-level jobs give you the opportunity to start at the bottom of the ladder and work your way up as you gain experience and skills. This will not be the case at all construction jobs, since some high-risk jobs, like those of electricians, or those requiring precise measurements and specialist knowledge like architects, will require a certain qualification.
Often, entry-level jobs will be labelled as “general worker”, “labourer” or “operative”. Keep an eye out for this kind of wording when you scour job boards or talk to a recruitment agency.
Here are 8 entry-level jobs that could get you a foot in the construction industry:
General Construction Worker/General Contractor’s Labourer
This job can entail a number of different tasks, ranging from loading and unloading materials to using tools and preparing the ground. Usually, it is a very physically demanding job, so only attempt it if you have determination, stamina, and strength. It is a great way to get to know construction sites. As a general contractor’s labourer, you’ll get exposure to different types of skills like tiling, carpentry, drywall, and roofing. This is a great way to start learning basic construction skills.
Trainee Maintenance Technician
Maintenance is an essential part of many industries, including construction. Maintenance technicians help keep everything running, and provide a safe, clean and well-maintained environment for the rest of the site workers.
Flooring and Tile Laborer
Tiling and flooring are required in all construction projects. Thus, this job will help you gain experience in the wide variety of installation techniques and tools tilers need to employ. You’ll start out learning installation techniques, like which materials suit which project and which as the best tools to use.
Carpentry Labourer
If you’ve always liked working with wood to create something or keen on learning about it, this is for you. Labourers start to learn carpentry basics and assist with the ‘grunt’ work on the job site—carrying equipment or materials and cleaning up. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start learning more and start working your way to becoming a full-time carpenter.
Trainee Painter or Decorator
Learn how to bring colour and style into spaces ranging from homes to industrial sites. As a trainee in the painting or decorating spheres, you’ll learn a lot of painting and decorating techniques. This is great for someone who is interested in a job that requires some creativity and knowledge of colour and material. But remember, that you’ll start out with the basics, like laying out protective sheets and taping up things that should not be painted. In decorating, you may have to move furniture, carrying items for decorators, and even clean up. But if you stick with it, you’ll get to learn many useful tricks of the trade.
Landscape Labourer
People with green fingers and a love of the outdoor will flourish in a job like this. You may start out mowing the lawn, weed whacking or leaf blowing, or even planting and mulching. You may be required to do seasonal work, like clearing snow or ice, depending on the size of the company. Landscaping contracts can range from small home gardens to large mansion grounds, chain store parking lots to public parks. You can learn a lot in this industry and work your way up in the company. Additionally, you can build up contacts and even go on to open your own business.
Masonry Worker
Another mostly outdoor job, masonry has to do with stone construction. Masons are required to build stone or brick walls in gardens (or as a decorative feature in a home), walkways, patios, and other stone features in various types of buildings. Like many entry-level jobs, masonry requires a lot of hard, physical work. But is very rewarding as you watch the project take shape. Beginner labourers will most probably start out moving construction materials, help lay out the stones and brick, and learn the various installation techniques.
Roofing Laborer
One of the most important parts of construction, roofing requires careful and sturdy work. Besides learning basic installation techniques, beginners may be required to help with demolition, rubble removal, and moving equipment and material. People interested in this type of work will need to be comfortable with heights. You may work on scaffolding or on top of the roof for extended periods of time.
If you’re not sure which industries will suit your interests and skills, talk to the experts at Simpson Dean for some direction and advice. You can also check out the vacancies on our site. For more information on how to improve your CV and for remote working tips, visit our blog.