Construction
Featured videos
Put simply, whenever something is being built, we say it is ‘under construction’, so it’s the action of building something. – Go Construct
Resources
Discover exciting classroom activities and lesson plans focused on the captivating world of construction and the built environment. These resources are specially designed for Key Stage 2 learners, ensuring an enriching educational experience.
Explore the activities by clicking on each one, where you’ll find detailed information and an activity cover sheet. This sheet provides a fantastic overview of the activity, guiding you towards an immersive learning adventure.
Busting the myths about construction
Think construction is a man’s world?
FALSE!
Women and men both do amazing jobs working in construction. Women can be whatever they want to be in construction whether that’s plumbers, electricians, bricklayer or anything else within the world of construction. If you’re a young person thinking about construction then don’t let anyone tell you any different!
Amy, now better known as the ‘Digger Girl’, certainly didn’t.
Showcasing her day-to-day life as a plant operator, she has become one of the best-known construction influencers, amassing over 450,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok .
Think construction is boring?
FALSE!
Construction uses cutting edge technology. From 3D printing, CAD and BIM. Together, these technologies revolutionise the construction industry including the design process, improving collaboration, reducing costs, and increasing overall efficiency.
They allow construction professionals to push the boundaries of creativity, deliver challenging projects with precision, and ultimately create safer, sustainable, and visually stunning structures.
Think there are no progression opportunities in construction?
FALSE!
From management to self employment, and owning your own business. Construction offers a world of opportunities!
Think construction is unsafe?
FALSE!
Employee safety is of utmost importance in the construction industry. There are lots of health and safety regulations in place to protect employees.
Key industry points
Over 170 career opportunities
From site managers to engineers, architects, designers, surveyors, operators, skilled tradespeople like plasters, roofers and more. There are also less obvious careers in construction such as managers, finance and marketing!
Routes into construction
Encouraging children to think about their preferred way of learning is important. Are they more practical? An apprenticeship or T Level could be right up their street. More academic? The answer could be university. There are a wide range of routes into construction including:
- Apprenticeships
- T Levels
- College
- Traineeships
- University
- Work experience
Skills for success
There are a number of skills linked to construction, some of which are transferrable and your pupils might already even possess these! Examples include: fixing things, technology, communicating, working with others, working alone, leadership, analysing, being organised and more!
The facts and figures
In the world of “on-the-tools” jobs, like being a skilled tradesperson, the average salary in the UK can range from £17,000 to £30,000. There is also massive earning potential if you’re a self-employed skilled tradesperson or interested in professions like architecture or civil engineering that require additional training and skills, you can expect a much higher salary of £60,000 or more once you become fully trained and gain experience.
Hear stories from…
As a surveyor, Lauren measures anything to do with land: on it, beneath it and above it. She works on-site, using technical instruments to gather data for construction modelling.
Why did you choose construction?
After my geography degree, I didn’t know what to do. A careers advisor introduced me to a construction company, I did some work experience, and the rest is history.
What has changed since joining the construction industry?
Since starting in construction, I’ve noticed the number of women has continued to grow, which is something I’m really passionate about.
What do you love about being a land surveyor?
You get fit on site! These days I walk over 10,000 steps a day and lift heavy equipment with no problem (it was tough at the start).
What did your family think about your becoming a land surveyor?
I always loved wearing pretty clothes, so my family were fascinated by my decision to work in construction. But the truth is, this job can suit all kinds of people.
What do you do in your spare time?
I relax by playing the piano in the evenings, and catching up with friends.
I went straight from secondary school to Stepnell after I completed some work experience with them.
At secondary school I gained 11 GCSEs, including Maths, Design Technology and Physics, which have proved to be very useful in the role I am in now. I am currently studying for my Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Birmingham South & City College, and I hope to progress to complete my HNC and ultimately a degree in my chosen subject area.
Tell us about the company you work for and a bit more about your role.
I work for Stepnell Ltd, who are a building contractor who take on multiple roles in the construction process. I am currently a Trainee CAD Technician – CAD stands for Computer Aided Design – and I create 3D models and 2D drawings of buildings and sites for other areas of the business. I also make alterations where necessary.
There are lots of different positions that are available in the construction industry, so explore all the aspects and find what you enjoy and are interested in the most.
What do you love about your role in construction?
I get to create 3D models of the buildings we are planning, and when I’ve issued sheets from the drawings I’ve produced, that’s a big highlight and encouragement for me.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about a career in construction?
There are lots of different positions that are available in the construction industry, so it’s worthwhile to take your time and explore all the aspects and to find what you enjoy and are interested in the most.
I’d also say that work experience is a really valuable opportunity to see what a certain career is like. It gives you the chance to experience work without having to commit long periods of time to it, which I think is essential when you’re trying to answer the question “Is this the career I want to have?”
My construction role mainly involves surveying and setting out on site. I am being trained to use different surveying equipment, such as total stations and surveying software.
I also deal with the quality assurance aspects of a project, which involves checking completed work to ensure it has been completed as designed.
Which company do you work for and what do they do?
I work for Eric Wright Construction which is the founder division of the Eric Wright Group. They manage a variety of contracts including design and build, and traditional.
What education route did you take from secondary school to where you are today?
From secondary school I studied A-levels in business, maths and ICT at Cardinal Newman College in Preston. I then went on to study HNC in Project and Quality Management at Preston College, while working part-time in retail.
After completing this, instead of going to university I searched for a construction apprenticeship in order to gain work experience while earning money.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I like how every day is different when working in construction. There are occasionally new challenges which I am learning to manage and, as a result of this, I think I can deal with stressful situations better.
This role requires a lot of analysis and planning to ensure that things are done correctly the first time, and I feel that these skills are constantly being developed.