Taking your first steps toward any career can be a little confusing — there are often multiple routes to take and a variety of factors to consider. It can all feel a little overwhelming, particularly if you’re completely new to the industry.
When it comes to construction, your training period is arguably the most important time of your career, so it’s only natural you want to ensure you pick an approach that’s right for you.
The two most common routes for construction training are undertaking an apprenticeship or enrolling in a course with a private training provider. Below, we’ll run through some of the pros and cons of each.
Apprenticeships
For many, the most appealing part of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to instantly begin earning while learning a trade.
The fact that apprenticeships require no startup costs or prior experience can also make them a popular choice, particularly amongst school-leavers who haven’t had a chance to build any kind of savings.
A big drawback of apprenticeships is the length of time they take to complete, with most construction apprenticeships generally lasting around 2-4 years before you become qualified.
Private training provider
One of the major benefits of using a training provider is the control it gives you. You can start your training whenever you choose and won’t face any delays that can come with having to find a suitable employer offering an apprenticeship scheme.
While you won’t begin earning money immediately, enrolling in an advanced course means that once your learning is complete, you’ll be qualified to begin work and start earning a competitive trade salary right away, and can do so in a much shorter timescale than it takes to complete an apprenticeship.
Training providers are an inclusive way of taking those first steps towards a career in construction, with entry-level courses requiring no prior experience or qualifications, meaning anyone is able to enrol.
While the initial costs of a training programme could be an understandable hurdle for many, Able Skills offers flexible payment plans to ensure all courses are as accessible as possible. Similarly, many courses can be completed on a flexible, part-time basis, meaning those with prior commitments can still enrol and build a career.
Finally, with a training provider, you’re learning from a dedicated, qualified teacher rather than a tradesperson whose focus is likely split between their own daily tasks, and delivering quality learning to an apprentice.
Considering a career in construction? Able Skills offers expert-led training for all experience levels across all major construction trades.
To find the course best suited to you, we recommend popping into our training centre for a chat. If you can’t make it in, just give us a call on 01322 280 202 or request a brochure online.