Construction and the built environment

• Between 2020 and 2025 it’s predicted there will be 3,400 new jobs each year in the East of England. Roles most in demand include: electrical trades; building envelope specialists; wood trades and interior fitters; civil engineers; plant operatives; and labourers.
• Norfolk will be helping to deliver the UK’s Net Zero Strategy through retrofitting and more sustainable methods of construction. And there are new materials and technologies such as intelligent buildings, 3D modelling, drone surveys, and printing.
• Self-employment is high in construction – currently around 37%.
• Apprenticeships are a good way into this sector and there are around 90 different types to choose from; also look out for courses in heritage craft skills for the opportunity to work on older buildings.
• Electricians are just one of the current skills shortage roles which will be crucial for the future, for both the construction and low carbon sectors. To meet demand, employers are keen to attract a diverse workforce.

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Advanced digital skills
• ICT skills
• Speaking
• Attention to detail
• Maths
• Design
• Planning & organisation
• Problem solving

• Design & technology
• Geography
• Computer science
• Law
• Chemistry
• Business studies
• Physics
• Maths

• RG Carter
• Morgan Sindall
• Lovell
• Kier Construction
• Persimmon Construction
• Munnings Construction
• CITB Construction Skills - National Construction College East (Bircham Newton)
• Norfolk Homes
• Grocott and Murfit Ltd

Painter and decorator                                           £17,000-£31,500

Carpenter or joiner                                                £19,000-£33,000

Bricklayer                                                              £19,500-£32,000

Plumber/heating and ventilation engineer            £20,250-£38,000

Electrician                                                             £21,500-£45,000

Quantity surveyor                                                 £22,500-£80,000

Construction project manager                              £25,500-£52,400

Civil engineer                                                       £28,000-£70,000

Architect                                                               £28,000-£90,000

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good GCSE grades in maths and English will help you to get into this sector. Science and technology subjects can help to keep your career options open.

Options at 16

A levels – depending on the career area, physics, maths, or computer science may be useful when applying for higher education courses or higher apprenticeships in this sector; always check requirements carefully.

Apprenticeship There’s a wide range of construction-related apprenticeships which can lead to work or further study. Entry requirements vary so check before you apply. These are just a few:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Construction plant operative
• Roofer
• Bricklayer
• Joiner

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Smart home technician
• Geospatial survey technician
• Digital engineering technician
• Installation electrician and maintenance electrician

T levels in building services engineering, onsite construction, and design, surveying and planning, and other vocational qualifications in trades areas and construction and the built environment are available. These courses can prepare you for work in a range of careers in this sector or further study or training.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree Degree-level qualifications are typically required for careers such as building services engineer, architect, quantity surveyor and town planner; some careers require further training or study – check different pathways carefully. Many large employers run graduate programmes.

Apprenticeship The higher and degree apprenticeships vacancy listing is a good source of openings with large employers, it usually comes out towards the end of the year. Start looking when applications become open - competition can be high for some positions.

Examples include:

• Town planning assistant (level 4)
• Construction site supervisor (level 4)
• Civil engineer (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Geospatial mapping specialist (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Quantity surveyor (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Geotechnical engineer (level 7 degree apprenticeship)
• Architect (level 7 degree apprenticeship)

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work can improve your chances of finding a job in this sector; being able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the career area will also help when applying for an apprenticeship or degree course.

You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site.