The building trade can be a stable and dependent environment to get into and ultimately be financially rewarding if you manage to elevate yourself into a primary position within the industry.
But how exactly do you become a builder? How old do you need to be? What skills do you need?
This article will aim to answer some of those questions and give you a clearer picture of the building trade.
Are there restrictions?
While there is no minimum legal age to become a builder, you have to be at least 16 to start work on a full-time basis once you leave school. However, if you’re keen to start early then you could get a part-time weekend position or incorporate building into your work experience programme in school.
Although the industry is a male-dominated environment, sector leaders want to encourage more females to take up roles as builders. If you are a female and interested in building, don’t be put off by your male counterparts!
What skills and qualifications do I need?
Firstly, it is important to note that relevant qualifications are important to have in the building and manufacturing sector – purely to give you an edge other candidates in what is an overcrowded job marketplace. The qualifications will also give you the base knowledge to work from before you move into the industry.
Specific courses geared towards the building trade can be found at college level (for ages 16 to 18) which are known as National Vocational Qualifications. These should be offered by every further education institution in the country.
At this point – aged 16 onwards – you may also want to get in touch with a building or manufacturing firm who may be willing to take you on as an apprentice, giving you some vital practical experience.
In addition to qualifications, building experts believe that having excellent communication skills and a pride in your work are two essential elements that can make you thrive in the sector.
What are the financial rewards?
Before taking up any profession it is always good to know the potential financial rewards. The FNB has previously reported that their 13,000 plus members have an annual turnover from anywhere between £100,000 a year to over £5m a year.
In short, it a lot will depend on how far you make it in the industry, the scale of work being undertaken and the size of the company you are working for.
Matthew Wood is a freelance writer, SEO technician and online marketing expert. Matthew writes for a number of online publications, developing SEO-related content and articles for a variety of well-established websites. His latest venture is writing informative and engaging content on the subjects of Form work and Formwork Systems for the reputable online agency Unit Plant Services.