Careers in Construction & Trades
Construction is a massive industry. Worth over £370 billion in the UK, it’s super clear why buildings are big business.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how building trades work or if you’re interested in working on some of the coolest building projects in the world, a career in construction is calling your name. The construction world offers many career routes - from hands-on trades to design, project management, and engineering roles.
We’ll break down exactly what construction is and how you can carve out a lasting career.
What is construction?
Construction is the process of building or assembling infrastructure and structures. Think of it as creating everything from the house you live in to the roads you travel on.
Depending on the area of construction you choose, you could work on the following;
Buildings - Your home, your school or your favourite shopping centre
Infrastructure - The roads you travel on, bridges you cross, and railways you ride
Utilities - Systems that bring water to your tap and electricity to your lights
Public spaces - Parks, sports facilities, and entertainment venues
Construction is vast and can be split into several different types. These are four of them:
RESIDENTIAL
This is all about building places where people live. From family homes and apartments to mansions and residential skyscrapers, you’ll create spaces where people make memories.
COMMERCIAL
These buildings are where business takes place. Think offices, shopping centres and hotels. Commercial buildings tend to be much larger and complex than residential builds.
INDUSTRIAL
This type of construction focuses on building facilities for manufacturing and production. These projects often require specific technical knowledge and involve working with special systems.
INFRASTRUCTURE
This type focuses on the large-scale public projects that keep our communities connected and functioning. These are often the most visible and impressive construction projects in the game.
Are construction jobs in demand?
YES! According to the CITB, the UK’s construction output will grow by 2.8% every year between now and 2028, and that we’ll need around 250,000 extra construction workers. So, the industry needs talented people like you to build these exciting projects.
The government is looking to build 1.5 million homes and to help make that happen, they’re investing £600 million to hire and train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers by 2029.
Construction is a very secure career with clear progression and the potential to earn a lot very quickly.
Whether you're detail-oriented, creative, practical or tech-savvy, there's a construction role that could be perfect for you.
How do I get a job in construction?
Hands-on work experience is key in construction. This industry builds our world, so there are plenty of companies looking for talented people like you to join them.
The main route to a successful career in construction is through an apprenticeship, and there are plenty of opportunities. Click below to read more about them and how you can apply.
Bricklaying Apprenticeships
Ever seen Battersea Power Station and been wowed by its architecture? Read our guide on bricklaying apprenticeships to find out how they work and why you should do one.
Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeships
Not quite sure what joinery involves or if a joinery apprenticeship is even for you, read on to get the full lowdown on joinery apprenticeships.
Construction Apprenticeships
Want a career in construction or as a tradie? A construction apprenticeship is exactly what you need.
Construction Degree Apprenticeships
Discover how construction degree apprenticeships work, including what qualifications you need and who to work for
Plumbing Apprenticeships
Want a career in plumbing? A plumbing apprenticeship is exactly what you need. Find out more here
If you already know which path you’re taking, it’s time to find out which employers are looking for the future or construction.
Who are the best construction employers?
According to thousands of student-written reviews on Higherin, these are some of the best employers in construction.
Here's what a degree apprentice had to say about their scheme with Balfour Beatty:
"My role allows me to act and take part in responsibilities like a qualified Quantity Surveyor such as cost valuations, applications for payment, project meetings, invoices, subcontract orders, Schedule of rates, bill of quantities. My programme is amazing due to being able to get a degree and work at the same time. It allows me to be financially stable, get experience in the real world and gain valuable knowledge at the same time." Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, Balfour Beatty
Your construction work experience is just the beginning of your career. Once you've gained all those valuable skills and practical experience, you'll open doors to some pretty exciting paths. Let's explore your options.
What can I do with construction work experience?
Whether you want to move up the ladder and work on some of the UK’s most iconic developments or have your eyes firmly set on becoming a manager or business owner, construction offers career opportunities like no other.
The construction industry is evolving too. With new sustainable building methods, new technologies and modern techniques creating exciting opportunities for the next generation, your skills could help shape how we live for decades to come.
Once you’re done with your work experience, you could become a:
Architect
Bricklayer
Elevator technician
Joiner
Millwright
Plumber
Project manager
Quantity surveyor
Solar installer
Structural engineer
Underwater welder.
Find a role in construction
Ready to jump into a construction career? Search and apply now.
Register Your Interest - Graduate Temporary Works Design Engineer 2026
- Graduate Scheme
- £29,500
- Nationwide
Heating Installation Engineer Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- £17,850 (rising to £25,485 at week 52)
- Nationwide
Register Your Interest - Building Information Modelling Apprenticeship - 2026 Start
at Mace
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- £20,000
- London
