If construction is a career path that's always appealed to you, but you've never quite made the leap, right now there are attractive opportunities in the industry. In this article, we assess these opportunities by looking at the current workforce gaps and evaluating the factors that affect the accessibility of a new career in construction.

There has been a huge focus in recent months on the ongoing skills shortage and how the UK construction industry needs to future-proof its workforce.  Increased output targets combined with a reduced workforce have created a pinch point, and the industry is still struggling with a shortage of skilled workers.

One recommendation is that the industry needs to do more to appeal to career changers.

What do we mean by ‘career changers’?

Career changers or career switchers are those already in work and now looking to change careers.

They might come to construction from a different sector. They could be looking for a new career because they want better hours, more money, better work-life balance, job satisfaction or security. They could be considering a new direction following redundancy.

What are the barriers to changing careers?

Often, this group of people are thinking about a career move later in life. So, what’s stopping them?

For a lot of people in this group, finding and doing an apprenticeship (which is the more traditional route to a construction career or trade) isn’t viable, due to the length of time and typically low pay.

Instead, they’re weighing up different options to work out the best way to get started towards a new career in construction, how long it might take and what it will cost.

Training: What’s the minimum level of training or qualification needed to get started in the job and where is that training available?

Cost + time: What’s the time and cost of achieving the required training, qualification and experience?  

Accessibility: Is it possible to do the training around a current job or other commitments?

Demand: Are there opportunities for work when qualified?  

Prospects: Is there a continued demand and career progression, giving job security in the long term?

Training for a new career in construction

The good news is there’s already training pathways in place that are suitable for this group. Training that is accessible, flexible and fast, and comes with industry-recognised qualifications.

Private construction training providers such as Able Skills offer an alternative to the college route or apprenticeship, so are an ideal option if you’re working towards a career change.

Courses can fit in around existing work or family commitments, with part-time, full-time and home-study options. Courses are affordable, with pay-as-you-train options and other ways to spread the cost.

Courses that are designed to get individuals ready to enter the construction industry, equipped with the skills, knowledge and necessary accredited qualifications.

Able Skills is a City & Guilds-approved training centre delivering industry-recognised construction courses that build skills and build careers. Contact us if you’re considering a new career in construction.