Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Career in Construction

With thousands of jobs and sectors to choose from, picking a career is a big decision, and it’s wise to take your time. No surprises here: at DMR, we’re fans of the construction industry.

To help you decide whether a job in construction is right for you, we’ve asked around the office and come up with a list of our top ten reasons why young people should choose a career in the construction industry.

Reason #1. We’ll Always Need Skilled Construction Workers

The construction industry never sleeps. Look out of the window: how many new buildings, roadworks, construction sites, cranes, diggers and workmen can you see? If you live in a city, chances are construction work is happening in every direction you turn. Construction is a massive part of our ecomony and we’ll always need skilled workers, especially in the coming decades as we improve our buildings so they’re more eco-friendly.

Reason #2. Construction is a Fun and Sociable Environment

Construction is a highly sociable and team-oriented industry where you’ll develop strong communication skills and make lots of friends. Social animals love the camaraderie and banter in construction.

Reason #3. Variety of Work and Lots of Career Options

You’re spoilt for career choice in construction. There are thousands of job roles to choose from, many of which have excellent career progression to supervision and management. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading then check out the ‘Useful Links’ resources at the bottom of the page.

Craig and Emma were so happy they'd chosen careers in construction, they couldn't stop smiling at each other.

Reason #4. Opportunities to Travel and Work Abroad

Construction skills are in demand across the globe, and many countries recognise the UK’s National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) as proof that you have the skills they need. After gaining experience in the UK and achieving their construction-related qualification, many workers step into well-paid jobs in exotic locations like Australia and Dubai. If you’d like to see the world, but you also want the security of a skilled trade and a recognised qualification, you can’t go wrong by choosing a career in construction.

Reason #5. Earn Decent Money

Construction pays one of the best starting wages of all the major sectors, and there are lots of opportunities to earn more cash as you increase your experience and range of skills. Bump construction to the top of your career shortlist if you’re keen to earn a decent pay packet after you leave school or college. And unlike your mates who went to university, you won’t get lumbered with a hefty student loan for the next thirty years.

Reason #6. Job Satisfaction

Few industries provide an immediate sense of job satisfaction like construction. Whether you’re laying bricks, installing insulation, fitting solar panels or plastering a wall, you can take a continuous sense of pride in your work from the moment you start until the job is complete. You can also be proud that your work is helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of people and their communities.

Chris was thrilled to receive his wages on payday, but he was too busy giving everyone the thumbs-up to notice he'd been paid in American dollars.

Reason #7. Jobs Are Plentiful

Construction is one of the main driving forces behind the UK economy, employing over three million people – nearly 10% of the entire workforce. In recent years, workers are retiring faster than new recruits are entering the sector, and thousands of green skill jobs in areas like retrofit and solar need filling. Take advantage of these skills shortages and make yourself indispensable!

Reason #8. Construction is Interesting

Unlike office or factory jobs where you’re glued to a computer screen or stuck on a production line, construction professionals work on a variety of projects, in many different environments. The industry isn’t perfect and you may find one or two drawbacks with a career in construction – but we’re confident boredom won’t be one of them.

Reason #9. The Chance to Be Your Own Boss

Work hard, learn your trade, save some money then go self-employed or start your own firm. Thousands of construction workers become their own boss every year, and you can do it, too.

Reason #10. Equal Opportunities and Workplace Equity

You don’t need straight As or a university degree to get into construction. And don’t be put off by construction’s waning reputation as a place for white men, either. Whatever your gender, skin colour, sexual orientation or background, as long as you’re willing to pull your weight and you’ve got a positive can-do attitude, the construction industry will welcome you with open arms.

During their daily mid-afternoon naps, office workers Robert and Clive often dreamed about the (construction) careers that got away.

Useful Links

Still not sure about constrution? Still sitting on the fence (no need to sit on it; in construction you can build the fence)? It’s time to dig a little deeper, and you can get started with these four useful links.

Go Construct – Information about careers in construction.

Youth Employment UK – Construction career guides.

Prospects – Construction jobs and engineering roles.

National Careers Service – Information and guidance for people in all stages of their career.

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