Construction, Engineering & Property

2019 Edition 5

In partnership with targetcareers.co.uk TAK E CONTROL GO CONSTRUCT

Over 320,000 women choose to work in the UK construction industry. With many ways to start out including paid apprenticeships and traineeships, along with degree entry-level jobs, there is a role for everyone. GOCONSTRUCT.ORG

Construction Industry Training Board 2019 Welcome Edition What’s the right path for you?

elcome to the fifth edition of opportunities for you to be part of something big. You TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE could be hands-on in a skilled craft to maintain heritage Construction, Engineering & Property. buildings or use your technical and artistic skills to improve As a school or college student, this designs. You could oversee construction work, manage the guide will help you explore all of your building of schools and hospitals, help shape your city’s Wcareer options in the construction, engineering and skyline, or make buildings more environmentally friendly. property professions. It will also help you decide on the If you wanted to, you could work for an international best study route for you, whether that’s university, an company, a small family business or, if you’d like to be apprenticeship or a training programme. your own boss like many within the sector, you could be Here at the Construction Industry Training Board self-employed. Whatever your skills, ambitions, interests or (CITB), we appreciate that choosing your career path is qualifications, construction has a role for you. an important task. That’s why we’re proud to support You could to go university full time, but many students this publication and its website targetcareers.co.uk. choose to start out on an apprenticeship after their GCSEs We also have our own dedicated careers resource at or A levels (or equivalents). Some choose to go to goconstruct.org, where you can complete our popular university for free by completing a degree apprenticeship. personality quiz to find out what career may suit you The opportunities are varied and this publication will help and use our career explorer tool to learn about the broad you find out more about all of your options. range of opportunities on offer. We also have lots of We look forward to you joining a successful and useful careers resources for your teachers and careers dynamic sector at the heart of the UK’s economy. advisers so that they can be as informed as you are! With over 2 million people already working in Best wishes, construction roles in the UK and one of the highest average Stephen Cole, head of careers strategy, CITB salaries across all sectors, there are truly plenty of

The Grade I listed Humber Bridge is the eighth longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. With thanks to Go Construct and CITB and Construct Go to thanks With

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 2

Contents

Welcome to your future Which job role? Your choice of careers...... 4 Five steps to the right career ...... 14 Your choice of career routes ...... 6 How the construction industry works ....16 The different construction job roles...... 19 The crafts and trades ...... 22 Which route? The engineering industries ...... 24 Quiz: which route is best for you? ...... 9 The different engineering job roles ...... 27 Thinking about apprenticeships? ...... 10 Property defined ...... 33 Thinking about university?...... 12 The different property job roles ...... 34 12 THINKING ABOUT UNIVERSITY? Professional qualifications explained ....38 Seen a career you like?...... 39

24 ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES EXPLAINED

39 SEEN A CAREER YOU LIKE?

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 3

Career stories from Applying to uni students and apprentices Brighten up your uni personal statement...... 48 My site management degree apprenticeship ...... 40 Your interview blueprint – what to expect ...... 49 My bricklaying apprenticeship...... 41 My property surveying degree Apprenticeship applications apprenticeship ...... 41 and interviews My architecture degree course ...... 43 My nuclear engineering degree Preparing your application toolkit ...... 50 apprenticeship ...... 43 The foundations of a strong CV...... 52 PROPERTY DEFINED My quantity surveying degree The key to a well-crafted covering letter..54 33 apprenticeship ...... 44 Get up to speed with application forms ..55 My civil engineering apprenticeship ...... 44 Sparkle at interviews and My building services engineering assessment days ...... 56 degree apprenticeship ...... 47 A–Z of organisations who want to hear My electrical fitting apprenticeship...... 47 from you...... 58

22 THE CRAFTS AND TRADES

GET UP TO SPEED WITH With thanks to Go Construct and CITB and Construct Go to thanks With 55 APPLICATION FORMS

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 4 Construction is... Saying ‘I helped build that!’. Designing and building the ‘built’ environment around us: the tallest skyscrapers, state-of-the-art football stadiums, homes for people to live in and so on. See page 16 for more about construction careers The Al Wakrah Stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

With thanks to Barratt London

WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE Your choice of careers

Engineering is... Problem solving. Designing, creating and fixing many of the items that make our lives easier – from smartphones and satellites to cars and medicines. See page 24 for more about engineering careers

Engineers working on the Drumbeg Drive wastewater pumping station in Northern Ireland. With thanks to AECOM to thanks With

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 The Crossrail 5 project in London.

With thanks to AECOM With thanks to Mott MacDonald

The San Francisco skyline, including the Transamerica Pyramid. Property is... Increasing the value of land and real estate. From houses With thanks to Turner & Townsend Turner to thanks With and offices to farmland and wind farms, property professionals work to ensure that land and property See page 33 make money. for more about property careers

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 6 WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE Your choice of caree

Your options at 16 Finish key stage 4

PAGE 10 Apprenticeship Stay in education You can complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship. You can go to a sixth form or further You will study part time while working for an employer. All your education college and study: training is paid for and you get paid too. • A levels. Intermediate (level 2) apprenticeships • Vocational qualifications, • Entry requirements vary – from no GCSEs to five GCSEs. eg an NVQ in engineering. • The end qualification you receive is equivalent to five GCSEs or an NVQ level 2. • For jobs such as electricians, bricklayers, mechanics and plumbers. • Lasts one to four years. Advanced (level 3) apprenticeships This can lead to... • Entry requirements vary – typically five GCSEs A*–D or 9–3. • An entry-level job, eg building • The end qualification you receive is equivalent to two surveying technician. A levels or an NVQ level 3. • A higher apprenticeship or • For jobs such as bricklayers and maintenance engineers, civil alternative school leaver training engineers, aerospace modellers and instrument fitters. programme. Lasts one to four years. • • University – HNC/HND/BEng/ MEng/BSc qualification.

This can lead to... • A job (either with the same employer or a different one). • Another, higher level apprenticeship or qualification (if an employer supports you).

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 7 r routes

Your options at 18 Finish key stage 5

PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 Apprenticeship School leaver University The traditional apprenticeship option is the higher training programme You can study a degree apprenticeship, in which you’ll work full time for qualification full or part time. an employer with dedicated time for studying. Some employers offer alternatives to apprenticeships • Entry requirements vary – all However, employers are now also offering degree ask for a number of UCAS apprenticeships. With an apprenticeship, your for A level students who don’t want to study full time at points, some require specific training is paid for and you get a salary too. university. These are similar to subjects and some won’t apprenticeships, but are accept general studies or Higher (level 4) apprenticeships customised to the employer critical thinking A levels. Entry requirements vary – usually two • rather than having to follow Fees cost up to £9,250 A levels and five GCSEs. apprenticeship frameworks. • a year for UK students. Can The end qualification is equivalent to an NVQ These employer training • be funded by a student loan, level 4 or a foundation degree/HNC/HND. schemes usually involve you studying for a degree while bursaries or through an For jobs such as designers, construction • working for the employer; the employer. managers and engineers – but you’ll have less employer pays all (or most) of Courses typically last three responsibility than if you’d got a degree. • your fees. or four years, plus an Degree (level 6) apprenticeships optional work experience • Complete a degree and a relevant placement year. professional qualification. • Typically lasts three to six years. This can lead to... • Entry requirements vary – usually two A levels and five GCSEs. • A job. This can lead to... • For jobs such as engineers, architectural assistants, quantity surveyors and site • A graduate scheme or managers. graduate-level job, which often includes management responsibility. • Further study. This can lead to... • A job (with your employer or a different one). • University (for higher apprentices).

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 Degree Explorer

Match your interests to UK university courses.

Take part online at 9 WHICH ROUTE? Which route is best for you? What would suit you best: university, apprenticeship or training programme? Our quiz can help you work it out. Choose the statement you most agree with.

A B

I enjoy the learning I am keen to environment and am looking enter the workplace forward to student life. 1 straight away.

I enjoy learning I enjoy learning in the classroom. through doing. 2

I don’t want to work I feel able to combine full time and have full-time work with to study on top. 3 part-time study.

I want higher earning I want to earn some potential in the long term, money straight away even if I have student debt and I don’t want any in the short term. 4 student debt.

I want to be in a position to I don’t mind working my be offered management way up to management opportunities virtually 5 level. straight away.

Mostly You might Mostly You might want to explore... want to explore... As? University courses Bs? Apprenticeships or and full-time study training programmes SEE PAGE 12 SEE PAGE 10

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 10 WHICH ROUTE? Thinking about apprenticeships?

pprenticeships and school leaver training programmes offer you the chance to develop your skills and work towards qualifications whileA earning money in a real job. They are a tried and tested way to start your career, but you need to know what you are signing up to.

What’s involved? Apprenticeships allow you to work in an entry-level job while getting trained up. For example, you might spend one >

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 11

day a week at a further education • apply to a training provider who college or training centre. You can will then place you with an gain vocational and technical Find out more at employer. Training providers can be qualifications and improve your private businesses, charities or, like functional skills (for example, in targetcareers.co.uk CITB, professional bodies. maths and English). Some The application process can involve employers provide training in filling in a form, sending in a CV, one business skills too. or more interviews, an assessment Apprenticeships can be found in a you’ll need an employer’s cooperation centre and online tests (eg for huge number of different areas – from to do so: they may want you to numeracy). See pages 50–57 for advice crafts such as stonemasonry to aspects perform the job you’ve been trained in. on applying. of project management. An If you have managerial ambitions, the 1 Figures correct as of April 2019. apprenticeship will train you to do a quickest way to fulfil them may be specific role and it may be hard to through a degree, either through change that role later on. See pages joining a graduate scheme after going The pros and cons 6–7 for an outline of the different to university or by finding an You can earn, learn and work at the types of apprenticeship available. apprenticeship that includes a degree. same time, and you won’t have You may also start working any student debt. towards a ‘professional qualification’ Applying for apprenticeships during or after your apprenticeship. Deadlines for apprenticeships depend

These tell clients and employers that on the employer: for example, some you are trained to ‘industry standard’ close in January, some in May and and are an important step in others are open all year. There are A job is not guaranteed at the end construction, engineering and property three ways to apply, you can: of an apprenticeship. professionals’ careers. See page 38 to • apply directly to an employer find out more. offering apprenticeships (see the

A–Z of organisations from page 58)

Cashing in • apply via a further education college

As of April 2019 the minimum wage is Balancing the demands of work £3.90 per hour for apprentices aged and study can be hard. 16–18 or for those aged 19 or over in Training programmes their first year. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over are paid Training programmes (also called school the national minimum wage, which leaver programmes) are schemes run changes depending on your age: £6.15 by employers that usually involve Graduates may start with a higher if aged 19–20, £7.70 if 21–24 or £8.21 studying for a qualification while salary and more responsibility than if aged 25 or over.1 However, many working for the employer. You typically a more experienced apprentice. employers pay more than the apply by contacting an employer minimum wage: see the A–Z of directly. These are similar to organisations from page 58. apprenticeships, but they do not have to meet specific criteria set by the What happens afterwards? government. You could go on to take Most employers will try to keep you The names ‘training programme’ higher qualifications after your on in a job after your apprenticeship. and ‘apprenticeship’ may be used apprenticeship. However, this might not always be interchangeably. For example, an possible. If this is the case, you will employer’s training programme may typically have qualifications and years include an apprenticeship. The most of work experience that will help you important thing is to look at the skills, find a job with another employer. qualifications and pay an employer is You study the qualifications An apprentice could progress to a offering, rather than the name of the your employer wants you to – higher level apprenticeship, a training scheme. you don’t choose. programme or a university course. But

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 12 WHICH ROUTE? Thinking about university?

oing to university is a What to expect Funding university popular choice and an Around 25–40% of your time will be If you are a UK national, you will pay established way for spent in lectures, seminars and a maximum of £9,250 a year for academically-minded tutorials, but the rest of your time will tuition fees. You’ll also need to factor people to accelerate their be spent doing independent study: in living expenses. You can get loans Gcareers. But, with tuition fees to check out unistats.ac.uk for the ratios to cover the costs of tuition and consider, you need to know which of specific courses. You’ll be assessed living (maintenance) costs – the course and university are right for through exams, presentations, student finance calculator on gov.uk you and how to make the most of extended essays and/or research tells you how much you could get. your time at university. projects. You’ll also be encouraged to You pay back your loan in apply for work experience with instalments after graduating and only The qualifications explained employers during the holidays and/or when you earn over £25,000 in Universities offer undergraduate and a placement year. England and Wales or £18,330 in postgraduate qualifications that can Construction, engineering and Scotland and Northern Ireland. There be studied full time, part time or property courses are more practical are other ways to fund your studies. online. Most undergraduate degrees than other degrees, but they are still Check out the sections below. are bachelor degrees, usually taken theory based. Engineering students, for after A levels. example, learn a lot of maths. If you Employer sponsorship On graduating, construction and prefer a more practical approach, Many employers will pay for your property students typically become perhaps investigate apprenticeships or studies in return for you working for bachelors of science (BSc). training programmes. them during holidays and after Engineering students can become graduation. Some employers will offer either bachelors of engineering (BEng) Choosing a course and university this before you start university; many or masters in engineering (MEng) – Consider: more will offer this to second-years this is technically an undergraduate • the reputation of the university for who have completed a work placement qualification, but is equivalent to a the subject with them. See the A–Z of postgraduate masters degree. • whether the course is accredited by organisations starting from page 58 to Postgraduate qualifications are taken relevant professional bodies see who offers sponsorship. after bachelor qualifications. • whether tutors/lecturers are involved There are shorter undergraduate in cutting-edge research or have Bursaries and scholarships courses that offer recognised, but worked in industry There are a number of bursaries and lesser, qualifications: higher national • the range of modules and projects scholarships available – which you certificates (HNCs), higher national • the relationships the department and don’t need to pay back – but you’ll diplomas (HNDs) and foundation careers service have with employers need to search for them. Look at the degrees. They are offered by further • facilities, including laboratories, websites of individual universities and education colleges in addition to computer-aided design software, professional institutions (see page 38 universities. You can progress to access to journals and case study for institutions’ websites). a bachelor degree from these courses; materials sometimes students take them if they • other general factors, such as the After your degree have insufficient UCAS points for social life on offer, whether it’s a Unless you’ve been sponsored by an a bachelor course. campus or city university and your employer, university does not gut feeling! guarantee you a job. You’ll need to The courses on offer Don’t just rely on university apply for graduate-level jobs. If you There are many undergraduate prospectuses and websites to find these graduate in July and want to start subjects available – browse courses things out: go along to open days and work in October, you should apply in at targetcareers.co.uk and ucas.com. ask course leaders and students. the first term of your final year. You can study either one subject in depth (single honours) or study two (joint or combined honours). Sponsored degrees The vast majority of courses in construction, engineering and If you want to get a degree while earning money, a sponsored degree or degree property include the opportunity to apprenticeship may be for you. You will likely work full time for an employer and take a ‘placement’ year (where you attend university in week- or month-long ‘blocks’, so you may not experience ‘typical spend a year working for an student life’. Your tuition fees will be paid for by an employer, but you may be required employer). to study a particular course or at a particular university.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 13

The pros and cons

The median salary of a Joining a graduate scheme graduate aged 21–30 is can be a quicker way into £5,000 higher than for a management than an non-graduate the same apprenticeship. Qualification Typical length age.1 (full time) It may enable you to study HNC (level 4) One year It can be expensive and for a higher level professional you may end up with qualification while on the job, HND (level 5) Two years student debt, but it can be leading to higher status and Foundation Two years paid for via sponsorship salaries. This isn’t always degree (level 5) or bursaries. the case for apprentices. BSc, BEng Three years A job isn’t guaranteed after A degree is a passport into (level 6) + optional university, but you’ll have many careers, not just the one-year a dedicated careers team subject you are studying – placement to help you find one. great if you change your MEng (level 7) Four years career plans. + optional one-year 1 According to the Department for Education’s placement Graduate Labour Market Statistics: 2017 report.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 14 WHICH JOB ROLE? Five steps to

STEP THREE: the right career Identify

your skills Follow the steps below to help you think Now think about what skills you’ve about which job is right for you. needed for each of your subjects and activities. For example, if you play rugby, you will have turned up on time for the match and for training (time management), been a team player (teamwork) and talked through game plans with your team (communication). STEP TWO: If you’re not sure what skills you’ve used, ask your teachers, family, friends Work out what and coaches for their suggestions. General skills, such as you enjoy communication, time management and For each activity or subject, think about teamwork, are needed for every what you enjoy – and what you don’t construction, engineering or property enjoy. If you’re studying physics, do you job, but some jobs require specific like conducting experiments but dislike skills and qualities. For example, STEP ONE: memorising formulas? Or, if you’re architects need to be able to draw and studying history, do you like going on scaffolders can’t be afraid of heights. Make a list field trips but dislike writing essays? Make a list of your school/college If you play football, do you like working in subjects and extracurricular a team but wish you could be indoors? activities. You could create your list Or, if you play a musical instrument, do by drawing a mind map on a huge you like learning new pieces but dislike piece of paper or you can use an app. practising scales? Considering your likes Then follow steps two and three to and dislikes will help you find a job that help you write down the things you you love. like about each subject or activity and the different skills you need to take part in them.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 15 STEP FIVE: Use our career-matching tool Now you’ve completed your list and thought about your priorities, use our STEP FOUR: career-matching tool opposite to start your search for the right job. It will direct you to overviews of job roles that you might enjoy and be good at. Decide what’s Moving forward, when you are reading up on potential jobs, refer back to your list and think about whether the job is a match for your skills and most important interests. Think about which of your likes and skills on the list are the most important to you. This will help you figure out what your priorities are when choosing your career.

Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk

If you like... If you like... If you want a... designing... being in charge... green career... Consider: All jobs can lead to management, Roles where you’ll have a Architecture ...... page 19 but if you want to start off as particular focus on minimising our Building services engineering a manager, consider: environmental impact include: (design roles) ...... page 19 Civil/structural/geotechnical All construction jobs...... pages 19–21 Engineering (design roles) ...... page 28 engineering (on site) ...... page 20 Automotive engineering ...... page 28 Landscape architecture ...... page 20 Property surveying ...... page 35 Chemical engineering ...... page 29 Environmental engineering...... page 30 Site management...... page 21 If you like getting... Manufacturing engineering ...... page 30

Planning ...... page 35 If you want to be... the best deal... If you want to... Consider: out and about Estate agency ...... page 34 Manufacturing engineering ...... page 30 all day... work with Property surveying ...... page 35 Consider: your hands... Quantity surveying ...... page 21 Building services engineering ..page 19 Building surveying ...... page 34 Consider: If you like... Civil/structural/geotechnical Construction crafts and engineering (on site) ...... page 20 skilled trades...... page 22 interpreting rules... Engineering (depending on Motor vehicle technician work..page 28 Consider: the industry and employer)..page 28 Architectural technology ...... page 19 Estate agency ...... page 34 Keep your list to hand Building services engineering ..page 19 Planning ...... page 35 Don’t just complete this list and forget Building surveying ...... page 34 Property surveying ...... page 35 Quantity surveying (on site) ....page 21 you ever made it. When you are ready Estate agency ...... page 34 to apply to university or for Site management...... page 21 Manufacturing (process) apprenticeships, you’ll need to be engineering ...... page 30 prepared with evidence of your skills Planning ...... page 35 and interests. Your list will help you Property surveying ...... page 35 jog your memory .

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 16 WHICH JOB ROLE? How the construction industry works Different organisations work together to build a project. Here’s how...

1 It starts with the client 2 The client then hires consultants ...who decides something should be ...who will advise them on matters • civil, structural, mechanical and built. They might be a property relating to the design, cost and any electrical engineering employers. development company, a local regulations. The client could employ Consultants then look after the design authority, a central government several consultancies or one phase of the project – they design the department, a private business consultancy to advise on everything. structure and work out how much that or an individual. Either way, one consultant design will cost to build. Once this has The client decides what they want organisation will often oversee the been established, they decide which to build, the timeframe in which it project on behalf of the client. construction contractor should do the should be built and how much it Consultant organisations include: construction work. Contractors have to should cost. • architecture practices ‘bid’ for the work – put forward case for • cost consultancy (quantity why they are the best company to carry surveying) employers out the work and state their price.

1 The traditional process 2 Working for a consultancy • You work office hours (typically The flowchart above shows the If you work at a consultancy, your 8.30 am to 6.00 pm) but may have typical process of how a work will be on the design phase. Civil to work longer hours close to a construction project gets built, but engineers make sure that the technical deadline. some larger firms offer details on plans will work and quantity • You usually work on a number of a design-and-build service where surveyors price up how much the projects at the same time. they take on the typical work of a design would cost. As a consultant: • As you work on a project in its early consultant and a contractor. Large • You work in an office... stages, it may be years before you projects can take years to get from • ...you sometimes get to visit sites see the finished project the initial idea to being fully and occasionally you could be in operation. completed. ‘seconded’ (sent) to work on a site.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 17

Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk

3 Contractors carry out ...but may get subcontractors to help the construction work... If there is work involved in the • reinforced concrete works Once the contractor has won the project that needs specialist skills • structural steelwork work, construction begins on site. or knowledge, the contractor might • work on the foundations They ensure the project is built to the offer the work to specialist • plumbing and electrical work. agreed quality, budget and organisations that have more Subcontractors tend to be smaller, timeframe. They take instructions expertise in specific areas. Typical local employers. They work in about the design from the design tasks that might be given to similar conditions to contractors. consultancy and run any design- subcontractors include: related problems past them.

3 Working for a contractor What else do you need to know? Job roles with contractors include site managers, civil engineers, A project could be a ‘new build’, a employers are more likely to work in a quantity surveyors, and trades or renovation or a refurbishment. It can particular region. Consultants are also crafts people. As one of these: cover anything in the built environment more likely to stay in their local area, but • You work on site (or from a around us, for example: may need to travel to visit sites. temporary office on site) in all • houses, office blocks, warehouses, If you work for an international weathers. factories and hospitals employer, you might get to work abroad • Depending on the project, you • train stations and airports – although you may need to get a few might need to work shifts or • roads, railways, bridges and tunnels years’ experience under your belt first. overnight. • piers, dams and coastal defences If this is the case, the company usually • Working hours are longer out • nuclear power plants and other pays for your accommodation. on site (typically 7.30 am to generators of energy. 6.00 pm) and you may need to Know your markets work longer hours if things get Relocation, relocation, relocation... Larger construction companies specialise behind schedule. or commute in particular ‘markets’ or sectors – for • You typically work on one Don’t be surprised if you have to relocate example, they might offer civil and project at a time. for the job or face a long commute. This is structural engineering services for • You get to see things being built more likely if you work for a contractor, healthcare projects. Some work in a range before your very eyes. as you’ll be expected to go to where the of sectors while other companies provide projects are. If you work for a national expertise in just one or two areas. Many employer, the project can be anywhere construction professionals specialise in across the country but smaller a particular type of project over time.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 BUILD SOMETHING AMAZING YOUR CAREER

Start your career at an award winning employer where training, on-the-job qualiﬁcations and progression are built from the ground up.

Apply now at wates.co.uk/earlycareers

Above all, it’s about people The Rio 2016 19 Olympic Park. Architects, architectural technologists and technicians

Architects design buildings that are safe, attractive and as environmentally friendly as possible. They stay involved throughout the construction process, adapting their plans if the budget, environmental factors or client’s AECOM to thanks With wishes change. They are assisted by (either as a university student or as an designing, implementing and architectural technologists and apprentice) before you can apply. maintaining: air conditioning, technicians. Most architectural elevators, telecoms systems, electricity Architectural technologists ensure technologists have studied a three-year supplies and lighting, water supplies that the technical aspects of a design degree approved by the Chartered and heating. work and comply with regulations. Institute of Architectural Technologists They work in a similar role to civil (CIAT). Most architectural technologist Routes in engineers in that way. Architectural courses do not request specific subjects You can become a building services technologists may also be hired to at A level (or equivalent), although the engineer through an apprenticeship or oversee a project from start to finish. CIAT recommends you choose science, a degree. If you have GCSEs (or Technicians help prepare drawings, technology and/or construction equivalent), you can choose to compile technical information such as subjects. complete an advanced apprenticeship, surveys, and help put together Technicians have typically studied become an engineering technician and proposals and contracts. an HND/HNC before applying for a work your way up to become a Most architects, technologists and job, but there are a few chartered engineer, the highest technicians work in architectural apprenticeships available. With further qualified type of engineer (see page 27). practices; many experienced architects study, they can become technologists. Apprenticeships may specialise in a and technologists set up their own. specific area, such as design or heating There are a few vacancies with large A good choice if... and ventilation. construction employers and in the The quickest way to become a public sector. • You are good at freehand drawing. chartered engineer is through an MEng • You are creative. degree or a BEng with a postgraduate Routes in • You can get your head around maths. qualification. This can be in building Most architects go to university. It takes • You can get to grips with detailed services engineering or a related subject seven years in total and includes an information on building regulations. (such as mechanical engineering or undergraduate degree approved by the electrical engineering) that is accredited Royal Institute of British Architects by a relevant professional body such as (know as ‘part 1’), your part 2 the Chartered Institution of Building qualification – usually an MArch degree Services Engineers, the Institution of – and two years of work placements. Building services Mechanical Engineers or the Institution Useful A level subjects include of Engineering and Technology. You art/graphic design, geography, maths engineer may be able to get a MEng or BEng and physics. Many universities want a through a degree apprenticeship. combination of arts and sciences. Building services engineers see that a Maths, physics, chemistry and IT You can do an architectural building has more than walls and a are good A level (or equivalent) subject assistant or architect degree roof. They are responsible for the choices. apprenticeship but, as these routes electrical, mechanical, utility and were only introduced in July 2018, telecoms systems in new building. In A good choice if... there aren’t too many on offer. You’ll short, they take a new building from need A levels to do the architectural being an empty shell to being a • You want to be at the forefront of assistant apprenticeship. You’ll work comfortable living space that meets technological development – building towards your part 1 qualification, so health and safety regulations. services engineers work with the you’ll need to commit to further study Depending on the type of employer most up-to-date ‘building services to then become an architect. The you work for, you could be responsible intelligence’ technology. architect degree apprenticeship for designing systems, implementing • You like getting into the nitty gritty involves working towards a part 2 systems on site or maintaining and of design or making designs work in qualification, so you need to have repairing systems in an up-and- the real world. completed the part 1 qualification running building. You could work on

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 20

Civil, structural Landscape and geotechnical architects engineers Landscape architects aim to improve the quality of the environment by Civil and structural engineers design, designing and managing the open build and maintain the constructed spaces around us. They combine world around us: bridges, tunnels, artistic skills with knowledge of roads, railways, dams, pipelines, human activity and the natural buildings, power plants, offshore wind environment to design public areas in facilities and so on. They ensure the towns, cities and the countryside. They technical detail in architects’ plans will use computer-aided design packages to work in practice. They often specialise model and experiment with designs; in a type of project, such as highways. visit, survey and analyse sites that Structural engineers have particular could be developed; draw up plans for responsibility for ensuring that the foundations or slopes are stable, how the space will be developed in the structure (inner-framework) of the designing foundations and overseeing longer term; help to protect and project holds up, even in bad weather. work on a construction site. conserve the environment; deal with clients; and work alongside other Consultants vs contractors Your options construction professionals. If you work for a construction or There are some structural engineering Landscape architects tend to work engineering consultant – who designs degrees but it’s more common to study for specialist landscape architectural and plans projects – you will be civil engineering or civil and structural practices, environmental consultancies, working on the technical aspects of engineering. Most geotechnical transport planners and large designs, using computer-aided design engineering degrees are at postgraduate engineering consultancies. There are packages. If you work for a level. Most apprenticeships are in the also a few vacancies in the public construction or engineering contractor field of civil engineering but you may sector. – who builds the project – you’ll make cover structural or geotechnical sure that the design is implemented engineering too. Useful A levels (or Do you need a degree? properly. If you work for a public equivalent) are maths, physics, geography, To become a landscape architect, you sector organisation or utilities supplier, ICT, languages, art and design. need to study a degree approved by the you’ll help to investigate the need for Landscape Institute. This is usually a public services, such as roads, and A good choice if... three-year undergraduate degree plus a maintain them. See page 27 for more one-year postgraduate diploma in information on how to start your • You can draw basic sketches – you landscape architecture. But if you engineering career. don’t have to be an artist. complete an undergraduate degree in a • You like knowing the technical details subject such as art, geography or Building foundations of how things work (for jobs with horticulture you can do a postgraduate If structural engineering takes your consultancies). ‘conversion’ masters lasting up to two fancy, consider geotechnical • You’d like to work on site instead of in years. Most universities do not specify engineering too. Geotechnical an office (for jobs with contractors). A level (or equivalent) requirements engineers are responsible for • You want to be able to say ‘I helped but the Landscape Institute suggests structures’ foundations, assessing data build that!’ that the following subjects would be from the field, finding ways to ensure good choices: art, design, graphics, chemistry, physics, biology, geography, An artist’s impression of English, technology, ICT or history. Cherrybrook Station, part Some universities may ask you to have of the new Sydney Metro. art to at least GCSE level. The Landscape Institute is currently looking to develop landscape apprenticeships.

A good choice if...

• You are creative. • You are good at art and biology. • You like the outdoors. • You want to help protect the environment.

With thanks to Turner & Townsend

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 21

Quantity equivalents). They’ll then pay for you based on site. As with any job role on to study an HND or bachelors site, you may have to work night and surveyors qualification while working for them. weekend shifts, and hours can be long: a 40-hour week is normal and you Quantity surveyors (QSs) are also A good choice if... will probably have to work overtime known as cost consultants, commercial as deadlines approach. managers, cost managers or cost • You’re good at maths. engineers. But whatever you’re called, • You’re good at figuring out the best Routes in your role is to help a construction buy or deal. You can start out as an assistant project to make a profit. You’ll keep a • You like keeping track of systems manager if you have studied a close eye on how much everything and pay attention to detail. construction or project management costs (the materials, the time taken and • You like people. degree approved by the Chartered the workers’ salaries) and make Institute of Building, or another closely payments. related subject such as civil If you work for a construction or engineering. A few employers might QS consultancy – which looks after the hire you with a different degree and ‘design’ stage of the project – you’ll be Site managers sponsor you through a postgraduate based in an office. You’ll spend most course. of your time working out how much Construction site managers ensure The quickest way to get into different designs cost. If you work for things get done on a construction site. management via an apprenticeship a contractor – which builds the project They make sure that the building route is to complete a higher or degree – you’ll be based in an office on a work is finished on time, within apprenticeship, for which you’ll either construction site. You might help to budget and to a high standard. They need A levels (or equivalent), an choose which materials to buy, be out organise schedules of work, manage advanced apprenticeship in something on site checking completed work, workers and deal with issues such as like construction site supervision or track the materials used or pay health and safety, logistics and the experience in the industry. subcontractors for their work. effects of the building work on members of the public. On larger and A good choice if... Do you need a degree? more complicated projects, an Employers will want you to gain an experienced site manager will have a • You like to take charge. undergraduate or postgraduate degree number of assistant managers, each • You can make decisions quickly. that has been approved by the Royal looking after one part of the project • You like solving problems. Institution of Chartered Surveyors or (or package), such as the foundations. • You are organised. the Chartered Institute of Building. But • You don’t want to work in an office – some will hire you onto an Working hours and you don’t mind being out in all apprenticeship or trainee scheme with Site managers typically work for weathers. GCSEs and/or A levels (or construction contractors and are

An aerial view of the Tottenham Court Road station upgrade. With thanks to Go Construct and CITB and Construct Go to thanks With

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 22 WHICH JOB ROLE? The crafts and trades For those who prefer working with their hands to book learning.

f you choose a career in one of Brickwork Demolition the traditional construction crafts or skilled trades, you can Brickwork is probably the most well- You need to be at least 18 to work in go straight from sitting your known and popular construction craft. demolition, although you typically GCSEs to working on site. You It includes bricklaying as well as only need GCSEs (or equivalent). Ican complete an intermediate or stonemasonry, and you can choose to You’ll usually start off as a demolition advanced apprenticeship. Alternatively, specialise in one or both of these areas. operative and there’ll be lots of power you can take a vocational qualification As a bricklayer, you’ll work as part of tools to use and crane-based work to at college and then find an entry-level a ‘brickwork gang’ to trim bricks and do. So, it’s essential you have a head job. You could find work with large shape natural stone, lay bricks, apply for heights and an awareness of health construction employers, smaller mortar and check the courses are and safety. You’ll spend your days specialist employers or within the straight. There could be several gangs blowing up or pulling down disused or public sector. Many experienced trades on site, depending on the size of the unattractive buildings, as well as and crafts people work for themselves. project. clearing the site and removing debris, Here are some of the main crafts or Stonemasonry is a traditional yet rubbish and hazardous waste. You trades open to you. increasingly uncommon skill, but it’s might specialise in preparing the site essential to our heritage and great if for demolition (for example, putting you like history. Stonemasons – who up rails and laying dustsheets), create and restore stonework on removing fittings and dismantling buildings and other structures – might roofs, or cutting steel frameworks and specialise in curving, laying or fixing. removing fragile roofs.

Carpentry Electrical and joinery work

Carpenters and joiners work together Electricians (sometimes known as to prepare and install the wooden parts electrical technicians) install and of buildings, from floorboards and repair the electrical systems around us. roof trusses to windows and doors. You might find yourself specialising in Typically, a joiner uses drawings to installation or maintenance, or in a prepare the materials and a carpenter particular area such as highways installs them and does any structural maintenance and street lighting or work – but the two roles overlap and solar panels. You may work in a team sometimes one person will do both. or on your own. You’ll need to be a Joinery can be split into two areas: site logical thinker and problem solver. (floors, doors and roofs) and bench You need a level 3 electrical or (counters, kitchens and staircases). electrotechnical qualification to be an You can also specialise in building electrician. You can do this through an temporary supports, which are used to apprenticeship. Be aware that you may hold setting concrete in shape. This is need to take extra on-the-job called formwork or shuttering. qualifications to ensure you are able to carry out tasks such as PAT testing (portable appliance testing).

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 23

Painting and Scaffolding and Becoming a decorating steeplejacking card carrier

You will paint and decorate in a range As a scaffolder, you will put up and Many construction employers of environments, from redecorating take down temporary scaffolding using want their site workers to gain a the homes of the rich and famous to a series of metal tubes (standards), Construction Skills Certification applying finishing paint touches to horizontal poles (ledgers) and wooden Scheme (CSCS) card, which structures such as bridges. You could working platforms (battens). You’ll choose to specialise in a particular need a head for heights, good hand-eye proves that you are trained and technique such as restoration. Be coordination and to be resilient to qualified to do your job properly. prepared to wear a protective mask extreme weather. You’ll need to demonstrate that or climb a ladder in order to carry out Steeplejacks use a variety of systems you have obtained the a job. – scaffolding, harnesses, belay rope appropriate qualification for your fall-arrest systems, bosun’s chairs and job and pass an appropriate abseil equipment – to carry out general Construction Industry Training maintenance work and repairs at great Board health, safety and Plumbing heights. As a steeplejack, you will work across the main areas of environment test. Plumbers do more than you might construction, doing tasks such as think. They design and fix sanitation repairing masonry and fitting aircraft systems and leaky pipes, work on warning lights on tall structures. heating and air-conditioning systems, A good choice if... fit bathrooms, install dishwashers and more. But they might also work on a • You are physically fit. construction site or on tasks such as Wall and planning where pipes need to go. • You don’t mind interacting with Plumbers can sometimes work floor covering customers if required. unsociable hours if asked to deal with an emergency. There are four main careers within this • You are practical and like craft: plastering, dry lining, tiling and working with your hands. floor fitting/laying. Accuracy and the You don’t want to work in an ability to work from drawings that • someone else has done are core skills. office – and don’t mind being You could be doing anything from out in all weathers. pebble dashing (as a plasterer) or Keeping up to date with building applying grout (as a tiler) to improving • acoustics (as a dry liner) or re-hanging and health and safety doors (as a door fitter). regulations wouldn’t bother you.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 24 WHICH JOB ROLE? The engineering industries Engineers specialise in different industries. Find out more about them and discover which interests you the most.

Aerospace Chemicals

WHAT IT IS: flying things... helicopters, WHAT IT IS: the backbone of fighter jets, unmanned vehicles, industry... oil companies, commercial planes, satellites, space manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, water stations, rockets etc. treatment companies and more – those who use and produce chemicals that FACTORS AFFECTING THE create products and make factories INDUSTRY: world events and conflicts, and other industrial sites work. high levels of regulation, environmental concerns, cost and availability of FACTORS AFFECTING THE materials, searches for new fuels. INDUSTRY: the price of oil, world events and conflicts, environmental ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: concerns. aerospace/aeronautical, chemical, electrical, electronics, environmental, ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: manufacturing, mechanical, software.* chemical, civil/structural, electrical, environmental, manufacturing, mechanical.* Automotive WHAT IT IS: all things relating to Defence motor vehicles, from mainstream and premium/sports car manufacturers to WHAT IT IS: equipment, support and bus and coach manufacturers. There services for the armed forces and are also lots of other companies national security, whether that is the involved in putting vehicles together. latest weaponry, military vehicles or cyber security. Engineers often work FACTORS AFFECTING THE at the cutting edge of technology. * Always check individual INDUSTRY: the increasing reliance on employers’ requirements. electronics and software, the need to FACTORS AFFECTING THE reduce carbon emissions. INDUSTRY: the needs of military personnel, military strategy, ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: costs/budgets, the need to deliver aerospace, automotive, chemical, products/projects quickly. electrical, electronics, environmental, manufacturing, mechanical, software.* ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: aerospace, automotive, chemical, civil/structural, electrical, electronics, environmental, manufacturing, mechanical, software.*

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 25

Electronics Fast-moving WHAT IT IS: smartphones, medical consumer goods scanners, TVs, games consoles, washing machines, radios, unmanned (FMCG) vehicles… the creation of anything that includes electronic systems. WHAT IT IS: the manufacturing of goods that fly off the production line FACTORS AFFECTING THE only to fly off shop shelves just as INDUSTRY: the emphasis on safety, quickly. These tend to be everyday trends in technology (eg ‘the Internet products: food, cleaning products, of Things’ and wireless charging), cosmetics etc. Thousands of goods can the changing behaviour/expectations be produced every minute. of consumers. FACTORS AFFECTING THE ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: INDUSTRY: the need to minimise cost electrical, electronics, software.* and wastage, needing to keep production moving, environmental concerns.

Energy ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: aerospace, automotive, chemical, and power civil/structural, electrical, electronics, environmental, manufacturing, WHAT IT IS: finding energy sources mechanical, software.* and generating power… oil, gas, tidal, wind, solar, nuclear etc. The industry is divided into generating, transmitting/distributing, metering and Marine sales. Oil and gas generation is divided into ‘upstream’ (exploring and WHAT IT IS: ships and other sea-faring producing) and ‘downstream’ (refining vessels or equipment – eg equipment ready for use). aimed at off-shore and sub-sea exploration. FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: accessing dwindling FACTORS AFFECTING THE supplies and harnessing newer sources, INDUSTRY: designing for a wet, windy, environmental concerns, world events salty and unstable environment, and conflicts. demands for global shipping and energy, the need to improve efficiency, ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: environmental concerns. aerospace, automotive, chemical, civil/structural, electrical, electronics, ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: environmental, manufacturing, chemical, civil/structural, electrical, mechanical, software.* electronics, environmental, manufacturing, mechanical, software.*

Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 26

Pharmaceuticals Telecoms

WHAT IT IS: researching, developing WHAT IT IS: allowing people to and manufacturing medications and communicate, whether through related products in tablet, liquid or conversation or sending data through vaccination form. Engineers work the cloud. There are vendors and alongside chemists and pharmacists. carriers (vendors, eg Ericsson, sell the hardware and software; carriers, FACTORS AFFECTING THE eg BT, use them in their network). INDUSTRY: the need to get a product ready to sell in a short amount of time, FACTORS AFFECTING THE counterfeit products, developments in INDUSTRY: the need to keep up with world health. technological and consumer trends, the need to deliver a reliable service. ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: chemical, civil/structural, electrical, ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: electronics, environmental, electronics, software.* manufacturing, mechanical, software.* Utilities Rail WHAT IT IS: delivering energy/power, WHAT IT IS: anything to do with the water, sewage treatment and telecoms railway… tracks, bridges, drainage, to the public. power systems, train control systems etc. FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: environmental concerns, FACTORS AFFECTING THE the expectations of consumers, the INDUSTRY: designing and constructing need to upgrade existing systems, a railway to meet future needs, costs, networks and industrial sites, environmental concerns, moving from the decisions of regulatory bodies. a ‘find and fix’ approach to ‘predict and prevent’. ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: chemical, civil/structural, electrical, ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: electronics, environmental, civil/structural, electrical, electronics, mechanical, software.* environmental, mechanical, software.*

* Always check individual employers’ requirements.

And not forgetting...

The construction industry employs civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers among others. See pages 16–23 for more on the construction industry. There are also some engineering jobs in working with raw materials and metals, eg developing coated steel.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 27 WHICH JOB ROLE? The engineering job roles

ngineers are essentially develop new solutions. They tend to The quickest way to become problem solvers: designing, receive the highest salaries. Even as an chartered is to do an MEng – there are building and fixing many of experienced technician, you could find a few degree apprenticeships that result the items we use every day. that a less-experienced, just-chartered in an MEng. Their day-to-day work, graduate will outrank you. Ehowever, can be completely different, What subjects do you need? depending on the discipline and Getting qualified If you want to get on a degree course, industry they work in. Some roles get You only qualify for each of these you’ll need to take maths and, usually, you out and about more than others levels after you have undergone a physics at A level (or equivalent). and some roles involve more technical training programme, usually an Other useful subjects at GCSE and report writing than others, for apprenticeship or graduate training A level include further maths, example. Over the next few pages, we programme. When you are starting computing, chemistry, and DT. introduce you to the main engineering out, you are eligible to train towards: disciplines to help you find the best • technician level if you have GCSEs, role for you. A levels, an HNC/HND or BTEC/NVQ level 3 (or equivalents) A good choice if... Levels of expertise • incorporated level if you are Across the engineering profession the qualified to a BEng degree level • You are good at maths, amount of responsibility you get • chartered level if you have an physics and IT. depends on your level of education MEng degree or a BEng plus a and experience. You can get into masters degree. • You like solving problems engineering via an apprenticeship, Depending on its level and and puzzles. school leaver programme or an content, an apprenticeship can lead engineering degree (usually either a to either technician or incorporated • You always want to know three-year BEng or a four-year MEng status – from there you can work how something works. course). The Engineering Council towards chartership. But you will regulates the profession and has need your employer’s approval and • You like working in a team. identified three levels of professional support to do so: you either need engineering: to gain an appropriate level of • engineering technician workplace experience or get your • incorporated engineer employer to pay for you to Find out more at • chartered engineer. study the appropriate Chartership is the most senior level academic qualification while targetcareers.co.uk at which engineers are recognised as you work for them. able to take the lead on projects and

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 28

Aerospace engineers

Aerospace engineers research, design, build and repair any type of aircraft: from satellites to weapon systems. The work is often focused around improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs. Engineers have to take into account environmental impacts and client needs. Depending on your level of experience, you might: • build engines and components • create designs • work out why something isn’t working • put together engines and other equipment Engineers will have • repair aircraft worked on this car • measure and improve the interior for Tesla. performance of an aircraft and its components • investigate accidents evaluate manufacturing processes. • consult technical or regulatory Automotive You’ll work alongside others, requirements. including environmental and Most jobs can be found in large engineers and manufacturing engineers, and international companies, which tend to members of the finance department. either build aircraft or engines but not motor vehicle Automotive engineers tend to work both. There are also some jobs with for large car manufacturers or for specialist contractors, which focus on technicians automotive suppliers (those who building particular components, or in manufacture parts) – as such there are the military or public sector. You Automotive engineers design, assemble fewer automotive vacancies than in might work from offices or from and improve the performance of motor some disciplines. Motor vehicle aircraft workshops, production vehicles, from family estate cars or multi- technicians tend to find work with car hangars or aeronautical laboratories. purpose vehicles to Formula 1 cars or manufacturers and garages. MotoGP bikes. Motor vehicle Routes in technicians repair and service them. Your options Apprentices typically work as Automotive engineering is closely Vehicle technician apprenticeships are machinists, fitters, modellers or related to mechanical, electronic and available, usually at intermediate or engineering technicians. Graduates electrical engineering. advanced level, and you can specialise might work as engineers in a particular Automotive engineers tend to in light or heavy vehicles. Large area, such as maintenance, mechanical, specialise in a particular stage of the automotive companies also run some electrical, or systems design. There are process. Broadly speaking, there are advanced, higher and degree aerospace engineering degree courses, three stages: apprenticeships. but employers usually accept other • designing and improving vehicles, There are automotive engineering engineering disciplines, such as components or processes degree courses – sometimes with a mechanical, electrical or software. • research and product development particular focus on the environment or (finding new ways to overcome motorsports – but you can become an A good choice if... problems or limitations) automotive engineer with a mechanical • manufacturing or production or electronic engineering degree, • You think it’s cool to make things fly. (planning manufacturing processes among others. • You are happy to work on military and ensuring that the vehicles are equipment. Much of the UK’s produced according to the design). A good choice if... aerospace work is found in the You might use computer-aided defence industry. design software; test whether engines • Meccano and Scalextric sets were • You are fascinated by space! would work in different conditions, your favourite toys. such as high temperatures; find and • You are a detail person. negotiate the cost of parts; agree • You are creative. budgets for creating the vehicle; or

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 29 Engineers working on Liverpool Street Chemical Station in London. and process engineers

Chemical engineers help to transform raw materials into any type of product by applying their knowledge of chemistry. Some chemical engineers are employed in research and product development roles, but most are employed as process engineers. Process engineers can work across many industries: from helping to With thanks to Mott MacDonald Mott to thanks With decommission (dismantle) a nuclear power plant to designing a process for A good choice if... a microwave to bleep when the timer solid/liquid separation in food runs out. production. Their role is to ensure that • You like chemistry (and biology if Electrical components tend to be processes relating to chemicals are the you are thinking of biochemistry). larger than electronic components, best that they can be – designing them, • You like following something which sometimes can fit on one of implementing them or controlling through step by step. your fingertips. them. • You get a kick out of improving things. BUT... Many devices use both Biochemical engineering is an electrical and electronic circuits – and offshoot of chemical engineering and in some sectors you can apply for the these engineers focus on applying life same jobs, whether you have a sciences to products or processes. You Electrical background in electrical engineering might help to create new medicines or electronics. and vaccines, as well as greener and electronic technologies such as biofuels. Electrical engineers vs electricians Chemical and biochemical engineers Electrical engineering technicians engineers typically work for: install and repair electrical systems • consumer goods, synthetics, Electrical engineers design, test and and equipment. As such, they carry plastics, paints and polymer supervise the manufacture, installation out similar work to electricians. manufacturers or repair of electrical systems, However, not all electricians take the • pharmaceutical companies equipment or products. Electronic Engineering Council’s ‘technician’ • the water treatment industry engineers do the same work on qualification so cannot call • food manufacturers electronic systems. Both types of themselves an ‘engineering • oil refining/petrochemical companies. engineers get involved with technician’. See page 22 for more products/projects such as: about electricians. Routes in • aircraft and spacecraft Most apprenticeships are in process • cars and other vehicles Your options engineering or an aspect of • construction sites and in There are lots of electrical and manufacturing engineering – they are construction design offices, electronic engineering apprenticeships hardly ever called chemical designing or overseeing the on offer. Most degree courses in this engineering apprenticeships. At degree installation of electrical systems in engineering discipline are joint level, you can study chemical or buildings (this job role is sometimes honours courses in electrical and biochemical engineering and there are called ‘building services engineer’) electronic engineering, sometimes various degrees available combining • defence projects, including new with an environmental or energy the two. You might be able to get a weapons focus too. There are also a number of graduate chemical or process • products for electronics and joint degrees in mechanical and engineering job with a chemistry consumer goods manufacturers electrical engineering available. degree, but it is more likely that you’d • projects for the power generation have to complete a postgraduate companies. A good choice if... degree in chemical engineering first. Mechanical engineering graduates can Spot the difference • You enjoyed circuitry work also be hired as process engineers. The difference between electrical and during your science lessons and any To get on to a chemical engineering electronic circuits is that electronic electronics work you did during DT. degree, you will need A levels (or circuits make decisions as well as • You want to work on the latest equivalent) in chemistry and maths. power things. For example, while an technologies (if you work for a Biology, physics or computer science electrical circuit might power a top-of-the-range electronics would also be useful choices. toaster, an electronic circuit will tell manufacturer).

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 30

Environmental Manufacturing three. If you are on a factory floor, you might need to react quickly to problems engineers engineers and make speedy decisions. Shift and ‘on-call’ work may be required. Environmental engineers assess the Manufacturing engineers basically impact that a project will have on the make the process of making stuff Your options environment or, in fact, whether the better, whether that stuff is the latest There are apprenticeships available – environment will have an impact on must-have Christmas toy or a including a project controls technician the project. They then work out ways superconducting magnet for an MRI apprenticeship and a manufacturing to lessen that impact and find scanner. They aim to increase engineer degree apprenticeship. At solutions to any problems. productivity, reduce the costs involved degree level, you can do a single Environmental engineers can work in manufacturing and ensure that honours course in manufacturing in a number of different areas, such as: products are made to a good quality in engineering or a joint honours course • on all sorts of construction projects the timeframe needed. This might that combines manufacturing • on water projects, from the involve: engineering with subjects such as construction of pipelines to water • evaluating processes product design or production treatment • designing a new piece of equipment engineering. There are also some • in the automotive industry, • putting new processes, procedures courses that focus on an aspect of specialising in reducing carbon or equipment in place manufacturing, such as operations and emissions, for example • keeping an eye on costs maintenance. But you can become a • with companies using chemicals • buying and/or installing equipment manufacturing engineer with a degree • on defence projects, for example • responding to breakdowns in physics or mechanical, electrical or discovering the effects that different • diagnosing faults and solving electronic engineering, among other environmental factors might have on technical problems subjects. missiles and missile systems • repairing equipment or arranging • on projects involved with generating for it to be repaired A good choice if... and providing power, energy, water • managing or giving direction to staff and telecommunications • communicating with suppliers, • You like making something better or • controlling land erosion customers, and research and finding new ways of doing things, but... • shipbuilding. development staff • You are also good at following • keeping accurate records a process. Opportunities available • writing up recommendations. • You can think on your feet. At present, there are a few specialist You might be based in an office, on • You don’t mind writing reports. environmental engineering a factory floor, in a laboratory or all apprenticeships and engineering environmental technologies With thanks to Go Construct and CITB apprenticeships. Some apprenticeships in the industries listed above cover environmental topics alongside more general engineering principles. There tend to be more graduate jobs available than apprenticeships. Universities tend to offer environmental engineering courses either as a single honours or in combination with another discipline such as civil or chemical. It may also be worth investigating courses in environmental science or environmental management. Geography, biology or chemistry would be good A level (or equivalent) choices, alongside maths and physics.

A good choice if...

• You care about the environment. • You like the outdoors. • You want to become an expert in a specialist area. Environmental engineers find ways to lessen a project’s impact on the environment.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 31

Mechanical engineers

Mechanical engineers design, build/assemble and test the quality of any kind of machine or mechanical component. They also investigate whether a mechanical device might solve a problem on a project. Therefore, as a mechanical engineer, you could work across a whole range of engineering industries, including aerospace, automotive, defence, construction, manufacturing, medicine, pharmaceuticals and utilities. You might find yourself designing a component for a Boeing 777X engine, installing heating systems in a football stadium, testing a technical work. Software engineers can robotic arm for amputees or working Software also be known as application out how to make a factory’s programmers, software architects or manufacturing process more efficient. engineers system programmers/engineers. Mechanical engineering is closely related to electrical and electronic Nowadays software engineering is an Apprenticeships and university disciplines, as well as automotive and IT job. Some have argued that Software engineers tend to work for aerospace. You might work in a software engineers aren’t, in fact, IT companies but they can also work laboratory, out on a construction site, engineers at all as the job has changed for engineering companies in the in an office or in a factory; it depends so much over the years. However, automotive and defence industries, on which sector you choose to work in. software engineers can become among others. Lots of apprenticeships chartered engineers, according to the are available – often at degree level. At Your options Engineering Council, and they can be university, there are a number of The obvious choice at university is a seen as using engineering principles specialist software engineering degrees mechanical engineering degree. There when designing, developing, testing available, alongside computer science are also lots of apprenticeships and evaluating software. The software degrees that contain elements of available at all levels. could be for computers but also other software engineering. Useful GCSEs electronic devices, such as cars or and/or A level subjects include Look beyond the job title smartphones. computer science/IT, maths, further Because they can work across a wide Software engineers design and maths and physics. range of industries, mechanical program system-level software: engineers are in demand with operating systems, database systems, A good choice if... employers. But the job title might not embedded systems and so on. They have the words ‘mechanical engineer’ in understand how both software and • You like IT. it, as it can be specific to the sector. For hardware function. The work can • You enjoy programming. example, you might work in a involve talking to clients and • You are good at explaining technical mechanical engineering role but your colleagues to work out what solution things to non-technical people. job title might be aircraft technician (if or system is needed, as well as full-on you work in defence), process engineer (if you work in chemicals) or manufacturing engineer (if you work in manufacturing). Read job and apprenticeship descriptions carefully to make sure you don’t overlook some opportunities.

A good choice if...

• Your favourite toy was a Meccano set. • You like taking things apart and putting them back together again just to see if you can. • You don’t mind fiddly work.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 PATHWAYS TO PROPERTY Discover where a career in property could take you

Join us at Pathways to Property to discover the Opportunities include: exciting career opportunities available to you. Residential Summer School for Year 12 Work Experience Every day you are inuenced by the built environment Online Course - open to all – shops, oces, houses and the surrounding countryside all have an impact on the way you live. Careers advice and school visits Much more than selling houses, a career in property E-mentoring will allow you to shape our cities, preserve our Financial Support landscapes and examine the sustainability of the *All of the above are fully funded to remove buildings we live, work and play in. any nancial barriers to take part. Learn more at hly.ac/Summer-school-19

33 WHICH JOB ROLE? Property defined Property is all about making money out of land and real estate – that can mean farmland, a wind farm, a skyrise tower block or luxury apartments.

Making money Types of The employers The property industry is not just made Many property professionals work for up of estate agencies. There are many property property or chartered surveying firms. firms that provide all sorts of services Property is divided into three types There are also some jobs with house- to clients (people or organisations who and property professionals usually building companies, in which property want to gain, lose or invest in property specialise in one of these: professionals value, buy and make or land). Some of the ways a property 1. residential: (including housing decisions about land that could be firm makes money for its clients are: developments, individual homes, built on. There are vacancies in the • selling, buying, letting or renting apartment blocks and student public sector, particularly with regards real estate accomodation). to valuing land and property and with • negotiating the terms of contracts 2. commercial (any property with a matters to do with planners. Other for landlords and/or tenants business use, ranging from shops organisations that deal with or own • valuing land or property and setting and offices to warehouses and large amounts of real estate may also the price for it to be sold or let hotels). hire property professionals: these • finding ways to increase a 3. rural: (property in the countyside, organisations include retail chains as property’s value or rental income including country estates, farms, well as infrastructure companies such • conducting building surveys land and countryside housing as Network Rail. • overseeing matters relating to developments). planning and land development, eg getting planning permission • assessing a property’s impact on Property and the environment. Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk construction Property firms usually don’t build or directly oversee construction projects themselves; they leave that to the construction professionals. Instead they are often the clients of construction professionals because they decide whether a project should go ahead (see page 16 for more information on the construction industry’s clients).

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 34

Building • negotiating the sale and letting of property surveyors • travelling to properties to value them and conduct viewings Building surveyors provide technical • creating reports, promotional advice to construction and property information and other written professionals and property owners. material They advise on factors affecting • being responsible for the buying and existing buildings, such as building selling of properties and making sure defects, alterations, renovations transactions are completed legally. and extensions, as well as the design and construction of new buildings. What do I need to do? They typically: There are no formal requirements to • conduct building surveys (inspect become an estate agent, although properties on behalf of would-be employers may want to see experience buyers). They report on the of working with customers and an building’s condition, for example if interest in the local property market. there is damp, and what any repairs You can apply for trainee estate agent would cost. or sales/lettings negotiator roles at • record dilapidations (changes) to a local estate agencies. building’s condition since its last You can also choose to do a inspection. They then need to sales/lettings negotiator or estate agent arrange repairs with the owner’s apprenticeship. The majority of these agreement. Estate agents are level 2 apprenticeships, but there • oversee, design and decide what are a few level 3 opportunities. Through needs to be done on simpler Estate agents play a key role in the these you will work towards a vocational construction projects that don’t property industry as they manage the qualification such as an NVQ. require an architect – often small buying/renting and selling/leasing of Requirements for these extensions or an office property. They can specialise in a opportunities vary from employer to refurbishment. certain market, such as commercial, employer, but usually include GCSEs • advise owners on ‘party walls’ residential or rural properties. (or equivalent) and a driving licence. (walls, floors or ceilings shared Property surveyors who specialise Although not a necessity, an between two properties). They help in the buying and selling of property undergraduate degree in a subject such owners alter or repair these and do a similar job to estate agents. The as building surveying, real estate or decide which owner pays for what. differences are that surveyors gain a planning may give you an advantage. Building surveyors usually work for professional qualification with the property firms, housing developers or Royal Institution of Chartered A good choice if... specialist surveying firms. They split Surveyors and can specialise in many their time between an office and their other areas of property and land. • You are skilled at negotiation. clients’ properties. The job of an estate agent involves • You enjoy travelling. elements of marketing, sales and • You can build positive relationships What qualifications do you need? administration. Including: with clients. Employers usually want you to have • working with clients to market real • You can juggle responsibilities. an undergraduate or postgraduate estate in a way that boosts its value degree that has been approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered Institute of Building. There are a few apprenticeships available. Alternatively, you could complete an HND and apply for a building surveying technician job.

A good choice if...

• You want to get out and about, but return to a dry, warm office. • You get bored doing the same thing all the time. • You like to take charge. • You are interested in the law and how it can be applied practically.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 35 Planners

Planners make decisions about how we use the space around us. They decide how many houses, hospitals, schools and shops we need, for example, and where they go. They balance the needs of the population with the need to protect the environment and historical buildings. They frequently communicate with politicians and members of the public. The role of a planner varies depending on your employer. If you work in the public sector, you will decide whether construction can go ahead (looking at things such as the size of the planned project, the impact it will have on the environment or whether it will fit in with the surrounding area). If you work for a • sell or let property, marketing it to property or construction company, Property possible buyers and negotiating to your job is to try to get planning get the highest price possible permission for the project. surveyors • find properties for clients to rent or buy, negotiating to get the lowest Routes in A property surveyor (sometimes known price possible To become a fully fledged planner, you as a general practice surveyor) does a • work out how clients can pay the need to have either an undergraduate different role to quantity or building lowest business rates (taxes) allowed or postgraduate degree approved by surveyors. Their role is to make the by the law the Royal Town Planning Institute most money possible out of a piece of • manage properties on behalf of (RTPI). Useful A level (or equivalent) land or property. Clients include the clients, overseeing everything from choices for a planning degree include land or property’s owners; people or collecting rents to ensuring that the business studies, economics, companies looking to rent or buy land property is kept in a good condition geography, politics, history, art and or property; or wealthy individuals or • help to turn a piece of land from an psychology. If you choose a investment management groups who empty space into a housing estate or postgraduate planning degree, good want to invest in a property. office block, for example undergraduate subjects include law, Property surveyors are based in an • advise clients on where best to invest geography, politics or environmental office but spend most of their time out their money in property. sciences. visiting sites. They might: You can do an apprenticeship in • value a piece of land or real estate Do you need a degree? town planning technical support, after There are a few apprenticeships which you could become a planning including a chartered surveyor degree technician. From there you could The London apprenticeship, during which you’ll become a planner by completing a skyline, study towards a degree while working, degree or by completing a professional including the but most opportunities are for qualification after a number of years’ Gherkin. graduates. Your degree needs to be work experience. Your employer may approved by the Royal Institution of support you to do these. You could Chartered Surveyors: most university also get a job as a planning technician students study property, real estate, with a vocational qualification such as surveying or land management, but an HND. The RTPI is currently some complete a postgraduate course developing a chartered town planner after studying an undergraduate degree degree apprenticeship. in geography or economics, for example. A good choice if... A good choice if... • You get on with all types of people. & Townsend Turner to thanks With • You are comfortable making difficult • You don’t want to be stuck behind decisions that not everyone will agree a desk all day. with. • You are good at getting the best • You can interpret and apply rules deal or your own way. and regulations. • You like strategising and planning. • You are organised. • You are good with people.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 IN CONSTRUCTION, YOU CAN BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG

Construction is just jobs for the boys.

In Construction there’s a role for everyone

Everywhere you look, you see construction. The built environment is the result of the talented people who work in the industry. With a career in construction, you’ll be part of a global industry with loads of exciting and rewarding construction jobs to choose from.

Working in Construction means doing a practical job, working out in the cold. There is a wide variety of careers in construction which can involve working in a whole range of different locations and workplaces; including a ‘live’ construction site, an office, a workshop or working from home. There are hundreds of careers in construction, so be part of something big:

Archaeologist Electrician Painter & Decorator Architect General Construction Operative Plant Operator Bricklayer (Ground Worker) Plumber Carpenter Highways Engineer Plasterer Civil Engineer Instructor/Assessor/Tutor Receptionist Crane Operator Joiner Scaffolder Design Manager Marketing & PR Coordinator Welding Engineer

Visit the whole range of careers at goconstruct.org and while you’re there, take RXUSHUVRQDOLW\TXL]WR´QGRXWZKDWW\SHRIFDUHHUZLOOVXLW\RX

“ To me Nothing can compare to the feeling of waking up and actually being excited to go to work in the morning,

As well as being mentally stimulating it is rewarding, having the opportunity to problem solve and give input that aids the construction process.

Being able to look back at a building/structure in years to come and be proud knowing my work made it happen … that’s the Goal.”

Kimmy Hibbert | Construction management/Project Planning Apprentice

Study routes to get you started in your career path

7KHUHDUHPDQ\URXWHVLQWRFRQVWUXFWLRQ´QGDOHDUQLQJVW\OHWKDWVXLWV\RX if you want to go to college, you can gain an NVQ, moving into higher education to gain an HNC alternatively, you can earn while you learn by studying an apprenticeship after you leave school; this can be used to get into university if you wish to carry on with further study or you can complete a construction related degree at university such as construction management and work in a specialist field.

Visit goconstruct.org WR´QGRXWPRUH about careers in one of the UK’s most innovative and dynamic industries GoConstructUK 38

Professional bodies directory

Below is a sample of construction, engineering and property professional bodies. It’s worth contacting the Engineering Council (www.engc.org.uk) or Construction Industry Training Board (www.citb.co.uk) to see if there are others in your chosen profession.

• Chartered Institute of Architectural WHICH JOB ROLE? Technologists (CIAT) www.ciat.org.uk • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) www.ciob.org • Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Professional Heating Engineering (CIPHE) www.ciphe.org.uk • Chartered Institution of Building qualifications Services Engineers (CIBSE) www.cibse.org • Chartered Institution of Highways and explained Transportation (CIHT) www.ciht.org.uk • Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) rofessional qualifications To gain some qualifications, you www.ciwem.org are qualifications that can need to be a graduate (or have • Institute of Carpenters be gained while working to spent a significant amount of time www.instituteofcarpenters.com prove that you know your in the workplace). For others, • Institute of Marine Engineering, stuff. These qualifications apprentices can initially gain a Science and Technology (IMarEST) Pare set and awarded by professional lower qualification and then work www.imarest.org institutions (also known as professional up to a higher qualification • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) bodies). Every profession within afterwards. If you are going to www.ice.org.uk construction, engineering and property university, ensure that the degree is • Institution of Chemical Engineers has an institution that acts as its voice, accredited (approved) by the (IChemE) www.icheme.org looks after its needs, gives careers relevant institution. Institution of Engineering and information to students, shares the The qualification process usually • Technology (IET) www.theiet.org latest industry data or technological involves a period of training in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers advances, and makes sure that standards workplace, writing reports on • are kept high. Have a look at the column projects you’ve completed at work (IMechE) www.imeche.org on the right for selected institutions. and an interview with assessors. • Institution of Structural Engineers www.istructe.org About professional qualifications Take advantage now • Landscape Institute (LI) These qualifications are, in theory, Professional institutions can help www.landscapeinstitute.org optional but they are, in practice, you to find out more about the • Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) compulsory if you want to progress careers in their fields. Some www.aerosociety.com your career. Because they’re recognised institutions offer help in finding • Royal Institute of British Architects by the industry, they help you to prove work experience or arrange open (RIBA) www.architecture.com your skills to employers and to gain days where students can visit • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors promotions. You usually receive a pay employers. They may also have (RICS) www.rics.org rise after completing them and they details of bursaries and sources of • Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) may make it easier for you to work funding for university. www.rtpi.org.uk internationally, too.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 39 WHICH JOB ROLE? Seen a career you like? There are several things you can do to get a taste for whether or not you’ll enjoy a career.

1 2 3 Find out Get chatty Try it out: get more online • Find out whether someone you some experience know is working in the industry or • Visit targetcareers.co.uk and the studying the subject at university. • If you have work experience or websites of relevant professional This could be a relative, a family placement weeks coming up at institutions. friend or a contact recommended by school or college, talk to your • Check out targetcareers.co.uk, your teacher. teachers, tutors or careers officer ucas.com and university websites if • Draw up a list of questions to ask about arranging one with an you’re considering uni. them. Aim to find out what they do employer in the relevant career area. • Search for any careers fairs near you day to day, the skills they use, the • If you’re considering uni, you could – or ask your teachers – so that you best and worst bits of their career, attend a summer school or taster can go along and speak to and different ways to get into it. course. employers in the industry. • Contact them to see whether they • Seek out employers that offer work would be interested in answering experience during the holidays. See some questions by email. the employer overviews from page 58 onwards to find opportunities. Your school or college will also have a list of local employers. • For each experience, keep a note of what you did during your time there and what you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy.

Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 40 CAREER STORIES My site management degree apprenticeship

TILLY CASEY JOB Production (site) Career management trainee EMPLOYER Wates PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 10 GCSEs, 3 A levels

On my A level results day, I got into my stories first-choice university and was offered an apprenticeship at Wates. It was a hard decision as I was the only one from my school not to go to university, but I knew that an apprenticeship would suit me Nine apprentices and university students better. I wanted to work, earn money and get a degree. tell you about their experiences... and Life on site whether they’re happy with their choices. I started my apprenticeship in September 2018. I joined a project working on the head office of a diamond company. We’ve stripped back the existing concrete structure and now we’re extending it outwards and upwards. There are a lot of things going on every day and it’s like a puzzle trying to fit all the pieces together, so it helps that I have a good memory! We work against a programme, which is a huge timetable of work that needs to be completed. I attend progress meetings and every Friday I work out what work has and hasn’t been completed and how we can progress the work to the stage we need it at. It can be stressful on site but it’s also fun and everyone is really nice and caring. I like to be on site as much as possible to take it all in and ask questions. Whenever one of the production team is on site, I’ll shadow them. All the site managers are doing different things and I want to learn everything. Health and safety is a big part of my role. I must ensure that everyone is working correctly and, the more I learn, the easier it is for me to understand what’s right and wrong. I’ve even become a qualified first aider and a fire marshall. I go to college for a week every three months. For the first two years of my apprenticeship, I’ll be working towards an HNC and, in the following three years, I’ll study for a degree in construction management. From there, I can build up my skills and knowledge and hopefully become a construction manager one day. If I’d gone to university, I’d have been uncertain on what to do after finishing my degree, but I know where my career is taking me.

Missing friends and making new ones I moved from Hull to London for the apprenticeship, which is somewhere I always wanted to move to. I didn’t like my first house share but I’ve moved to a better place now. The hardest thing for me is probably not being in the same place as my friends. They’re all at university, we have different lifestyles and it takes a lot of time and money to travel across the country to see them. I’ve met a lot of new friends through work, though. I’m particularly close to one girl and we’re going on holiday to Mykonos.

Advice for apprentices In an interview, give yourself a minute to think about what you’re going to say. It will help you structure your answer and stop you saying ‘ah’ or ‘erm’ halfway through. In the workplace, try to be confident – pretend if you need to. If you’re confident in what you’re saying, people will be more confident listening to you.

ROUTE Á Á Degree IN GCSEs A levels apprenticeship

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 41 My bricklaying My property surveying apprenticeship degree apprenticeship

JACK HAMMICK SUBA SHANMAGAVEL JOB Apprentice bricklayer JOB Surveying apprentice EMPLOYER Barratt London EMPLOYER JLL PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 8 GCSEs, 2 A levels, 2 BTECs 9 GCSEs, BTEC level 3

I deferred my university place for a year to None of my family work in property and work for a youth and education charity. I visited a few of my friends I didn’t have much knowledge of it, but I applied for a job at an at university and, while it was fun for a weekend, I decided that I estate agent in London. I worked there for just over a year before wouldn’t enjoy being there full time. The idea of being in debt made deciding that I wanted a career change. I researched routes into me anxious and living in messy halls didn’t appeal! surveying and found the apprenticeship at JLL. I didn’t want to My dad is a bricklayer, my brother is a carpenter and a few of my sacrifice earning a wage, so one of the biggest draws for me was mates became scaffolders and electricians, so I knew I could earn a getting a degree without going back to full-time education. decent living in construction, and doing an apprenticeship offered Always on the go me further qualifications and a higher earning potential. The assessment day for my apprenticeship was focused on how Climbing up the ladder I could write and communicate. I think this is because property is My interview at Barratt London was with a project director. I was all about people and relationships. My best piece of advice would asked questions such as ‘Why do you want the apprenticeship?’ and be to get there early so you’re not in a rush; I wish I’d arrived five ‘Why bricklaying?’. I found out the same day that I’d been successful. minutes earlier! I was already based in London, so I didn’t have to relocate. I’ve been on my apprenticeship for nearly five months now. I’m I’m on site every day and so far I’ve worked on four sites. in the agency team and my job is to get space rented. Every I was based in Catford first, then Surrey Quays. I then moved onto morning, I’ll check my emails as there’s usually a backlog. Agencies Blackfriars Circus, a tower block in South London. I really enjoyed representing clients will put out a requirement for a space to rent, this project as the brickwork was quite intricate, with glazed bricks such as 12,000 square feet in Mayfair, and I respond with all the and a semi-circular feature – it’s gone on to win several brickwork options we have. I’m usually out of the office for an hour or two awards. I’m currently on a site in Upton Park. every day to conduct viewings. Most spaces are blank canvases I completed my intermediate apprenticeship in my first two with no desks, carpets or painted walls, so I need to help the client years and I’m doing my advanced apprenticeship now. I’ll end up see how they can use the space. It’s important to be knowledgeable with an NVQ level 3 and am hoping to progress onto the site about the property or you won’t be taken seriously, so I always manager programme. I’m now shadowing a site manager, which prepare beforehand. involves overseeing the progression of the work, coordinating the I like how quickly the time goes by and how sociable my job is. different trades (plumbers, electricians, dryliners, painters and My team sits on the same bank of desks, no matter how senior carpenters) and dealing with health and safety issues. I also jump people are, so we can easily tell each other about what’s back to the brickwork to keep my skills sharp. happening. We regularly go out for drinks after work and whenever a new property comes onto the market we host a launch event at Going to college breakfast or lunch. I go to the building crafts college in Stratford twice a week. I have half I’ll spend up to a year and a half in the agency team and then I’ll a dozen modules a year, which are assessed through theory exams move to a different team, such as property management, lease and practical assessments. I basically have a list of models I need to advisory or valuations. I’m quite keen to experience the investment build to pass the course. One of my favourites was a small panel that side of things. involved lots of different brickwork features: plinth bricks, tumbling, Studying online oversailing, flaunching, bricks ‘on edge’ and Victorian basket weave. I’m studying online for a degree in real estate management. I’m I’ve also been on training courses for first aid, manual handling, on- given one day every week to study and I tend to stay at home so site management, and CAT and Genny (how you detect buried I don’t get distracted. I’m given material to read (I can buy the services, such as underground cables and pipework). books or use the university’s e-library) and there is a weekly The biggest challenge of my job is probably the winter. Working webinar. I’m also given tasks to work through, such as a quiz or a on the 26th storey of scaffolding in the cold took a bit of getting video to watch. used to! However, I love that my job is hands-on and bricklayers work in ‘gangs’, so there’s a lot more camaraderie than in some Advice for apprentices other trades. I’m proud of winning a regional apprentice of the year Be willing to take on different tasks. Instead of thinking ‘Oh no, award and receiving an annual brickwork award from my college. I can’t do this’, just ask somebody to run you through it. You should Doing this apprenticeship was definitely right for me. I’ve got my also be a little bit of a sponge. You can absorb a lot of knowledge by CSCS card now, which is my ticket to work on any construction site listening, asking questions, saying hello to people and growing in the country, and I can now move into management. your network and helping out where you can.

Intermediate ROUTE BTECs + ROUTE Degree GCSEs ÁA levels Á apprenticeship + GCSEs Á BTEC Á IN advanced apprenticeship IN apprenticeship

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 FUTUREWISE Direct A career guidance and higher education programme

When it comes to career choices, are you feeling a little lost?

FUTUREWISE Direct is a career guidance and planning programme from Inspiring Futures that helps young people from age 15 to 23 to explore their career aspirations and make informed decisions about their future. FUTUREWISE helps students to:

Make decisions on Understand how your Consider university subject choices. strengths, interests and options and alternatives personality fit together. to higher education.

Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk/futurewise Part of Group 43 My architecture My nuclear engineering degree course degree apprenticeship

SASHA SWANNELL GEORGIA GANNON DEGREE BA architecture JOB Nuclear degree apprentice UNIVERSITY Newcastle University EMPLOYER Ministry of Defence, DE&S PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 11 GCSEs, 10 GCSEs, 3 A levels 1 AS level, 2 A levels, 1 BTEC

I thought architecture would be a good I’ve always been interested in engineering. combination of my A levels: art, physics and maths, so I decided to My dad is an electrical engineer and we did a lot of engineering try it out through some work experience while at school. I spent a activities together when I was younger. I went to university but week at a local architecture practice and my school put me in touch I left after two days. I wasn’t enjoying it and I thought ‘Why am with a parent who was a practising architect. I applied for work I paying all this money to get no work experience, no salary and no experience at their practice in London, where I spent a week trips?’. I had a gap year and worked in retail to earn some money creatively redesigning a train station. while looking at what to do next. When I found the nuclear degree I’m currently in the second year of my bachelors degree at apprenticeship at DE&S, I couldn’t believe my luck. The nuclear Newcastle University, which is accredited by the Architects section of my physics A level was by far my favourite, but not a lot Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects of universities offer undergraduate degrees in nuclear engineering. (RIBA). This is stage one of three on the route to becoming a qualified architect. After graduating, I’ll need to get 12 months’ work Study, work and seeing confidential projects experience, so my plan is to spend at least a year working for an I spent the first year of my apprenticeship at college five days a architecture practice (and hopefully I’ll spend some time travelling in week. I started my foundation degree with UWE Bristol and Europe to learn about other types of architecture) before studying completed my level 2 NVQ in performing engineering operations. for part two, which is a two-year masters programme. I had exams on topics such as engineering maths and electrical principles and completed practical work such as milling and Life as an architecture student welding. Now I’m in my second year, I’ve started working at the My degree is creative and focuses a lot on design work. My first Ministry of Defence (MOD) and I go to UWE once a week to study for year taught me the fundamentals of architecture, such as how to my degree in nuclear engineering. draw architecturally (by hand and through computer software), I’m a nuclear apprentice on the electrical side, so I work on how to think spatially and the history of architecture. My second- submarines and strategic weapons. My apprenticeship is split into year modules explore more specific design and building six-month placements to get a feel for the different teams within techniques, including sustainable construction. nuclear. I’m currently working on an electrical system that has an My design work so far includes a market for the university issue. I need to come up with some design solutions, whittle the campus, a self-sufficient hut in Kielder Forest and a residential area options down to a final design, refine it, get the parts, build it and in Leith, Edinburgh. These all involved trips to the sites to take test it. This is really cool as it’s rare to work on a project from start photos, record videos, sketch ideas and take measurements. It is to end – submarines take up to 30 years to complete! important for any architect to understand their site before doing My job involves regular trips to different MOD bases. I’ve been on any design work. Currently, I’m designing a four-storey residential three different submarines and I’ve even seen a new submarine building for fine artists, which contains a public art gallery. being built. I’ve been on a group trip to one of the biggest fusion I usually have four two-hour lectures a week (and the occasional reactors in the world and I’ve been on courses such as project seminar), but I spend most of my time in the studio working on my management and a two-week nuclear introductory course. I’m also design projects. The tutors are there talk to me about my work and going to Washington DC soon to witness the trial of a system I’m give their advice on how I can progress. It’s up to you how much working on. I’m so excited. Going on these trips and seeing time you spend in the studio: I like to spend around eight hours a day confidential things that other people can’t see is fantastic. at university and enjoy evenings and weekends off. I’m assessed through illustrated essays (they include sketches and diagrams) Tips for success and ‘crits’ (where I present my work on a wall and talk my tutors Be prepared for interviews. I did a lot of research online and had through it). At the end of each year, I produce a portfolio (a book of more information than they wanted, but I think it helped me stand everything I’ve done that year), which makes up most of my grade. out. My interviewers even asked me ‘How did you know that?’. The social side Don’t worry about what other people are doing on the day. I was in I chose to study at Newcastle for several reasons, but mainly a difficult group at my assessment centre: they shot down my because I wanted to live in a new city and become more ideas and wouldn’t listen to me, but I was the only member of that independent. One of the best things about university is the social group to get through. Once you’ve started your apprenticeship, life. I joined the water polo club and I’m on the committee for the don’t doubt yourself and just try your best. Nobody can be architecture society. The rest of the time, I’ll hang out with my annoyed at you for that. Always volunteer for things, such as going friends – we often go to live music events. My family also love to apprentice shows and events. If you show your enthusiasm, visiting and I go home during the holidays. you’ll go far.

ROUTE Á Á ROUTE Á BTEC + Á Degree IN GCSEs A levels University IN GCSEs A levels apprenticeship

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 44 My quantity surveying My civil engineering degree apprenticeship apprenticeship

JAMES ANDERTON RUTH WATSON JOB Assistant cost manager JOB Civil engineering apprentice (quantity surveyor) EMPLOYER Mott MacDonald EMPLOYER Turner & Townsend PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 11 GCSEs, 1 AS level, 3 A levels 11 GCSEs, 1 AS level, 3 A levels

I kind of fell into my career. Every year, I originally planned to study engineering my school threw a careers fair and, almost out of desperation at at university, but a family member became ill during my A levels the lack of a path in my life, I went. I met a representative from the and I didn’t do as well as I had hoped to. I was quite worried at first Engineering Development Trust, which runs a programme where but after researching options online, I found out about civil school leavers complete a year of work experience with a company engineering apprenticeships. Looking back, an apprenticeship was before deciding what to do next. They arranged interviews with best for me. I’m a hands-on learner so applying what I’m doing at different companies and I accepted an offer from Turner & college straight away at work has been great. Townsend to work in its health and safety department. When the My gap year and applications year came to an end, I was very happy to stay. I took a gap year after sixth form. I spent six weeks travelling in Turner & Townsend operates a hot-desking system (people don’t South East Asia and three months volunteering in South America, have a set desk). My move into quantity surveying came about so I applied for apprenticeships while I was in Bolivia. My when a senior cost manager sat next to me one day and we got application to Mott MacDonald started with an online application. talking. He suggested I pursue an apprenticeship in cost I answered five or six questions about me, my passions and career management and he is now my mentor. goals. I then went to its office to take a maths and English test. The From the office to the hockey pitch final stage was an interview. I think I stood out because I could My job is to get the best value for money for a client’s construction show I was passionate about engineering. While at school, I’d project. I measure the elements of the project (such as floor areas, attended a Headstart course in chemical engineering and a women foundations and wall heights) and make sure we’re using the most in engineering event. cost-effective materials and methods to build it. I then provide Working and living in Leeds estimates of the final cost so that my clients know how large their I moved away from home for my apprenticeship as it is based in budget needs to be. Construction projects can take a long time and Leeds. Luckily, I had friends at university in Leeds, so I moved into have many different stages of development. I chip in at different a student house with th em. Th e hard est part ha s been not going stages on different jobs. I’m mostly office-based but I do go out home as much as them (they have long holidays), but it’s great to onto sites to complete valuations (evaluating how much a project be able to socialise with them. has cost so far) or to attend large site meetings. I am in the reservoir team at Mott MacDonald Bentley. I’ve I’ve worked on several projects, including various jobs for St worked on various reservoir safety projects in North Yorkshire: George’s Park (the FA’s national football centre), the refurbishment I’m currently investigating a reservoir that has had issues with its of a school in Wolverhampton and multiple university buildings, valves and penstocks and how we can make it safe again. My job including the Sinclair Building at Oxford Brookes University and involves completing calculations, drawing up designs (using 3D various projects for the University of Warwick. modelling), planning and project management. I also meet with My employer sponsors me to go to Nottingham Trent University clients and site teams and I try to visit the site once a week. once a week to study for my degree in quantity surveying and construction commercial management. I need to study in my spare Building up my knowledge time, especially close to deadlines. If I stay on top of it, it’s only an hour I go to college one day a week from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm for three or two at the weekend. It’s important to ‘work smart’ so I can limit how three-hour lessons. We’re taught the content in the first half of much work I do at home. For example, I have a long commute to work, each class and spend the second half working on assignments. so I create flip cards that I use to revise on the train. This gives me I try to get all my assignments done at college so I’m free to go to more free time to have a social life and play hockey. the pub of an eve nin g and do wh at I want at the weekend. My employer also provides training: I’ve been on a course on a The highlights drawing software, and I regularly attend sessions on topics such as The start of my apprenticeship was hard as I knew nothing about 3D modelling and corrosion. When I finish my apprenticeship, I’ll quantity surveying but, as time has gone on, receiving positive have a level 5 BTEC in civil engineering and then I’ll do a top-up year feedback on the work that I’ve done is great. I love seeing myself to get my degree. progress and improve. For example, my team on the school in I came into the industry with no knowledge of civil engineering, Wolverhampton won the internal Team of the Year award. I’ve but I’ve learned so much in a year. Completing my first calculation matured a lot and my apprenticeship has given me more was an important achievement for me. It took me a week to complete motivation. It’s also given me a goal: becoming a chartered it, but now I feel comfortable doing calculations. I was also recently quantity surveyor and rising up the ranks. named the New Civil Engineering Apprentice of the Year!

ROUTE Á Á Degree ROUTE Higher IN GCSEs A levels apprenticeship IN GCSEs Á A levels Á apprenticeship

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 Inssppgiring the nexxt generation We have exciting opportunnities to join our apprennticeship programmes, designed to give you thee skills you need to become a qualified cable jjooiitnter, electricalltilfitt fitter or overhead linespeerson in the power distribution industry. Find out more ukkpowernetworkscareers.co.uk [email protected]

Linesman Dispatchers ukpowernetworks.co.uk Available online at targetcareers.co.uk 47 My building services My electrical fitting engineering apprenticeship apprenticeship

BRETT WHITEHEAD DARBIE HUGHES JOB Mechanical engineer JOB Electrical fitting apprentice EMPLOYER AECOM EMPLOYER UK Power Networks PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 10 GCSEs, 1 AS level, 3 A levels 11 GCSEs, 1 BTEC level 2, 3 BTECs level 3

I spent my school work experience week I’d always been into IT and science, so at a construction firm, which confirmed my interest in the area. I knew I wanted to do something technical; with my A levels it I started looking into apprenticeships in my final year of A levels as wouldn’t have made sense if I suddenly decided to become a my January exams didn’t go as well as planned, but gaining further dancer! I was sure that I didn’t want to spend another three years qualifications was important to me. I searched online for sat in a classroom, so I decided to look for something more apprenticeships near me and found AECOM’s St Albans office. practical than university. My uncle works for UK Power Networks Building my career and so I was lucky he was able to sit me down and run me through what his job involved and how the company owned and maintained I’m a mechanical engineer and I’m part of the MEP (mechanical, power cables and substations, which deliver electricity to more electrical and plumbing) design team. When I first joined the company than 8 million homes and businesses across the south-east, in 2012 I spent four days a week at work and one day at college. I was London and east of England. Electrical fitting wasn’t an area that I assisting with tasks such as using CAD software to produce and had been interested in before, but after speaking to him I felt update drawings and doing basic calculations, such as thermal comfortable that UK Power Networks would be a place where I modelling and ductwork or pipework sizing. I completed my HNC (the could have a career. I applied for an apprenticeship. first part of my apprenticeship) in 2014 and went on to study for my After uploading my CV to an o nline application form, I had an BEng degree in building services engineering, which I finished just online video interview, an interview with a group of other over a year ago. At the same time as progressing in my studies, I was candidates and an interview with a panel of recruiters. This was able to take on additional responsibilities and climb the career ladder. followed by a residential assessment centre, in which we did I’m now leading the mechanical design for projects. exercises designed to assess our skills. The whole process was During my apprenticeship I worked on venues for the Rio 2016 unlike anything I’d done before, but it gave me a chance to meet Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Al Wakrah Stadium for the 2022 and bond with the people I’d be spending the apprenticeship with. FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Old Bailey in London. The project I’m currently leading is the mechanical design for the refurbishment of Life as an apprentice the British Embassy in Washington. It’s incredible to work on these Most of the first year of my apprenticeship was spent in training, projects and point them out to my family when they’re on the TV. I which involved a lot of travelling to different training centres and also get a lot of job satisfaction out of the more practical projects. staying in hotels. I also attended college in Somerset to work I’ve worked on a hospital, which will save thousands of lives. I’m towards my professional qualification in power engineering, which based in the office, but I go out to site every now and then, including I did in month-long blocks. Balancing studying with training and a recent trip to Washington. I’m not sure I’d have got this much work was never an issue for me, but it did take a while to get used to experience and responsibility by now if I’d gone to university. spending so long away from home. It was definitely a big, sudden Now that I’ve finished my degree, my focus is on becoming a change, but I’m glad I took this risk. I’ve gained qualifications in chartered engineer – hopefully in two years’ time. As an engineer, areas such as street works, confined spaces and manual handling. continued professional development (CPD) is important to keep my My highlight of the apprenticeship so far was when my entire intake skills and knowledge up-to-date. For example, my employer runs found out we had passed our qualifications at the same time. It was weekly sessions on new technologies or systems, new regulations a real relief to find that all our effort had paid off. or general industry developments. I’m now in the third year of my apprenticeship. I spend my time How to be the best apprentice out on site being supervised by crafts people, helping to keep Be enthusiastic. You as a person, your passion and your work ethic electrical substations up and running. I love that I am getting a real are more important than technical knowledge at this stage. taste of what working in fitting is like. When a fault occurs, I’m able Dedicate time to your studies. I used to allocate a day at the to put the theory that I’ve learned into practice and fix the problem. weekend. During exam time, my employer gave me a day’s study I’m gaining experience and qualifications and it’s a foot in the door leave per exam and I booked some more time off as I wanted to get at a massive company. I would love to take my ambition as far as the top grades. You do have to put your personal life on hold during I can, and aspire to one day become a fully qualified engineer. exam periods but it’s no different to A levels or university. Advice to students Work to your strengths but appreciate your weaknesses and Put yourself out there and talk to people! Hearing first hand from work on them. Ask questions about the tasks you’re given or when people is the best way to learn about the opportunities open to you. you’re not sure of something. This is how you learn and become In a new situation, stand out and impress employers by talking to more useful to your team. your colleagues and be the most helpful person you can be.

ROUTE GCSEs + Á Higher ÁSponsored ROUTE GCSEs Á BTECs Á Advanced IN A levels apprenticeship degree IN apprenticeship

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 48

APPLYING TO UNI

Brighten up your uni Write about… • What you find interesting about the personal statement subject (you don’t need to define the subject). • Anything practical you’ve done that ties into your course: if you are dmissions tutors use the Be yourself applying for an automotive UCAS personal statement Don’t be tempted to copy someone engineering course and you’ve rebuilt to decide who to invite to else’s statement: UCAS has software to engines in your spare time, say so. an interview or to make pick up on this and the tutors Any industry work experience – but offers to, so use the space genuinely want to hear about you. • relevant work experience isn’t Awisely. Here’s what you need to essential. include in your 4,000 characters. Think beyond school or college Anything about your previous Universities want to see that your • subjects that made you feel this What admissions tutors want interest in your chosen subject extends course is right for you. Admissions tutors want to know the to your hobbies and free time. For Any topics you have read about that answer to these three questions, which example, you might enjoy reading • are relevant to the subject, including you can use to structure your statement: industry magazines or websites. articles published by professional • why do you want to study the course? Explain how you’ve learned from these bodies, or any discussions you have • what have you done that makes you experiences. had with professionals in the suitable for the course? industry. • what else have you done that means Applying for different courses Specific career goals if you have them you will do well on the course and If you are applying for a number of • (use pages 19–35 to find out more contribute to the university? courses, you should avoid the specifics about job roles). Tutors want to see examples of of individual courses and talk about How any work experience, part-time what has sparked and developed your what interests you about engineering, • jobs or extracurricular activities have interest in the subject, and that you construction or property as a whole. developed skills that will help you on have the skills to cope with the You can find more tips at the course and at university. For demands of the course and university targetcareers.co.uk. example, many construction, life. They also want you to explain engineering and property courses how and why they have include group assessments so you influenced you. Find out more at could write about how your time playing football has developed your targetcareers.co.uk teamworking skills.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 49 APPLYING TO UNI Your interview blueprint – what to expect Likely interview questions

You might be asked about your efore deciding to offer you employer sponsored, you will also meet reasons for applying, for example: a place, some universities and be asked questions by different HR Why do you want to study this invite you for an interview managers to match you to an employer. • (sometimes known as a The interview days vary in how subject specifically (as opposed recruitment day or formal they are, but it’s wise to dress to a similar one)? Bassessment). This is more likely if you smartly. At heart, the interview is just • Why have you applied to this are applying for an engineering course a conversation, so prepare answers to university in particular? and will definitely be the case if you typical questions (see the box on the • Tell us about a construction/ are applying for a course that is right) but don’t be afraid to ask your engineering/property news story sponsored by an employer. own questions to find out more about you’ve read. the subject, the course and what • What do you expect to get out of the What happens on the day recent graduates do now. course and the university? Many universities invite a number of • Why did you choose your A levels students on the same day and give Group and technical exercises (or equivalent)? them a tour of the faculty and campus, The interviewers want to see how • What are your interests outside with lots of opportunities to meet passionate you are about the subject of studying? current students. You are often also and whether you have the ability to given a group exercise to complete and learn while on the course. So they You might be asked for your thoughts an individual interview, which can last may use group exercises to see how about your future career, for example: between 20 minutes and an hour. Your you would discuss topics in class (be • Do you have any career goals? interviewers will be admissions friendly, be interested, contribute, but What are they? tutors/lecturers but, if the course is don’t talk over others) and may ask • What roles would this degree you technical questions (don’t worry qualify you to do? if you go wrong: the lecturers are • What does a [eg quantity surveyor] more interested in your workings and do? What would you do day to day whether you respond to their hints). in the role? • What skills would you need in order to be a good [eg quantity surveyor]?

If you have applied for an engineering Find out more at or another maths-based degree, targetcareers.co.uk you might also be asked: • Maths or physics questions (typically from the A level syllabus). • To apply your knowledge of maths or physics to the outside world – an example question from the University of Oxford requires you to consider the engineering design of a vertical-faced gravity dam wall and discuss the forces acting on the wall.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 50 APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS Preparing your application toolkit

nce you’ve found the training you’ll receive and the work they involve. Take some time to think perfect apprenticeship for you’ll be doing. Come up with two or of one or two examples of times when you, it’s time to apply! You three reasons why this opportunity you’ve demonstrated each of these. will usually need to fill out will help you to reach your career You don’t typically need technical an application form (see goals and why the structure and qualifications (such as a level 2 or 3 Opage 55) and/or submit a CV and content of the apprenticeship is perfect NVQ) to get an apprenticeship, but, if covering letter (see pages for you. You can also link back to you do, be prepared for employers to 52–54). If you’re successful, you are your work experience, volunteering ask about these. Brush up on your likely to be invited to an interview or and activities in school/college and technical skills and get ready to show assessment centre (see pages 56–57). outside. What do you enjoy doing and them off in your applications and But, before you do any of that, you what are you good at? How does this during interviews and assessment need to assemble your application match up with your decision to seek centres. toolkit. work in that industry? A few finishing touches Employer research Evidence of your skills and strengths • There is usually a set word limit for Go to the employer’s website and You can’t just say that you have the each answer on the application make notes on what the company skills employers want – you need to form: be careful not to go over. At does, any recent products or projects give examples. You could draw them the same time, you shouldn’t write that interest you, what your job will from school/college, your family, very short responses that don’t give involve, the training you’ll receive and sports teams, part-time job(s), work the employer enough to go on. the skills you’ll need. You should also experience, the Guides, Scouts or read up on industry news, especially Cadets, other hobbies or community any recent news stories that relate to activities. Apprenticeship listings will the employer. Think about how you often list the skills that are especially would use any of this information to important but the table opposite answer questions such as ‘What do shows some of the common skills that you know about us?’ or ‘Why do you employers are looking for and what want to work for us?’

Reasons for applying At any point during the application process, you could be asked questions along the lines of ‘Why do you want this apprenticeship?’. You can prepare by coming up with three or four reasons. Look carefully at the apprenticeship listing and pay attention to the qualifications and

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 51 The skills worth showing off

COMMUNICATION Can you choose the right form of communication for the situation in hand (eg face to face, phone call, email)? Can you adapt your communication style depending on who you are talking to (eg a friend, a customer, your Find out more at boss)? Can you adapt your communication style according to what you need to achieve (eg to inspire targetcareers.co.uk teammates before a game)? Are you able to talk confidently in front of a group? Can you write a report?

• Make sure you proofread your application – or ask somebody you TEAMWORK Have you worked successfully in groups? Do you help trust (your parents or your teacher) your teammates out if they are struggling or encourage if they would be happy to. Even quiet members to speak up? Do you consider how your when you’re applying online, it’s actions affect others? Can you create a positive still worth printing off a hard copy atmosphere? of your application to check it through. Sometimes you can spot errors on a printed page that are easy to miss on screen. PLANNING AND Do you think ahead and set out action plans? Do you • At an interview, the employer is ORGANISATION make a ‘plan B’ in case ‘plan A’ doesn’t work out? Can you likely to ask you about the prioritise and juggle tasks to meet deadlines? Can you information you’ve provided in your give examples from outside your academic work? application form. So, before you

submit your initial application, make sure you keep a copy of it. That way, you can look over it before your interview and refresh COMMERCIAL Do you understand how the company you are applying to your memory on what you wrote. AWARENESS makes money? Do you know how your job would contribute to that?

SELF-MOTIVATION Are you able to motivate yourself to do something? Have you set yourself a personal target and then achieved it?

PROBLEM SOLVING Have you found ways around obstacles? Do you suggest solutions and figure out new ways of doing things? Can you judge when to ask for help?

CUSTOMER SERVICE Have you had experience of working with clients or customers? Do you know how to communicate professionally? Have you successfully handled angry or troublesome customers?

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 52

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS The foundations of a strong CV

hether you’re • Employment history and work You don’t need to say ‘Curriculum Vitae’ at thinking of applying experience – another must-have. the start of your CV. Begin with your name. for work experience, You could present this as two an entry-level job, an separate sections. apprenticeship or a • Voluntary work. You could give this Include contact details: phone numbers, Wtraining programme, chances are you’ll its own separate heading, create a need to put together a CV. This is a ‘Work experience and voluntary an address and an email address (make standard part of the application work’ section, or give details of sure this is sensible and sounds process and helps to give employers a your voluntary work in your professional). You don’t need to include clear idea of whether your written ‘Interests’ section. your date of birth, your age or a photo. communication skills are up to • Skills. When you are describing your scratch. Your CV needs to be easy to work experience and voluntary read and understand; it should cover activities, look for ways to highlight If you’ve attended more than one all the necessary information and skills such as communication and secondary school or college, list the most shouldn’t include any spelling and teamworking. If you have specific recent first. You don’t need to include your grammar mistakes that will put the relevant skills you can draw primary school. recruiter off. attention to them by putting them in There is no one right way to put a section of their own. together a CV. There are some • Strengths and achievements. You standard headings that you will find could give these a section of their own, If the work experience or job you are useful and there are some common or cover them in the other sections. applying for specifies that you need errors you need to avoid. However, specific exam grades, show that you have you can adapt the format to suit you What to avoid them. If you haven’t achieved much in the and reflect your strengths. A CV is a • Most importantly of all, don’t lie. way of qualifications and have shown you personal document and everybody’s If you’re found out you could lose meet the requirements, you could list the CV is different. your job and, even worse, in some subjects you studied without including You should also update your CV cases you might be liable for your grades and concentrate on for each job application and adapt it criminal prosecution. highlighting your strengths in other areas. to show you have the qualities and • Don’t waffle. Your CV should be no qualifications the employer is longer than two pages and at this specifically looking for. stage it’s more likely to be one page, as in our example. You can use Employers will be keen to find out about Key sections to include bullet points and you don’t have to your skills, for example, IT skills, team Our example CV will give you ideas use full sentences. working, customer service and and help you get started. It has notes • Don’t be too fancy or too informal. communication skills. If it’s relevant to the on the level of detail you need to Describe what you can do in a role, mention that you have a full clean include, how your CV might evolve direct, confident way. Use a driving licence (if you have). over time and some optional extras. professional-looking font such as This is the basic information you need Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana to cover: or Cambria. • Personal details and contact • Don’t leave in typos. Check your Putting any voluntary work you have done information – this is essential. spelling and grammar and get on your CV helps to create the impression • Education – again, essential. Our somebody you trust to read your CV that you are committed and motivated. CV uses ‘Education and and check it again. Employers spend Include any fundraising, involvement in qualifications’ as a heading. If you 30 seconds on average scanning a teams, positions of responsibility and have done a relevant training course CV, so make sure you don’t give awards. you could highlight this by using them any reasons to reject you based ‘Training’ as a separate heading. on a silly mistake.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 53

Find out more at targetcareers.co.uk

JOHN THORPE If you aren’t writing a covering letter, you can include a personal statement at the 17a Christmas Way, Abingdon, Oxon OX99 2PQ beginning of your CV that describes your strengths and why you are interested in Email: [email protected] the career. If you do this, keep it brief – Tel: 01449 123456 Mobile: 07759 234567 ideally two to three lines and not more than 60 words. We’ve started this CV with education and qualifications instead. Education and qualifications Employers will expect to see education 2012–present Abingdon Secondary School and qualifications covered near the top of A levels (predicted): maths (B), physics (C), chemistry (C) your CV. BTEC level 2 diploma in engineering (Merit) GSCEs: maths (A), physics (A), chemistry (B), biology (C), English literature (C), English language (B), geography (C), IT (B) Employers won’t expect you to have lots of relevant work experience, but they will be Employment and work experience interested in any that you do have. Give 2018 (two-week placement, August) Civil Engineers & Building Design, some details about what you learned and High Street, Abingdon contributed. Shadowed design team and attended design meetings. Used technical computer programs, including AutoCAD 2018. Helped to compile reports for clients. Performed necessary administrative tasks and gained an understanding of all departments. You can provide a brief description of any full-time or part-time jobs you have had, 2018 (July) South Oxfordshire Holiday Park, Wallingford explaining your responsibilities and Helped caretaker with repairs and maintenance, including cleaning and achievements. gardening. 2015–present Customer service assistant, Tesco, Abingdon (part time) Working on the checkout and at the customer service desk. Has helped develop my commercial awareness and communication skills. You don’t have to include a section on your interests, but this can be a good way to IT skills tell employers about your strengths and Good working knowledge of AutoCAD 2018, Excel and Word. give them a sense of what you might be Interests like to work with. I am a keen footballer and have played in the school team for the last five years. In the year I was captain (2016) we came second in the county league. I have volunteered as a football coach at local primary schools’ You don’t have to include this. Employers after-school clubs and have tried and enjoyed many other outdoor will assume you have references and will activities, including kayaking and climbing. follow them up if you get through to the next stage. You definitely don’t need to References available upon request include contact details for them.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 54

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS The key to a well-crafted covering letter

J Smith & Co covering letter is a letter or Construction John Thorpe email that you send in 20 Construction Rd, 17a Christmas Way, with your CV to explain Oxford Abingdon why you are the right Oxon Oxon OX99 1AB person for the vacancy OX99 2PQ Aand why you want to work for that employer in particular. If you are 19 March 2019

sending your CV via email or through the post (rare nowadays), you must Dear Mr Smith,

also send in a covering letter. If you are applying for an apprenticeship via an First paragraph: State the vacancy you are applying for and where you saw it. For example: online application form, you might be ‘I am writing to apply for your construction management trainee scheme, which I saw given the option of uploading a advertised on targetcareers.co.uk state what you are looking for. For .’example: If you are not applying for an advertised vacancy, covering letter – if so, do so. It’s an to offer me a week’s work experience.’ ‘I am writing to see whether you would be able opportunity to show employers how

much you want the role. Second and third paragraphs: There are two ways to send your experience (if you have any) to Write succeed about in howthe role.you haveRefer the to the skills, skills qualities, and qualities atti asked covering letter via email and both for in the job description. If there isn’t one, use the skills listed on page 51 as a startingtude and ways are equally fine unless the point. You should back up your claims with examples of when you demonstrated those employer has specifically asked for one skills, expanding on details from your CV. For example: way: and qualities to excel on your trainee scheme. I have ‘Ideveloped believe that the I leadershiphave the right potential skills 1. Attach both the CV and the you’ve asked for through my involvement with Explorers. I was part of the Young Leaders covering letter as MS Word Scheme and helped to run Scout meetings. For example, I led a session on...’ documents or PDFs to your email. Fourth paragraph: Make the email a brief message Give reasons for wanting to work at that employer and in this role in particular. You could mention projects that the company has worked on, the training offered saying that your application for the by the company, the qualifications you would gain, the company’s values or something vacancy (give the relevant details) is else that attracts you. Link your reasons to your career ambitions. For example: attached. applying to J Smith & Company because I really want to work and learn in a company that 2. Write the whole of the covering takes on innovative projects, such as the 2 George Street project. I was impressed ‘I am by how letter directly into the email. Attach you retained the Grade II listed exterior while making the interior more environmentally your CV. friendly...’

Follow these formatting rules Final paragraph: Finish by thanking them for considering your application and stating If you can, address it to a specific when you’d be available for interview and when you’d be able to start if hired.

person responsible for hiring, eg ‘Dear Yours sincerely, Mr Smith’. If you aren’t given a name, address it to ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Sign John Thorpe off the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ if it is to a named person and ‘Yours faithfully’ if to Sir/Madam. Include your home address and the date in the Make it specific to the role top right corner of the letter if the The secret to a covering letter is to covering letter is in a separate make it very specific to the company is addressed to, your letter isn’t document. If your covering letter is the and the vacancy you are applying to. specific enough. The example above text of an email, include your contact If you can send in the same covering should help you to ‘tailor’ your letter details at the end. Your letter shouldn’t letter to a different company purely by to the role and make recruiters want to be longer than one page of A4. changing the name of the company it interview you.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 55 APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS Get up to speed with application forms

pplication forms are Talking about what you’re good at Common tests you may usually the first stage in and what you enjoy will help you encounter include: apprenticeship and explain why you are interested in a • Numerical reasoning tests. These training programme certain industry or career path. Refer tests will check your basic maths applications. The format to specific details of the work or skills, as well as your ability to Aof the form and the questions asked training that the employer is offering understand graphs, data and will change depending on the and match these to your career statistics. If maths isn’t your strong employer and the opportunity. Most ambitions. point, a GCSE maths revision guide forms will firstly ask you to fill in your can help you prepare. contact details and information about Why are you the right choice? • Verbal reasoning tests. These see your education, your personal Show employers you’ve got the skills whether you can understand background and your work experience for the job and back up your complex written information. history. The form may also give you statements with evidence. These Can you pick out and interpret the option of uploading your CV and examples don’t have to be from work information from written statements covering letter. experience: you can talk about and arguments? Take your time to answer extracurricular activities, school, • Situational judgement tests and application questions. Make sure that volunteering, hobbies or things you’ve personality questionnaires. Rather there are no simple mistakes in your done with your family. When talking than testing a specific skill, these answers. You may want to type your about times when you’ve worked in a assessments ask how you would answer into a word processing app or group, focus on what you did to behave in a specific situation and program. You can then see if your contribute to the team’s success. what you would be like to work answer meets a word count and print with. It’s always best to answer with off a copy to check for mistakes. Pay Online assessments an honest response. attention to the employer’s branding Unfortunately, just because you’re You can find out more information and make sure you’ve not misspelled leaving education, it doesn’t mean about application forms and online the name of a product, for instance. It you’ve seen the end of assessments. assessments at targetcareers.co.uk. is also worth saving a copy of your It’s likely you’ll need to complete at You may also be able to find practice answers so you can refer back to them least one online test as part of your tests through your school, college or later in the application process. applications. These tests tend to be online. short, but you should always check Why are you applying? if there is a time limit or not. A common application question will ask you about your motivations for applying and your interest in the employer, the apprenticeship and the career sector. Employers want to see that you have good reasons for applying. Think about hobbies, work experience and school activities.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 56

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS Sparkle at interviews and assessment days

f recruiters like your Take a look at the following possible applications, you might be interview questions and how to asked to take part in video or answer them. telephone interviews and/or attend face-to-face interviews. Why do you want to work for us? IYou could be interviewed by a member This question is testing how much you of the HR team and/or senior know about the company and your management. You could be asked motivation. Use what you have read on about why you want to work for the the website (don’t just parrot) and link company and what makes you suitable it with your own future career goals. for the role. If the role is technical, you may also be questioned on some What makes you suitable for the job? specialist areas of knowledge. If you’ve done well in your studies, In preparation, brush up on your mention it, but also talk about the soft research into the employer, the skills that you have and use examples industry and the role. Make sure from your past experiences to back you’ve looked through any them up. For example, if you say advice available on the employer’s you’re determined, you need to give website and re-read your application. evidence. You might have fought your way through martial arts tournaments out of school for instance. Go back over your own experiences and find examples of skills to impress the employer.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 57

Give an example of a difficult situation Aptitude tests you’ve faced and how you dealt with it. A short exam set to a tight time limit. This doesn’t need to be a nuclear These are often multiple choice and standoff that you resolved. Perhaps Find out more at are designed to test your natural you’ve had to look after old or ill targetcareers.co.uk ability with numbers, logic, verbal relatives or a friend who got into reasoning or other aptitudes. trouble. Break down the situation using the STAR (situation, task, Group exercises action, result) method and explain to apprenticeship, you might be shown These aim to discover how you’ll the recruiter all the steps you took. a blueprint of a particular piece of work as part of a team and the equipment and asked to explain how business. For example, an employer The open-ended question it works. may ask you to work together to You may be asked to speak a little organise a list of pressing issues. about yourself, about one specific An assessment centre event listed on your CV or even about – a longer interview Presentations your last holiday. While the recruiter Think of an assessment centre as a You may be asked to prepare a does want to know more about you, full working day (9.00 am to 5.00 pm) presentation beforehand. You could be this is more of a test of your of interviews, tests and other given a specific subject to present on communication skills. Speak clearly, exercises to assess your suitability for or you might have some scope to confidently and concisely and be ready a company. As a general rule, it is the choose your own topic. Expect to be to provide more details if necessary. larger engineering and construction asked questions at the end. apprenticeships and school leaver Technical questions schemes that use assessment centres, Social time These are rare, but if you have done a such as Balfour Beatty or Laing Sometimes structured, sometimes not, related qualification you may be given O’Rourke. Assessment centres bring there is normally an opportunity to an example problem related to the groups of candidates together and talk (although not too informally!) work that the company does. For can include some or all of the with recruiters, managers and current example, if you were going for a trade following. apprentices at the company.

How to shine on the day

Dress for success. Bring your papers, please. Think about the little things. For interviews, you should Your initial application or CV, It’s safer not to post on social always be dressed smartly. You personal statement (if you have media about the company as may be invited out to a rural one) and any related coursework they may see it. Your voicemail office or a construction site, but could come in handy if you can’t message should just state your you’ll still need a smart remember exact details in the name and request a name and trouser/skirt suit. interview. number for the caller. Keep your phone off or on silent during an interview. Have breakfast and make sure Prepare your own questions. you’re hydrated before you go. You will be asked if you have any, You don’t want to pass out due to so make the most of this Give yourself time. interview nerves. It’s OK to ask opportunity to find out more Nothing makes a bad impression for a drink of water in your about the company or role. like turning up late. Practise the interview. journey beforehand if you can.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 58 A–Z of organisations who want to hear from you

Opportunities

Profile page IntermediateAdvanced apprenticeshipsHigher apprenticeships apprenticeshipsTechnician/foundationUndergraduateGraduate training placements/internships programme programme 59 AECOM • • • • 60 Airbus • • • • • 61 Atkins • • 62 Balfour Beatty • • • • • • 63 CITB • • • 64 Laing O’Rourke • • • • • • 65 Mace • • • • 66 Ministry of Defence, DE&S • • Find out more about 67 Mott MacDonald • • • • the employers 68 Redrow Homes • • • • • • 69 Turner & Townsend • 70 UK Power Networks • • • 71 Wates • • • • • •

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 Business facts outcomes. and geographies to deliver transformative connects expertise across services, markets, maintain stability and security. AECOM where children play. Helping governments tunnels and transit systems. Designing parks people and economies with roads, bridges, Restoring damaged environments. Connecting iconic skyscrapers. Planning new cities. Delivering clean water and energy. Building challenges. solutions to the world’s most complex live, developing and implementing innovative the built and natural environment inwhich we AECOM Apprentices make areal difference to and @AECOM. what others can only imagine at aecom.com vital. AFortune 500 firm, see how we deliver our work istransformative, differentiated and environments, to stable and secure nations, infrastructure, to resilient communities and high-performance buildings and solve their most complex challenges. From our global network of experts to help clients connect knowledge and experience across 150 countries. afully As integrated firm, we businesses and organizations inmore than infrastructure assets for governments, design, build, finance and operate AECOM isbuilt to deliver abetter world. We AECOM Management, Transport andEnvironment. Planning, Project QuantityEngineering, Surveying, opportunities across the UKandIreland within We have Higher andDegreeApprenticeship Advanced,

status. subsequently Incorporated or Chartered Engineering Technician status, and/or towards, you willbe supported towards institutions we support our apprentices learning. Subject to the different processional can be either day or block release, or distance funded course at college or university. This All our apprentices areplaced on alevy University. online training modules through AECOM within your team, and complete anumber of you willreceive on the job technical training and commercial awareness. Alongside this team building, presenting, client relationships several learning modules covering areas like development programme. You willalso attend overview of the AECOM business and the with your piers to provide you with an programme. Here you willattend aninduction Our apprentices willjoin our 2year ADVANCE Planning. Engineering; and Transport &Development Surveying &Project Management; Water Engineering; Quantity Building Surveying, Engineering; Roads, Bridge &Rail Ireland. We have opportunities inBuilding Apprenticeship opportunities across the UK& We have Advanced, Higher, and Degree

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE

opportunities Locations programme placements/internships •graduate apprenticeships •undergraduate • advanced apprenticeships •higher Opportunities onoffer £ Salary planning • transport planning •development • structural engineer •project management • mechanical engineer •quantity surveyor • civil engineer •electrical engineer Job roles We rolling run recruitment Application deadline students college/sixth form s education further • students school • toWork offered experience • throughout Sponsorship throughout university 13,000 Regions with Construction, Engineering &Property

–

£17,000

tudents • tudents •

university

2019

In the 200 most popular employers 59 for school leavers 2018/19 60 TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Business facts apprentices benefit from working alongside operations or inthe design office, allour manufacturing shop floor, inbusiness of career paths, whether on the change. Offering opportunities across arange Airbus isproud to be involved inleading this Apprenticeships areevolving inthe UK,and ourApprenticeships About looking to the future. want to work inanindustry that’s always people who have apassion for learning and help keep you connected! So, we’re looking for already have flown on, or the satellites that products –perhaps anaircraft you may have determination to build and create amazing At Airbus, our people work with passion and ground, inthe sky and inspace. connected, safer and smarter place, on the and determination to make the world amore with integrity. Our people work with passion and inclusive business practices and acting counts; promoting responsible, sustainable what we make, but how we make it that on aglobal scale. We believe that it’s not just products, services and solutions to customers manufacturing and delivering aerospace aerospace industry and aleader indesigning, Airbus isaninternational pioneer inthe More aboutus: Airbus every day, it’s really rewarding.” toknowledge real situations. life Iamconstantly learning something new Ihave joining, employerandsince learntsupportive howto apply my on small tools onthe fullwing andthe Airbusisareally jig. next Katherine, Craft Apprentice “I likethat myday-to-day workissovaried, oneday beworking Icould

Construction, Engineering &Property

people about what you do. schools’ liaison activities, so you can tell such as airshows, careers events and represent Airbus at awide variety of events told you the best yet: part you also get to make your career fly at Airbus. And we haven’t common: they provide aclear route for you to Our apprenticeships allhave one thing in achievement, abilities and interests. depending on your level of educational different entry options for you to choose from across arange of career paths. There are The best isthat part we offer opportunities complete your college or university studies. give you valuable practical training while you years and have been carefully designed to Our UKprogrammes last from three to five contribution when they enter the workforce. to enable them to make animmediate necessary skills, knowledge and experience apprentices to be ideally qualified, with the your career with us. We consider our qualifications and experience while beginning Airbus isthe ideal way to gain valuable Joining anapprenticeship programme with best they can possibly be. where everyone has the same goal: to the be world-class professionals inanenvironment 2019

opportunities Locations technology solutions degree apprenticeship • Business apprenticeship •Digital & • Engineering degree apprenticeship Job roles mediaSocial Website: www.jobs.airbus.com Email: [email protected] Contact details Check websiteCheck Application deadline students college/sixth form s education further • students school • toWork offered experience • throughout Sponsorship throughout university programme placements/ internships •graduate training programme •undergraduate apprenticeships •technician/foundation • intermediate apprenticeships •higher Opportunities onoffer apprenticeship • Craft apprenticeship •Technical Regions with

WeAreAirbus or We AreAirbus. company/AirbusGroup or Airbus. AirbusCareers or @AirbusCareers. AirbusCareers or @AirbusCareers.

tudents • tudents •

university

In the 200 most popular employers for school leavers 2018/19 Business facts globe, including 8,500 inthe UK. From day employs more than 50,000 people across the from being of aglobal part company that with our engineering careers. You’ll benefit you’ll be welcomed into aworld of opportunity Join the Apprenticeship Scheme at Atkins and everywhere. innovation that enhances the lives of people consultancies and our mission isto drive design, engineering and project management We’re one of the world’s most respected Atkins islooking for bright thinkers like you. talented professionals to join our team. our people thrive, and we’re always looking for and continuous learning environment inwhich proud to have created acollaborative culture clients on each and every project. We are goal of exceeding the expectations of our technical excellence and innovation, with the East, North America and Asia Pacific, we seek From our offices inthe UK,Europe, the Middle experts. and dedication of our worldwide team of know that our success isdue to the hard work SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins isapeople business. We Atkins “Joining ourApprenticeship Programme willopenup Stacy McCall, apprentice recruitment advisor our future.” exciting time for usandwe’d of likeyouto beapart andthe It’sour company industry weserve. an day beasinspiredwe areabout one. Ihopeyou’ll qualifications –andearn acompetitive salary from job experience, working towards professional a world possibilities. of You’ll gainvaluable onthe

more inclusive culture for allemployees. underrepresented groups and promoting a pursuing improvements for all build on the great work we've done so far by challenge for the next five years willsee us family. Our diversity and inclusion (D&I) benefit of everyone who of the ispart Atkins that means continuing to improve for the We want to be atruly inclusive employer and a difference from your first day! Programme, you’ll work on projects that make commuters. On our Apprenticeship Crossrail, improving life for millions of Motorways,Smart and through projects like challenges, developing new technology for we’re already solving tomorrow’s energy world's leading engineering consultancies, lives of people everywhere. one As of the protects the environment and enhances the Our mission isto drive innovation that towards your professional qualifications. industry leaders, you’ll also be working While you’re gaining experience learning from working on complex projects for major clients. one you’ll be earning acompetitive salary, TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE

opportunities Locations Job roles mediaSocial www.atkinsglobal.com 11 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E5BY Atkins Limited, Nova North, Contact details Check websiteCheck Application deadline college/sixth form s education further • students school • toWork offered experience • throughout Sponsorship throughout university apprenticeships •higher apprenticeships • degree apprenticeships •advanced Opportunities onoffer Competitive Salary engineer •structural engineer engineer •quantity surveyor •software • manufacturing engineer •mechanical engineer/consultant •landscape architect • electronic engineer •environmental • civil engineer •electrical engineer • aerospace engineer •building surveyor Regions with

wsatkinsplc atkins AtkinsNextGen atkinsglobal atkinsglobal Construction, Engineering &Property

tudents

2019

In the 200 most popular employers 61 for school leavers 2018/19 62 TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Business facts chance to shape your future at Balfour Beatty. technical or construction career, you’ll have the Whether you’re interested inabusiness, whole experience with you. network of apprentices, who’ll share the be there to help. And you’ll join aregional development team, ex-apprentices –they’ll all of the way. Your line manager, our And we’ll be there to support you, every step infrastructure projects that shape daily life. immediate and meaningful involvement in there. Earning while you’re learning, you’ll get the most complex and challenging work out programme willthrow you right into some of Take adeep breath. Because our apprentice Learn atthe deepend Balfour Beatty Join the next generationJoin the infrastructure of next experts.

Construction, Engineering &Property

building the professional future you want. technology, learn from experts, and start route you pick, you’ll get to explore innovative all kinds of professional fields. Whichever We have apprenticeships allaround the UK,in The isyours choice plenty of mentoring and support. development opportunities too, along with make your mark. You’ll get lots of that shape the nation, and athousand ways to experience cutting-edge technology, projects to construction than you ever expected. You’ll Join us, and you’ll di Your learning anddevelopment 2019 scover thatscover there’s more

opportunities Locations Job roles: mediaSocial early-careers www.balfourbeatty.com/careers/ 020 7216 6800 London, E14 5HU 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, Contact details 29 April Application deadline • • • toWork offered experience Competitive Salary: • Structural Engineer • Software Engineer • Site Management • Quantity Surveyor • Mechanical Engineer • Electronic Engineer • Electrical Engineer • Civil Engineer University students students University students Further education college/sixth form students School Regions with

instagram.com/balfourbeatty youtube.com/balfourbeattyplc facebook.com/balfourbeatty twitter.com/balfourbeatty

In the 200 most popular employers for school leavers 2018/19 Business facts • • • There areother benefits too: you’ll get paid while you learn your trade. something creative, there isarole for you and your hands, planning and organising, or doing machinery than large men, digging and operating heavy The construction industry isso much more Why chooseconstruction? 15,000 people each year. apprenticeships inBritain, supporting around CITB isthe largest provider of construction CITB parts of ajob inconstruction. every day isone of the most rewarding progress that you’ve made at the end of Regardless of your role on site, seeing the You’ll get to see immediate results stadium and say “Ihelped to build that”? can point at anew hospital, school or sports How many professionals inother industries You’ll get to build the stuff people depend on bored. be two days willbe the same and you’ll never bring new and interesting challenges, so no Every day on aconstruction project will Loads of variety enabled meto dothat.” best both of worlds. MyCITBApprenticeship has that inapractical knowledge setting seemedlikethe “Being able to learn inthe classroom andthen apply Gabriel the Lynch (CITBApprentice of Year 2018) – –

whether you enjoy working with

we’re awesome! second consecutive inspection –this means apprenticeships provider by Ofsted for the We’ve been rated as an‘outstanding’ We’re great wedo atwhat achieve your final goal. reviews of your progress to make sure you progress on site and intraining through your employer. It's their job to monitor your you, the college (or training provider) and The apprenticeship officer isthe linkbetween apprenticeship. programme and support you throughout your be on hand to co-ordinate your training form, adedicated apprenticeship officer will From the day you submit your application you We’ll support • the job done. the team depends on everyone else to get on everyone because projects construction Strong working relationships areformed on You’ll of be ateam part

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE

opportunities Locations Carpenter Civil Engineer ManagerProject Job roles [email protected] Wales: 0300 456 5700 | [email protected] Scotland: 0344 994 8800 | [email protected] England: 0344 994 4010 | Website: www.citb.co.uk/bconstructive Contact details Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Opportunities onoffer Competitive Salary Plus many more... Plant Mechanic Plasterer Tiler Painter and Decorator General Construction Operative Scaffolder Roofer Bricklayer Stonemason Regions with

Construction, Engineering &Property

2019

See the inside front cover, pages 36–37 and 63 the outside back cover for more information 64 Laing O’Rourke

Business facts

We are Laing O’Rourke. We design, Join us as a School & College Leaver and you’ll Contact details manufacture, engineer and build iconic have the opportunity to work on some buildings and complex infrastructure projects amazing projects with some exceptional Early Talent Team, Bridge Place, Anchor used by millions of people every day. It’s our people. Our five-year School & College Leaver Boulevard, Crossways, DA2 6SN Email: [email protected] mission to be the recognised leader for programme combines studying for an Contact tel: 01322 296 555 innovation and excellence in the construction accredited higher & degree apprenticeship Website: laingorourke.com/careers industry. To achieve that, we’re changing the with on-the-job experience. You’ll work way we work, using the very latest digital alongside experienced professionals on live Social media tools and platforms. And we’re always looking projects, and attend college/university at the to create structures that will help build a same time. Throughout you’ll learn innovative earlytalentLOR better future for everyone. engineering and construction techniques, and laingorourkeltd get to know colleagues who’ll continue to We are proud to work on some of the most Laing_ORourke prestigious projects in the UK, from Europe’s support you throughout your career at LOR. largest infrastructure programme, Tideway, to We also run a two-to-four year Job roles Manchester Airport Terminal 2 expansion, Apprenticeship+ programme for people • civil engineering • building services Hinkley Point C and Edinburgh St James leaving school with at least three GCSEs engineering • quantity surveying shopping complex. (preferably A-C/4-9 in Maths, English and • information technology Our success depends on our engineering Science). There are opportunities around the • human resources • business admin excellence, together with the adoption of new UK and include roles such as scaffolding, • electrical • formwork carpentry/ technologies and a sustained investment in steel fixing, electricians and site operatives. scaffolding/steel fixing talent, especially our early careers programmes for students, graduates and Salary apprentices. £16,500 Opportunities on offer • School and College Leaver Programme Sponsorship throughout higher & degree “Although I’m only in the first year of my programme, I’ve actually apprenticeship been at Laing O’Rourke for five years. I started off training to be a Application deadline Heating & Ventilation Apprentice. Then I started to think what’s Check our website next – I had done some civil engineering at college, so I was really keen to see if I could pursue a career in this area. Luckily Laing How you select O’Rourke said ‘yes’. There are six of us from Laing O’Rourke on the • Application form including CV • Online tests programme, and we go to college for two weeks at a time. It’s great • Video interview to get all that time to focus on studies.” • Assessment day (group discussion, presentation, 1 to 1 interview) Jack, School & College Leaver, Civil Engineering Technician In the 200 most popular employers employers popular most 200 In the 2018/19 leavers school for

Locations Regions with opportunities

UK wide depending on current projects

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 Business facts 2020 inDubai. as the 2019 Pan-American Games and Expo Internationally we aredelivering projects such Birmingham New Street Station. Paralympic Games, Heathrow Terminal 5and as The Shard, the London 2012 Olympic and spirit. We have delivered iconic projects such excellence and adeep-rooted entrepreneurial exceptional people, acommitment to service construction company, founded on Mace isaninternational consultancy and More aboutus Mace Miranda Jones learning inmyday aboutatuniversity job.” time degreeandit’s great to beable to Iam use what training. Mace aresponsoring methrough apart- reviewsand regularmeetings, internal portfolio throughprovide support alotof one-to-one “Mace arekeenfor apprentices to progress andthey

– Apprentice

and team working. have strong core skillssuch as organisation passionate about acareer inconstruction and interview. We look for candidates who are followed up by atelephone and group programme involves anonline application Securing aplace on our apprenticeship How doweselect? manager inConstruction. you on the path to becoming aprofessional Our structured training programme willstart start acareer inthe construction industry. opportunities to people who arelooking to programmes offer awide range of Our award winning Apprenticeship Our schoolleaver opportunities

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE

opportunities Locations • Quantity surveyor •Construction • Building surveyor •Civil engineer Job roles mediaSocial Website: www.macegroup.com [email protected] Contact details basis. September –Mace make offers on arolling Applications for allprogrammes open in Application deadline • students • further education college/sixth form toWork offered experience industrial placement • for your final year, after completing an Sponsorship throughout university programme placements/internships •graduate apprenticeships •undergraduate • advanced apprenticeships •higher Opportunities onoffer Competitive Salary • Procurement • Project controls •Facilities management Proj • management Regions with

company/mace-group macegroup MaceGroup Macegroup Construction, Engineering &Property

university s

ect management management ect

tudents

2019

See the inside back cover for 65 more information 66 Ministry of Defence, DE&S

Business facts

DE&S is a highly specialised part of the schemes... these are amazing opportunities Contact details Ministry of Defence responsible for procuring to obtain a Bachelor degree in Engineering; all the equipment and supporting this, to whilst at the same time earning a salary and MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol BS34 8JH ensure that our UK military customers can gaining vocational experience, and achieving Website: des.mod.uk carry out their duties effectively. Engineering Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the at DE&S involves finding solutions to complex Ministry of Defence. Social media problems using science, mathematics and We offer degree apprenticeships in the DefenceES technology; and your apprenticeship will following areas: develop skills that will prepare you for an DefenceES • Nuclear Submarine and Strategic Weapons engineering management career through a company/1217282 combination of academic study and office This scheme leads to roles supporting the based work placements. Royal Navy with their fleet of submarines Job roles including the current in-service fleet, or the development and build of the next • aerospace engineer • automotive engineer We offer 2 types of apprentice schemes • chemical engineer • electrical engineer generation submarines. Advanced Apprentice • electronic engineer • environmental A technical apprenticeship, combined with • Aero Degree Apprenticeship This scheme engineer/consultant • mechanical engineer academic study to achieve the following could lead to roles within teams responsible • software engineer qualifications National Diploma (ND) in for the acquisition, development and Mechatronics / Electrical / Mechanical support of the UK’s defence fixed wing Salary Engineering. Higher National Certificate aircraft which include combat aircraft, Advanced Apprentice Scheme: (HNC) in Mechatronics / Marine Engineering. tanker and transport planes plus a whole Year 1 £15,144 - Year 3 £19,396 NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Technical Support. range of unmanned systems. Graduate Scheme: £26,408 A broad range of engineering placements • Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions & where you will gain awareness of key skills Explosives You could be developing skills Opportunities on offer including technical support, systems leading to roles providing battle winning engineering, contract and project weapons systems for all branches of the • advanced apprenticeships management. Armed Forces through working with project • degree apprenticeships • graduate programme DE&S Engineering Degree Apprentice teams at DE&S HQ in Bristol, at Defence Schemes Munitions depots or with our manufacturing Sponsorship throughout university You could develop at our expense with one of partners around the country. our world-class DE&S Degree apprentice • for your penultimate year • for your final year Application deadline Advanced Apprentice Scheme: April 2019 Graduate Scheme: April 2019 Applications for the 2019 entry for Degree Apprentice Scheme is now closed 2020 Scheme will open for applications in Autumn 2019

Locations Regions with We are Defence Equipment & Support. opportunities It’s our job to equip and support the UK’s armed forces with everything they need to do theirs. We’re recruiting our future engineering managers now.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 Business facts employees and the lives we touch every day. value at every stage, for our clients, our at problems from afresh angle, we aimto add into elegant, sustainable solutions. By looking opportunities incomplexity, turning obstacles Our 16,000-strong network of experts find intricate challenges. our clients through many of the planet’s most development consultancy focused on guiding We’re aglobal engineering, management and Mott MacDonald Anne Olubukola graduate Adeniji, process engineer aspects Iwould have neverhad known about. This allowsmeto learn aloton other engineering collaboration with engineers from other disciplines. andrequiresMy role frequent isveryactive

company. what iseasy either for our clients or the and action, we do what’s genuinely right, not that areimportant. Independent inthought the work taken on and focus on the issues Being employee-owned allows us to choose help you meet your ambitions, and beyond. goals are, you can be confident that we will strategists and more. Whatever your career advisors, cost consultants, business planners, economists, project finance internationally recognised environmentalists, Our global team iscomprised of

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE

opportunities Locations Social mediaSocial apprentice Website: www.mottmac.com/careers/uk- [email protected] Email: 8 Mott MacDonald House, Contact details Check websiteCheck Application deadline students University • students • Further education college/sixth form students School • toWork offered experience • Graduate programme • Undergraduate placements/internships • Higher apprenticeships • Advanced apprenticeships Opportunities onoffer Starting from £12,500 Salary • Business admin [other] • Building services engineer • Transport planner • Quantity surveyor • Civil engineer Job roles National – Regions with 10 Sydenham Road, Croydon CR02EE

Mott MacDonald mottmacdonaldgroup MottMacLife mottmacgroup Construction, Engineering &Property

Graduate Recruitment

The apprentice of the year Panel award 2019 FINALIST

AWARDS

2019

In the 200 most popular employers 67 for school leavers 2018/19 68 Redrow Homes

Business facts

Redrow is a housebuilder with an award- • Redrow has dedicated training centres in Contact details winning reputation. We pride ourselves on London, Tamworth and Warrington offering creating beautiful homes that people love to tailored training courses to all of our staff Learning & Development Team live in. And we apply the same level of care • We were named in the 2015 CITB Redrow Homes Redrow House and attention to developing our apprentices Apprenticeship Awards: Great Britain Large Kinsall Green too. Employer of the Year and were named on Wilnecote Provided you’re willing to apply yourself, it’s the top 100 apprentice employers list in Tamworth an exceptional opportunity. Earning while you 2017 for the fifth consecutive year. Staffs learn, you’ll gain a nationally recognised • We are a proud member of the prestigious B77 5PX 5% Club, a campaign focused on creating qualification and acquire invaluable work www.redrowcareers.co.uk experience. You’ll also be part of a friendly, momentum behind the recruitment of apprentices and graduates into the UK supportive team that takes your future Job roles seriously. We offer a wide range of workforce. By joining the club, we have apprenticeships, too. committed to the aim of ensuring that 5% of • Apprentice Bricklayers • Apprentice our UK workforce are apprentices, Carpenters / Joiners • Apprentice Plumbers It doesn’t matter whether you want to learn a graduates or sponsored students on • Apprentice Electricians • Apprentice manual trade or work in an office: there could structured programmes within the next five Quantity Surveyors • Apprentice Architects be an exciting future for you here. years. & Civil Engineers • Office Aprentices Perform well and impress us, and you could Your career options don’t stop after you Salary find yourself building a successful long-term complete an apprenticeship with Redrow. career with Redrow. Perform well and you could earn the Competitive We currently employ over 2,300 staff across opportunity to progress further within the England & Wales, including a large trainee company. Opportunities on offer base. • Our trainee site assistant programme takes • intermediate apprenticeships • advanced apprenticeships • higher apprenticeships • Divisional offices in Lancashire, North the best and brightest and helps develop Wales, South Wales, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, • technician/foundation training them into our site managers of the future, programme • undergraduate Northamptonshire, Devon, Kent, London, including many former trade apprentices. placements/internships • graduate Essex, Hampshire. programme Sponsorship throughout university • throughout • for your final year Application deadline Trade apprentices will be end of June 2019. Office apprentices are recruited on a rolling basis as required.

“I’m pleased I went down the apprenticeship route. I Locations Regions with always wanted to be up doing stuff instead of sitting opportunities in class & I’ve gained lots of confidence, met lots of great people and built skills, all while being paid.” Liam Sergeant, Assistant Site Manager & former apprentice Bricklayer with Redrow.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 69 Turner & Townsend

Business facts

Turner & Townsend is a global construction As an apprentice at Turner & Townsend, you will Contact details consultancy, applying technical excellence in have the opportunity to study while gaining their work across the real estate, infrastructure work experience and completing our internal www.turnerandtownsend.com and natural resources sectors. development programme. Typically you will Job roles With 108 offices in 45 countries, we draw on our work full time four days a week and attend extensive global and industry experience to university and/or complete apprenticeship • Quantity surveyor • Project management manage risk while maximising value and activities one day per week. performance during the construction and Our Project Managers deliver project success Salary operation of our clients’ assets. through effective planning, the right team and Competitive From the beginning of a project through to rigorous controls. For candidates who are more numerate, our Quantity Surveyors drive our completion and beyond, we help to deliver the Opportunities on offer outcomes that matter to our clients, with clients’ financial interests from start to finish. services covering the full spectrum of Turner & Townsend offer apprentices the • higher apprenticeships consultancy, project delivery and post-project opportunity to excel within their profession; • degree apprenticeships operations. through providing the opportunity to work with Sponsorship throughout university We currently offer the following world class clients on cutting edge projects, apprenticeships: and as an apprentice, you will be given all of • throughout the support and training you need to help you • Quantity Surveying Level 6 realise your full potential, enabling you to rise Work experience offered to • Project Management Level 6 as far as you can, as fast as possible. • university students Application deadline “Turner & Townsend has some really good April 2019 opportunities for young people. They really push us as we are the next generation of the business.” “Turner & Townsend is a great company to start and build your career within the construction industry. I feel supported in my work and with my drive and enthusiasm for this career path, I believe that working here will help me achieve my goals.” Rebecca Watt, Quantity Surveying Level 6 Apprentice

Locations Regions with opportunities

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 70 UK Power Networks

Business facts

Did you boil a kettle to make a coffee this Apprentices will learn all aspects of their Contact details morning? Or charge your iPod? Or turn on the chosen craft and apply the knowledge, skills lights while you brushed your teeth? Have and techniques gained through the [email protected] you jumped on the Tube recently or jetted off Apprenticeship Programme competently, www.ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk from one of the major airports in the South safely and in accordance with Network East? All of these events could not have standards. Apprentices will follow a Trailblazer Social media occurred without UK Power Networks. Apprenticeship Framework which will include UKPNnews a Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering UK Power Networks distributes more than a Job roles quarter of the UK’s electricity through its and a competency based qualification in networks of substations, underground cables Electrical Power Engineering. • electrical engineer and overhead lines making sure the lights We were the first electricity distributor named • electrical craftsperson stay on across London, the South East and the in the Sunday Times’ 25 Best Big Companies East of England, regardless of who customers to Work For, and also hold the title of Utility of Salary pay their energy bills to. A range of other the Year (2016, 2015 and 2012). We’re striving £15,556 per annum for school leaver companies deliver power to the rest of the to become an employer of choice, a progamme country. responsible and respected corporate citizen Opportunities on offer The UK Power Networks Trailblazer and sustainably cost efficient. Achieving such Apprenticeship Programme provides the objectives means we have embraced a culture • intermediate apprenticeships opportunity for individuals with an interest in based on values of integrity, continuous • undergraduate placements/internships pursuing a career in engineering to become development, diversity and inclusivity, • graduate programme fully trained, qualified and competent “craft” respect, unity and responsibility. persons in an electrical distribution industry If you share these values, enjoy working Application deadline in one of the following trades: cable jointing, outdoors, want to play a role influencing the Friday 12 April 2019 overhead lines or electrical plant fitting. Our energy industry’s future and want to join a programme is a unique and exciting critical sector at a critical time of change then opportunity to join a highly respected we believe our unique combination of company. classroom training, hands-on work and real life experience as well as competitive benefits will get your career with us off to a flying start! information more for 45 page See

Locations Regions with opportunities

Inspiring the next generation for a brighter future.

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Construction, Engineering & Property 2019 Business facts achieving aHNC. and experience as well as support in programme offers structured development Surveying. This industry recognised Supervision, Building Services or Quantity experience required for acareer inSite the chance to develop the skillsand Our Level 4apprenticeship offers individuals Higher Apprenticeship Finance and Business Management. Building Services, Estimating and Planning, including Production, Quantity Surveying, We offer awide range of career routes and experience to develop your career. to provide you with the right knowledge, skills Our early careers programmes aredesigned Our schoolleaver opportunities property services companies inthe UK. owned construction, development and Wates Group isone of the largest privately us About Wates Hamza El-Mhamdi (Estimating Management Trainee) career” backbone Ineedto knowledge progress my forward workshops planned byWates provide methe My Apprenticeship, placements and various The development Ihave sofar isexcellent. received

How doweselect? or Site Manager. Estimator, Planner, Building Services Manager necessary to become aQuantity Surveyor, designed to provide you with the experience The programmes areindustry recognised and combined with on the job experience. They include support with your degree apprenticeship or HNC. already achieved alevel 4construction progression pathway for those who have Our degree-level apprenticeships area Degree Apprenticeships

TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE

nationwide. The remainder are available inthe North. apprenticeships are The Level 3 opportunities Locations • Electrical (Level 3)•Mechanical (Level 3) Electrical Services) •Estimating •Planning • Building Services(Mechanical and • Quantity Surveying (Commercial) • Production (Operations –Site Manager) Job roles mediaSocial www.wates.co.uk/careers/early-careers Contact tel: 020 7061 3435 Leatherhead, Surrey KT227SW Wates House, Station Approach Contact details the year 2017 Contractor of websiteCheck Application deadline students college/sixth form s education further • students school • toWork offered experience • for your final year • for your penultimate year • throughout Sponsorship throughout university • graduate programme • undergraduate placements/internships • higher apprenticeships • advanced apprenticeships • intermediate apprenticeships Opportunities onoffer Competitive Salary Regions with

twitter.com/WatesGroup Construction, Engineering &Property

tudents • tudents •

university

2019

See page 18 for more information In the 200 most popular employers 71 for school leavers 2018/19 72 INDEX

Thank you to our contributors

AECOM...... Brett Whitehead ...... 47 Barratt London...... Jack Hammick...... 41 CITB...... Stephen Cole ...... 1 JLL...... Suba Shanmagavel ...... 41 Ministry of Defence, DE&S...... Georgia Gannon...... 43 Mott MacDonald...... Ruth Watson ...... 44 Newcastle University ...... Sasha Swannell...... 43 Turner & Townsend...... James Anderton ...... 44 UK Power Networks...... Darbie Hughes...... 47 Wates ...... Tilly Casey ...... 40

Index of organisations who want to hear from you

AECOM ...... 59 Ministry of Defence, DE&S ...... 66 Airbus ...... 60 Mott MacDonald ...... 67 Atkins ...... 61 Pathways to Property ...... 32 Balfour Beatty...... 62 Redrow Homes ...... 68 CITB ...... 36–37, 63, IFC, OBC Turner & Townsend ...... 69 Laing O’Rourke ...... 64 UK Power Networks...... 45, 70 Mace ...... 65, IBC Wates ...... 18, 71

Key: IFC = inside front cover, IBC = inside back cover, OBC = outside back cover

Editor Rachael Milsom Published by © GTI Media Ltd, February 2019 Design Thomas Gray GTI Media Ltd, The Fountain Building, All rights reserved. No part of this publication Howbery Park, Benson Lane, may be reproduced by any means including, Circulation Patty Shufflebotham Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8BA UK but not limited to, photocopying or stored in a Proofreader Matt Jukes retrieval system in any form without prior Tel +44 (0)1491 826262 written consent of GTI. This is subject to the Advertising Lee Frith, www.groupgti.com sales product champion; single exception of photocopying by careers the TARGETcareers FUTUREWISE Printer Walstead Southernprint advisers or lecturers for careers counselling. sales team; the TARGETcareers ISBN: 978 1 912625 12 3 All items so used should be fully FUTUREWISE campaign ISSN: 2397-8678 acknowledged. The views expressed in articles management team are those of the authors and their publication does not necessarily imply that such views are Commercial director Jon Mallott GTI would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute to, shared by GTI. Whilst every care has been Sales director Simon Rogers or find contributors for, TARGETcareers taken in the compilation of this publication, the Production director FUTUREWISE Construction, publishers cannot accept responsibility for any Jane Anderson Engineering & Property. We would also inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arising from such inaccuracies, or for any other loss, Group chief executive officer like to thank all those who supplied direct or consequential, arising in connection Graham Storey advice and photographs. with information in this publication.

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