January has traditionally been one of the most popular times of year to look for a new job, with many seeing the new year as an opportunity for a fresh start and as a time to reassess their current situation and long-term goals.
This is down to a number of reasons. Employers often get new budgets at the beginning of the year, meaning more roles often become available. January is also often when workloads begin to get busier following the quieter festive period, so businesses might realise they need to expand their team to cope.
With an additional 250,000 qualified construction workers predicted to be needed between now and 2026, and construction activity recently hitting record levels, for anyone who may have been considering taking their first steps towards a career in the industry, 2023 marks a great time to do so.
What first steps should I take?
With so many different professions falling into the industry, narrowing it down can be tricky. Take the time to research the kind of work involved with each trade, and whether you can imagine yourself doing it. Think about what skills you already have, and whether you can build on any of your passions, have you always had a knack for painting, for instance?
If you have no prior experience working in construction, then an introductory course is an ideal starting point for your formal training. When searching for a training provider, be sure to check they’re accredited by organisations such as City & Guilds, EAL, CITB and BPEC.
Whether it’s an introduction to plumbing, gas, carpentry or bricklaying, these beginner-level courses have no entry requirements, making them a more inclusive alternative to an apprenticeship, and will teach you the basic, essential skills required to pursue more advanced training.
What qualifications and registrations do I need?
Before being able to work in the field, you’ll need to hold the necessary qualifications and register with the relevant bodies responsible for overseeing your trade.
Different sectors have different requirements. For example, gas engineers legally need to be a member of the Gas Safe Register before they can carry out work, while anyone working on a construction site must hold a CSCS card.
These qualifications and registrations are vital when it comes to protecting the health and safety of both yourself and the public, so make sure you understand exactly what is needed once you have chosen a trade.
What now?
If you’re considering a career in construction but still aren’t sure how to get started then the Able Skills team would be more than happy to offer our advice on which career path is right for you, along with a training route to best suit. Head over to the website and take a look through the range of courses currently on offer.