There are hundreds of different trades and many different job types in the construction industry. All these are being tied together by SVQs, if you are looking to get a CSCS card in Scotland, or NVQs if you are looking to get a CSCS card in London or anywhere else in England or Wales. The first step in your construction career, after choosing which area you want to go into, may be enrolling in the relevant level 1 NVQ/SVQ course. While some trades do not have a full NVQ/SVQ the majority do.

Apprenticeships

Becoming an apprentice is one of the most common ways of starting work in construction as most skilled  construction jobs cannot be taught without hands on experience. There are many benefits to becoming an apprentice: you should gain experience under the care of a master practitioner in your chosen field, you don’t need a qualification to start out as an apprentice and you can study for your NVQ/SVQ  and get your CSCS card during your apprenticeship.

Employment agencies

Should you sign on with a construction employment agency? Well there are construction recruitment agencies that serve the industry and they may well help you to find work. You will still need qualifications as most UK building sites will not employ anyone without a valid CSCS card.

Work that requires no practical experience

Some managerial roles are filled by people with no hands on experience. Managers and supervisors oversee paperwork, organisation, recruitment and overall company strategy. These roles may be taken by graduates with business or management qualifications as well experienced site workers.

To enter the construction industry you will have to translate these qualifications into the equivalent NVQ/SVQ. You will also have to apply for your red graduate CSCS card. This will be replaced by your black management card once you have completed the qualifications and the health, safety & environment test the the black card requires.