What are you looking for

Where to Start 

If you are a young person who is about to finish their GCSEs, there are a range of options. If this involves further training, you might want to look at A-levels which would help you get a place on a degree course to suit that career choice. A-levels in maths and science could help you with securing a university place to study things like engineering for example.

From 2020, T-levels now also provide a great academic alternative for young people who already know which industry they would like to work in. Some roles do not require formal qualifications. 

If you plan to leave school after GCSEs, there are still plenty of options available: 

  • A construction apprenticeship can help you get hands-on experience fast and give you a chance to earn while they learn with extra training. 
  • If you have completed a degree course and now need help finding a job, consider looking at graduate programmes and work experience placements with big construction companies.
  • Many organisations offer traineeships to young people looking to start work.  

What is an Apprenticeship?

 

       An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on-experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You're treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave. 

       If you're 16 or over (there's no upper age limit), you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50% of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship, and you are not in full-time education. 

       Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it is, and your previous experience. 

       Different apprenticeships are available right across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, within companies large and small, in a wide range of industries and organisations. 

 

When you are an apprentice: 

  • you get paid and trained at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off-the-job training, often at a college, university, or with a training provider.
  • you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation. 
  • you're on a career path - with lots of future potential for you. 

 

What are the Benefits to you?

Some of the top reasons for becoming an apprentice are:

Salary

You will be able to earn while you learn whilst getting paid a competitive salary.

Training

Your training is free to you, and you can train right up to degree or master's level.

Plenty of choice

You can choose from hundreds of apprenticeship jobs in thousands of organisations.

High Quality

You get the opportunity for high-quality training paid by your employer and the government.

Career Re-entry

It's a great way to get back into the workplace after a career break or to re-train in a new area.

Salary Boost

You can boost your future earnings potential as you progress through your career.

Skills Development

You develop the skills you need for a range of exciting jobs or careers, no matter your age or your background.

Career Pathways

After their apprenticeship, most people stay with their employer, but you can do another apprenticeship, go into further education, or find a new career.

Finding an Apprenticeship 

Check out the rolling feed of current apprenticeship vacancies in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly down below by searching by job title, employer name, or simply browse the opportunities. Indeed can also be a good source for finding local apprenticeship vacancies.

Once you've searched and found the right apprenticeship, you can get on with the application process. Get help with writing applications, as well as creating a good CV and cover letter. 

If you can’t find the right apprenticeship for you, then think about contacting or writing to local employers with your CV to ask if they’d consider taking you on as an apprentice or at least provide you with some work experience. 

Your employer will find a training provider that is best suited to deliver the training for your apprenticeship. Some training providers also offer support to help you apply for an apprenticeship. 

If you are in school or college your teacher or careers adviser can help you find out about training providers and how to get in touch.  Or if you are a little older, contact your local Job Centre or national careers service for help.

 

Some construction companies will get in touch with schools, colleges and universities about work experience opportunities, but most of the time you’ll have to hunt them down yourself.

It’s a good idea to apply to more than one construction company at a time. This will improve your chances and you might even be able to arrange experience with different companies at different times.

What are the benefits? 

Almost two thirds of employers prefer people with solid work experience when hiring, so this gives you a real advantage when applying for construction jobs. Here are just a few of the other benefits: 

  • Fit into teams more quickly
  • Have skills that others don't 
  • Need less training 
  • Although work experience is usually unpaid, some companies might give you a small amount for your costs
  • Many employers like to use work experience as an unofficial interview and you might be hired by the company if they like you

Arranging a site visit 

Construction companies like to promote their latest projects, and many are happy to run site tours. Visits are open to people of all ages, and you are encouraged to contact employers directly. 

Often schools and colleges have students who want to apply for construction jobs, but don't know where to start or what the industry is looking for. The National Skills Academy for Construction can provide this information. Schools and colleges can get involved in a National Skills Academy for Construction project by sending students on site visits in your local area, or through apprenticeships in construction and on-site training. 

As well as using one of the above programmes, you can approach construction companies directly to organise a site visit yourself. There are construction projects happening throughout towns and cities every day, and many sites will be happy to show you around if you ask. 

 

What to say:

If you are contacting construction companies directly to request a site visit, here are a few points to mention in your email: 

  • The name of the project you want to visit
  •  Why you want to visit this project 
  • If organising for a group, the size of the group and type, including their ages. Try to keep groups to 10 people or less 
  • How long you'd like to spend at the site, and what you'd like to see 
  • The times and dates you'd prefer to visit - make sure you let them know that you're flexible
  • If you haven't heard back in a week, follow up your email with a phone call

If they say yes

Congratulations! When they agree, make sure you find out who you’ll be meeting on-site, where you can park and if there are any health and safety rules you should know about.

If they say no

If they can’t take visitors, ask if they have someone who could come and speak to your group. You could also ask if they have any videos, pictures or brochures that could help you and your group understand what they do.

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