Inspiring decisions, unlocking potential

targetcareers.co.uk

2020In partnership with Industry-led, funded by the CITB Levy

OVER 100 CAREERS INCLUDING: ARCHAEOLOGIST PLANNER CRANE OPERATOR BRICKLAYER ARCHITECT SHOPFITTER CIVIL ENGINEER SCAFFOLDER PLASTERER SITE MANAGER TUNNELLING SECTION ENGINEER PLANT MECHANIC LAND BUYER HIGHWAYS CONTROL MANAGER WELDING FABRICATOR SURVEYOR DEMOLITION OPERATIVE TOWN PLANNER STEEPLEJACK SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYOR BIM TECHNICIAN STONEMASON ECOLOGIST FORKLIFT DRIVER HERITAGE CONSULTANT

A CAREER WHERE YOU CAN SPECIALISE IN THE AREAS VISIT REAL SITES, YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT. TALK TO REAL PEOPLE, SEE REAL CAREERS. To learn more about the range of roles and opportunities available in the construction OPEN DOORS WEEK industry, visit: GOCONSTRUCT.ORG Annual event, every March Find out more online at: OPENDOORS.CONSTRUCTION

B04980_004_CITB_Borne_1_TARGETCareers_IFC_190x270mm_Jan2020_AW.indd 1 27/01/2020 15:59 Welcome Construction: a career like no other 2020 Edition elcome to the sixth designs. You could edition of TARGETcareers oversee construction Construction, work, manage the building Engineering & Property. of schools, hospitals, roads As a school or college and bridges, help shape your student, this guide will city’s skyline, or make buildings and Whelp you explore all of your career options in the companies more environmentally friendly. You construction, engineering and property could work for an international company, a professions. It will also help you decide on the small family business or, if being your own boss best study route for you, whether that’s appeals to you, you could be self-employed or university or an apprenticeship. even start your own company. Whatever your At the Construction Industry Training Board skills, ambitions, interests or qualifications, (CITB), we know that choosing your career path there's a role for you in construction. is a vital life decision. That’s why we’re proud to You could go to university full time to get a support this publication and its website degree or start an apprenticeship after your targetcareers.co.uk. We also have our own GCSEs or A levels (or equivalents). It’s possible dedicated careers resource at goconstruct.org, to go to university for free by completing a where you can complete our popular degree apprenticeship. The options are almost personality quiz to find out what career may suit limitless, and this publication will help you find you, and use the ‘career explorer’ tool to learn out more about all the potential paths at your about the broad range of opportunities on offer. disposal. We also have plenty of useful resources for your This year also sees the launch of Future teachers and careers advisers, so that they can Made, the construction industry’s careers be as well-informed as you are! campaign, and we encourage you to engage There are more than two million people with it on YouTube, Instagram (futuremadeuk) already working in construction roles in the and Facebook (@futuremadeuk) to find out why UK. The average salary is one of the highest people like you are now working in of all industry sectors, and there are so construction. many possibilities to be part of Come and join us in an exciting, something big. You could be varied and forward-thinking sector at hands-on in a skilled craft to the heart of the British economy. maintain heritage buildings, or use your technical and Best wishes, artistic skills to improve Stephen Cole head of careers strategy, CITB The Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow, known as the Armadillo. With thanks to Go Construct and CITB Go Construct to thanks With Professional qualifications 37 explained

10 Thinking about apprenticeships?

Which route? Career stories from

Your choice of careers ...... 4 students and apprentices

Your choice of career routes ...... 6 My architecture degree course ...... 40 Quiz: which route is best for you? ...... 9 My bricklaying apprenticeship ...... 41 Thinking about apprenticeships? ...... 10 My electronics engineering apprenticeship...... 42 Thinking about university?...... 12 My mechanical engineering apprenticeship ...... 43 My property surveying apprenticeship ...... 44 Which job role? My quantity surveying apprenticeship...... 45

Picking the right career ...... 14 How the construction industry works ...... 16 Applying to uni

The construction job roles ...... 19 Building your personal statement ...... 46 The crafts and trades...... 22 Get up to speed with uni interviews...... 47 The engineering industries...... 24 The engineering job roles ...... 27 Property defined ...... 34 The property job roles...... 35 Professional qualifications explained ...... 37 Seen a career you like?...... 39

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 14 46 Picking the right career Building your personal statement

Apprenticeship EDITORIAL AND PUBLISHING Editor Rachael Milsom applications and interviews Design Thomas Gray Circulation Patty Shufflebotham Proofreader Matt Jukes Firing off job applications – the essentials...... 48 ADVERTISING The foundations of a strong CV ...... 50 Product champion Lee Frith Sales GTI Media sales team, GTI Media campaign management team Covering letters: the formula for success ...... 52 Production director Jane Anderson Commercial director Jon Mallott Interviews and assessment days – what to expect ...... 54 Sales director Simon Rogers Chief executive officer Simon Martin Organisations who want to hear from you ...... 56 Printer Acorn Web Offset Ltd, West Yorkshire

PUBLISHED BY GTI Media Ltd, The Fountain Building, Howbery Park, Benson Lane, Wallingford Oxon OX10 8BA UK Tel +44 (0)1491 826262 www.groupgti.com ISBN 978-1-912625-07-9 ISSN 2397-8678 © GTI Media Ltd, February 2020

All articles in this publication have been written by GTI Media Limited. All advertising in this publication has been supplied to GTI Media by its clients and upon its sole request. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means including, but not limited to, photocopying or stored in a retrieval system in any form without prior written consent of GTI Media. This is subject to the single exception of photocopying by careers advisers or lecturers for careers counselling. All items so used should be fully acknowledged. Whilst every care has been 12 taken in the compilation of this publication, the publishers (GTI Media) cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arising from such inaccuracies, or for any other loss, direct or consequential, Thinking arising in connection with information in this publication. about uni?

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 4

Your choice of careers

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 With thanks to Go Construct and CITB 5

See Construction is... page 16 Saying ‘I helped build that!’. for more about Designing and building the ‘built’ constuction careers environment around us: the tallest skyscrapers, state-of-the-art football stadiums, homes for people to live in and so on.

Property is... Increasing the value of land and See real estate. From houses and page 34 offices to farmland and wind for more about farms, property professionals work property to ensure that land and property careers make money.

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

© Aston Martin

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 6

Your choice of

Your options at 16

FINISH KEY STAGE 4

PAGE 10

Apprenticeship Stay in education You can complete an You can go to a sixth form intermediate or advanced or further education college apprenticeship. You will study and study: part time while working for an A levels, Highers or equivalent. employer. All your training is Vocational qualifications, paid for and you get paid too. eg an NVQ in engineering.

This can lead to... This can lead to... A job (either with the same An entry-level job, employer or a different one). eg building surveying Another, higher-level technician. apprenticeship or A higher apprenticeship or qualification (if an employer alternative school leaver supports you). training programme. University – HNC/HND/BEng/ MEng/BSc qualification.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 7 career routes

Your options at 18

FINISH KEY STAGE 5

PAGE 10 PAGE 12

Apprenticeship University You can complete a higher or You can study a degree qualification full or part time. degree apprenticeship. You’ll Entry requirements vary – all ask for a number of work full time for an employer UCAS points, some require specific subjects and with dedicated time for some won’t accept general studies or critical studying. Your training is paid thinking A levels. for and you get a salary too. Fees cost up to £9,250 a year for UK students. These can be funded by a student loan, bursaries or through an employer. Courses typically last three or four years, plus an optional work experience placement year.

This can lead to... A job (with your employer or a different one). University (for higher apprentices). This can lead to... A graduate scheme or graduate-level job, which often includes management responsibility. Further study.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 14 98 200 career sectors UK universities top employers, packed with jobs reviewed by their as voted for by and training info students school students

39 20 degree subjects minute introduced in detail Degree Explorer quiz

TARGETcareers

Here to help you make choices about careers, university or apprenticeships and apply successfully.

targetcareers.co.uk 9 Which route is best for you?

What would suit you best: university or apprenticeship? Our quiz can help you work it out. Choose the statements you most agree with.

A B

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

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

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

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

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

Mostly You might Mostly You might

s? want to explore... s? want to explore... A university courses B apprenticeships

See page 12 See page 10

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 10

Thinking about apprenticeships?

pprenticeships offer week or a couple of weeks every few you the chance to months at a further education develop your skills college or training centre. You can and work towards gain vocational and technical qualifications while qualifications, and some employers Aearning money in a real job. They are provide training in business skills too. a tried and tested way to start your career, but you need to know what Choosing your area you are signing up to. Apprenticeships can be found in a huge number of different areas – Learning on the job from crafts such as stonemasonry to Your employer will choose the aspects of project management. See qualification you study but they will the job descriptions throughout this also pay for it – meaning no student publication for more information. An debt. You might spend one day a apprenticeship will train you to do a

Apprenticeships in England and Wales

Intermediate (level 2) apprenticeships Advanced (level 3) apprenticeships Higher (level 4) apprenticeships Entry requirements vary – from no Entry requirements vary – typically Entry requirements vary – usually GCSEs to five GCSEs. five GCSEs A*–D or 9–3. two A levels and five GCSEs. The end qualification you receive is The end qualification you receive is The end qualification is equivalent equivalent to five GCSEs equivalent to two A levels or an to an NVQ level 4 or a foundation or an NVQ level 2. NVQ level 3. degree/HNC/HND. For jobs such as electrician, For jobs such as bricklayer, For jobs such as designer, bricklayer, mechanic and plumber. maintenance engineer, civil construction manager and Lasts one to four years. engineer, aerospace modeller engineer – but you’ll have less and instrument fitter. responsibility than if you’d got a Lasts one to four years. degree.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 11

specific role and it may be hard to the national minimum wage, which apprenticeship or a university course change that role later on. changes depending on your age. with the support of your employer. You may also start working However, many employers pay more towards a professional qualification than the minimum wage. Applying for during or after your apprenticeship. apprenticeships These tell clients and employers that What happens Deadlines for apprenticeships depend you are trained to ‘industry standard’. afterwards? on the employer: for example, some See page 37 to find out more. Most employers will try to keep you close in January, some in May and on in a job after your apprenticeship. others are open all year. Cashing in However, this might not always be The application process can As of April 2020, the minimum wage possible. If this is the case, you will involve filling in a form, sending in a is £4.15 per hour for apprentices aged typically have qualifications and years CV, one or more interviews, an 16–18 or for those aged 19 or over in of work experience that will help you assessment centre and online tests. their first year. After the first year, find a job with another employer. You See pages 48–55 for advice on apprentices aged 19 or over are paid could also progress to a higher-level applying.

Apprenticeships in Scotland

Degree (level 6) apprenticeships Apprenticeships are structured National 5s, Highers and Advanced Complete a degree and a relevant slightly differently in Scotland. Highers. Graduate apprenticeships professional qualification. School leavers can choose to do a lead to bachelors and masters Typically lasts three to six years. modern apprenticeship or a degrees (SCQF levels 9–11). Students Entry requirements vary – usually graduate apprenticeship. Modern currently in S5 and S6 can also two A levels and five GCSEs. apprenticeships can lead to a range complete foundation For jobs such as engineer, of SCQF (Scottish Credit and apprenticeships. architectural assistant, quantity Qualifications Framework) level 5–7 surveyor and site manager. qualifications, equivalent to

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 12

Thinking about

niversities offer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications that can university? be studied full time, Upart time or online. Most undergraduate degrees are bachelor degrees, usually taken after A levels or equivalent.

The courses on offer Construction and property students typically become bachelors of science (BSc). Engineering students can become either bachelors of engineering (BEng) or masters in engineering (MEng) – this is technically an undergraduate qualification, but is equivalent to a postgraduate masters degree. Postgraduate qualifications are taken after bachelor qualifications. There are shorter undergraduate courses that offer recognised, but lesser, qualifications: higher national certificates (HNCs), higher national diplomas (HNDs) and foundation degrees. You can progress to a bachelor degree from these courses; sometimes students take them if they have insufficient UCAS points for a bachelor course.

Qualification Typical length (full time)

HNC (level 4) One year HND (level 5) Two years Foundation degree (level 5) Two years BSc, BEng (level 6) Three years + optional one-year placement MEng (level 7) Four years + optional one-year placement

NB: this may vary. For example, in Scotland a BSc or BEng will last four years and an MEng will last five years.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 13

What to expect Unless you’ve been sponsored by (maintenance) costs – the student Construction, engineering and an employer, university does not finance calculator on gov.uk tells property courses are more practical guarantee you a job. You’ll need to you how much you could get. than other degrees, but they are still apply for graduate-level jobs. If you You pay back your loan in theory based. Engineering students, graduate in the summer and want to instalments after graduating. As of for example, learn a lot of maths. start work in the autumn, you should April 2020, this will be once you earn Around 25–40% of your time will be apply in the first term of your final year. over £26,575 in England and Wales or spent in lectures, seminars and Your uni will have a careers service that £19,390 in Scotland and Northern tutorials, but the rest of your time will can help with your job hunt. Ireland. be spent doing independent study. You’ll be assessed through exams, Funding university Employer sponsorship presentations, extended essays and/or If you are a UK national, you will pay a Many employers will pay for your research projects. maximum of £9,250 a year for tuition studies in return for you working for The vast majority of courses in fees for courses starting in 2020. This them during holidays and after construction, engineering and can vary though: graduation. Some employers will offer property include the opportunity to If you study at a university in Wales, this before you start university; many take a ‘placement’ year (where you you will pay up to £9,000 a year. more will offer this to second-years spend a year working for an If you are a Scottish student at a who have completed a work employer). You’ll also be encouraged university in Scotland, your tuition placement with them. to apply for work experience with fees are covered by the Scottish employers during the holidays. government. Bursaries and scholarships If you are a Northern Irish student There are a number of bursaries and After your degree at a university in Northern Ireland, you scholarships available, which you A degree is a passport to many will pay up to £4,395 a year.* don’t need to pay back. Look at the careers, not just the subject you’re You’ll also need to factor in living websites of individual universities and studying – great if you change your expenses. You can get loans to cover professional institutions. career plans. Joining a graduate the costs of tuition and living scheme can also be a quicker way * Source: UCAS, February 2020 into management than an apprenticeship.

Choosing a course and university. Consider:

the reputation of the university for the facilities, including laboratories, computer- subject aided design software, access to journals whether the course is accredited by relevant and case study materials professional bodies other general factors, such as the social life whether tutors/lecturers are involved in on offer, whether it’s a campus or city cutting-edge research or have worked in university and your gut feeling! Don’t just industry rely on university prospectuses and websites the range of modules and projects to find these things out: go along to open the relationships the department and days and ask course leaders and students. careers service have with employers

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 14

Follow these five  1  2 steps to help you think about which Make a list Work out what job is right for you. Make a list of your school/college you enjoy subjects and extracurricular activities. For each activity or subject, think You could create your list by drawing about what you enjoy and what you a mind map on a huge piece of paper don’t enjoy. If you’re studying history, or you can use an app. do you like going on field trips but dislike writing essays? If you play football, do you like working in a team but wish you could be indoors? Considering your likes and dislikes will help you find a job that you love. Picking

the right career

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 15

 3  4  5

Identify your skills Decide what’s Keep your list to hand Now think about what skills you’ve most important Don’t just complete this list and needed for each of your subjects and Think about which of your likes and forget you ever made it. When you are activities. If you’re not sure what skills on the list are the most ready to apply to university or for skills you’ve used, ask your teachers, important to you. This will help you apprenticeships, you’ll need to be family, friends and coaches for their figure out what your priorities are prepared with evidence of your skills suggestions. when choosing your career. and interests. Your list will help you General skills, such as jog your memory. For now, use our communication, time management career-matching tool below to start and teamwork, are needed for every your search for the right job. construction, engineering or property job, but some jobs require specific skills and qualities. For example, architects need to be able to draw and scaffolders can’t be afraid of heights.

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) ..pages 28–31 engineering (on site) ...... page 20 Automotive engineering...... page 28 Landscape architecture...... page 20 Property surveying ...... page 36 Chemical engineering ...... page 29 Site management...... page 21 Environmental engineering ....page 30 Manufacturing engineering....page 30 IF YOU LIKE... Planning ...... page 36 getting the best deal IF YOU WANT TO BE... out and about all day Consider: IF YOU WANT TO... Estate agency ...... page 35 Consider: work with your hands Manufacturing engineering....page 30 Building services Property surveying ...... page 36 engineering ...... page 19 Consider: Quantity surveying...... page 21 Building surveying...... page 35 Construction crafts and Civil/structural/geotechnical skilled trades ...... page 22 engineering (on site) ...... page 20 Motor vehicle IF YOU LIKE... Engineering (depending on the technician work ...... page 28 interpreting rules industry and employer) ...... pages 28–31 Estate agency ...... page 35 Consider: Planning ...... page 36 Architectural technology ...... page 19 Property surveying ...... page 36 Building services engineering ..page 19 Quantity surveying (on site)...... page 21 Building surveying...... page 35 Site management...... page 21 Estate agency ...... page 35 Manufacturing (process) engineering ...... page 30 Planning ...... page 36 Property surveying ...... page 36

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 16

 1  2

It starts with the client The client then hires consultants

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

How the Working for a consultancy If you work at a consultancy, your work will be on the design phase. Civil engineers make sure that the technical construction details on plans will work and quantity surveyors price up how much the design would cost. As a consultant: • You work in an office. • You sometimes get to visit sites and occasionally you industry could be ‘seconded’ (sent) to work on a site. • You work office hours (typically 8.30 am to 6.00 pm) but may have to work longer hours close to a deadline. works • You usually work on a number of projects at the same time. • As you work on a project in its early stages, it may be Different organisations work together years before you see the finished project in operation. to build a project. Here’s how...

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 17

 3  4

Contractors carry out ... but may get the construction work... subcontractors to help

Once the contractor has won the work, construction If there is work involved in the project begins on site. They ensure the project is built to the that needs specialist skills or agreed quality, budget and timeframe. They take knowledge, the contractor might instructions about the design from the design consultancy offer the work to specialist and run any design-related problems past them. organisations that have more expertise in specific areas. Typical Working for a contractor tasks that might be given to Job roles with contractors include site managers, civil subcontractors include: engineers, quantity surveyors and trades or crafts people. • reinforced concrete works As one of these: • structural steelwork • You work on site (or from a temporary office on site) in all • work on the foundations weathers. • plumbing and electrical work. • Depending on the project, you might need to work shifts Subcontractors tend to be smaller, or overnight. local employers. They work in similar • Working hours are longer out on site (typically 7.30 am to conditions to contractors. 6.00 pm) and you may need to work longer hours if things get behind schedule. • You typically work on one project at a time. • You get to see things being built before your very eyes.

What is a construction project?

A project could be a new build, a renovation or a refurbishment. It can cover anything in the built environment around us, for example: houses, office blocks, warehouses, factories and hospitals train stations and airports roads, railways, bridges and tunnels piers, dams and coastal defences nuclear power plants and other generators of energy.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 Degree Degree ExplorerExplorer

Match your interests to UK university courses.

Take part online at 19

Architects, architectural technologists and technicians Architects design buildings that are safe, attractive and Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Technicians as environmentally friendly as possible. They are have typically studied an HND/HNC before applying for a assisted by architectural technologists and technicians. job. You can do an architectural assistant or architect degree apprenticeship but these routes were only Routes in introduced in July 2018 and there aren’t too many on offer. Useful A level subjects include art/graphic design, geography, maths and physics. Most architects go to Choose this if… university. It takes seven years in total and includes an You are good at freehand drawing. undergraduate degree approved by the Royal Institute of You are creative. British Architects (known as ‘part 1’), your part 2 You can get your head around maths. qualification – usually an MArch degree – and two years of You can get to grips with detailed information work placements. Most architectural technologists have on building regulations. studied a three-year degree approved by the Chartered

Building services engineer

Building services engineers see that a building has Routes in more than walls and a roof. They are responsible for the Maths, physics, chemistry and IT are good A level (or electrical, mechanical, utility and telecoms systems in equivalent) subject choices. You can become a building buildings. services engineer through an apprenticeship or a degree. Apprenticeships may specialise in a specific area, such as design or heating and ventilation. The quickest way to become a chartered engineer (the highest qualified type of engineer – see page 27) is through an MEng degree or a BEng with a postgraduate qualification. This can be in building services engineering or a related subject (such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering) and should be accredited by a relevant professional body. You may be able to get a MEng or BEng through a degree apprenticeship.

Choose this if… You want to be at the forefront of technological development. You like getting into the nitty gritty of design or making designs work in the real world.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 20

Civil, structural and geotechnical engineers

Civil and structural engineers work for either Choose this if… consultancies or contractors – see pages 16–17 on how You can draw basic sketches – you don’t have to these differ. They design, build and maintain the be an artist. constructed world around us: bridges, tunnels, roads, You like knowing the technical details of how things railways, dams, pipelines, buildings, power plants, work (for jobs with consultancies). offshore wind facilities and so on. Structural engineers You’d like to work on site instead of in an office have particular responsibility for ensuring that the (for jobs with contractors). structure (inner framework) of the project holds up, You want to be able to say ‘I helped build that!’. even in bad weather. Geotechnical engineers are responsible for structures’ foundations.

Routes in There are some structural engineering degrees but it’s more common to study civil engineering or civil and structural engineering. Most geotechnical engineering degrees are at postgraduate level. Most apprenticeships are in the field of civil engineering but you may cover structural or geotechnical engineering too. Useful A levels (or equivalent) are maths, physics, geography, ICT, languages, art and design.

Landscape architects Landscape architects combine artistic skills with undergraduate degree in a subject such as art, geography knowledge of human activity and the natural or horticulture you can do a postgraduate ‘conversion’ environment to design public areas in towns, masters lasting up to two years. The following A level cities and the countryside. subjects (or equivalent) would be good choices: art, design, graphics, chemistry, physics, biology, geography, Routes in English, technology, ICT or history. The Landscape Institute is currently developing landscape apprenticeships to begin in September 2020. It’s likely that Choose this if… only a small number of apprenticeships will be available. You are creative. The other route is to study a degree approved by the You are good at art and biology. Landscape Institute. This is usually a three-year You like the outdoors. undergraduate degree plus a one-year postgraduate You want to help protect the environment. diploma in landscape architecture. If you complete an

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 21

Quantity surveyors

Quantity surveyors (QSs) are also known as cost Choose this if… consultants, commercial managers, cost managers or You’re good at maths. cost engineers. But whatever they’re called, their role is You’re good at figuring out the best buy or deal. to help a construction project to make a profit. They’ll You like keeping track of systems and pay attention keep a close eye on how much everything costs (the to detail. materials, the time taken and the workers’ salaries) and You like people. make payments.

Routes in Employers will want you to gain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered Institute of Building. Some employers will hire you onto an apprenticeship or trainee scheme with GCSEs and/or A levels (or equivalents). They’ll then pay for you to study an HND or bachelors qualification while working for them.

Site managers Site managers ensure things get done on a Routes in construction site. They make sure that the building You can start out as an assistant manager if you have work is finished on time, within budget and to a high studied a construction or project management degree standard. They organise schedules of work, manage approved by the Chartered Institute of Building, or workers and deal with issues such as health and safety, another closely related subject such as civil engineering. logistics and the effects of the building work on A few employers might hire you with a different degree members of the public. and sponsor you through a postgraduate course. The quickest way to get into site management via an apprenticeship route is to complete a higher or degree apprenticeship.

Choose this if… You like to take charge. You can make decisions quickly. You like solving problems. You are organised. You don’t want to work in an office – and you don’t mind being out in all weathers.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 22

Brickwork Brickwork includes bricklaying as well as stonemasonry, and you can choose to specialise in one or both of these areas. As a bricklayer, you’ll work as part of a ‘brickwork gang’ to trim bricks and shape natural stone, lay bricks, apply mortar and check the courses are straight. Stonemasonry is a traditional yet increasingly uncommon skill, but it’s essential to our heritage and great if The crafts you like history. Stonemasons might specialise in curving, laying or fixing.

Carpentry and trades and joinery Carpenters and joiners work together For those who prefer working with to prepare and install the wooden their hands to book learning. parts of buildings, from floorboards and roof trusses to windows and doors. Typically, a joiner uses drawings to prepare the materials and a carpenter installs them and does any structural work – but the two roles overlap and sometimes one person will do both. Joinery can be split into two areas: site (floors, doors and roofs) and bench (counters, kitchens and staircases). You can also specialise in building temporary supports, which are used to hold setting concrete in shape. This is called formwork or shuttering.

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Demolition You need to be at least 18 to work in demolition, although you typically only need GCSEs (or equivalent). You’ll usually start off as a demolition operative. It’s essential you have a head for heights and an awareness of Painting Scaffolding and health and safety. You’ll spend your and decorating steeplejacking days blowing up or pulling down You will paint and decorate in a range As a scaffolder, you will put up and disused or unattractive buildings, as of environments, from redecorating take down temporary scaffolding well as clearing the site and removing the homes of the rich and famous to using a series of metal tubes debris, rubbish and hazardous waste. applying finishing paint touches to (standards), horizontal poles (ledgers) You might specialise in preparing the structures such as bridges. You could and wooden working platforms site for demolition, removing fittings choose to specialise in a particular (battens). You’ll need a head for and dismantling roofs, or cutting steel technique such as restoration. Be heights, good hand-eye coordination frameworks. prepared to wear a protective mask and to be resilient to extreme weather. or climb a ladder in order to carry out Steeplejacks use a variety of Electrical work a job. systems – scaffolding, harnesses, Electricians (sometimes known as belay rope fall-arrest systems, bosun’s electrical technicians) install and Plumbing chairs and abseil equipment – to carry repair the electrical systems around Plumbers do more than you might out general maintenance work and us. You might find yourself think. They design and fix sanitation repairs at great heights. specialising in installation or systems and leaky pipes, work on maintenance, or in a particular area heating and air-conditioning systems, Wall and such as highways maintenance and fit bathrooms, install dishwashers and floor covering street lighting or solar panels. You more. But they might also work on a There are four main careers within may work in a team or on your own. construction site or on tasks such as this craft: plastering, dry lining, tiling You need a level 3 electrical or planning where pipes need to go. and floor fitting/laying. Accuracy and electrotechnical qualification to be an Plumbers can sometimes work the ability to work from drawings that electrician. Be aware that you may unsociable hours if asked to deal with someone else has done are core skills. need to take extra on-the-job an emergency. You could be doing anything from qualifications to ensure you are able pebble dashing (as a plasterer) or to carry out tasks such as PAT testing applying grout (as a tiler) to (portable appliance testing). improving acoustics (as a dry liner) or re-hanging doors (as a door fitter).

How to get into crafts and trades

If you choose a career in one of the traditional construction crafts or skilled trades, you can go straight from sitting your GCSEs to working on site. You can complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship. Alternatively, you can take a vocational qualification at college and then find an entry- level job. You could find work with large construction employers, smaller specialist employers or within the public sector. Many experienced trades and crafts people work for themselves.

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The engineering industries Engineers specialise in different industries. Find out more about them and discover which interests you the most.

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Aerospace Chemicals Energy and power What it is: flying things... helicopters, What it is: the backbone of industry... What it is: finding energy sources and fighter jets, unmanned vehicles, oil companies, manufacturers, generating power… oil, gas, tidal, commercial planes, satellites, space pharmaceuticals, water treatment wind, solar, nuclear etc. The industry stations, rockets etc. companies and more – those who use is divided into generating, and produce chemicals that create transmitting/distributing, metering Engineers typically needed: products and make factories and and sales. Oil and gas generation is aerospace/aeronautical, chemical, other industrial sites work. divided into ‘upstream’ (exploring and electrical, electronics, environmental, producing) and ‘downstream’ manufacturing, mechanical, Engineers typically needed: (refining ready for use). software.* chemical, civil/structural, electrical, environmental, manufacturing, Engineers typically needed: mechanical.* aerospace, automotive, chemical, Automotive civil/structural, electrical, electronics, What it is: all things relating to motor environmental, manufacturing, vehicles, from mainstream and Defence mechanical, software.* 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 Fast-moving consumer involved in putting vehicles together. latest weaponry, military vehicles or goods (FMCG) cyber security. Engineers often work What it is: the manufacturing of Engineers typically needed: at the cutting edge of technology. goods that fly off the production line aerospace, automotive, chemical, only to fly off shop shelves just as electrical, electronics, environmental, Engineers typically needed: quickly. These tend to be everyday manufacturing, mechanical, aerospace, automotive, chemical, products: food, cleaning products, software.* civil/structural, electrical, electronics, cosmetics etc. Thousands of goods environmental, manufacturing, can be produced every minute. mechanical, software.* Engineers typically needed: aerospace, automotive, chemical, Electronics civil/structural, electrical, electronics, What it is: smartphones, medical environmental, manufacturing, scanners, TVs, games consoles, mechanical, software.* washing machines, radios, unmanned vehicles… the creation of anything that includes electronic systems.

Engineers typically needed: electrical, electronics, software.*

* Always check individual employers’ requirements.

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Marine What it is: ships and other sea-faring vessels or equipment – eg equipment aimed at off-shore and sub-sea exploration.

Engineers typically needed: chemical, civil/structural, electrical, electronics, environmental, manufacturing, mechanical, software.*

Pharmaceuticals What it is: researching, developing Telecoms and manufacturing medications and What it is: allowing people to related products in tablet, liquid or communicate, whether through vaccination form. Engineers work conversation or sending data through alongside chemists and pharmacists. the cloud. There are vendors and carriers (vendors, eg Ericsson, sell the Engineers typically needed: hardware and software; carriers, chemical, civil/structural, electrical, eg BT, use them in their network). electronics, environmental, manufacturing, mechanical, Engineers typically needed: software.* electronics, software.*

Rail Utilities What it is: anything to do with the What it is: delivering energy/power, railway… tracks, bridges, drainage, water, sewage treatment and power systems, train control telecoms to the public. systems etc. Engineers typically needed: Engineers typically needed: chemical, civil/structural, electrical, civil/structural, electrical, electronics, electronics, environmental, environmental, mechanical, software.* 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 working with raw materials and metals, eg developing coated steel.

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The engineering job roles

ngineers are has identified three levels of • incorporated level if you are essentially problem professional engineering: qualified to a BEng degree level solvers: designing, • engineering technician • chartered level if you have an building and fixing • incorporated engineer MEng degree or a BEng plus a many of the items we • chartered engineer. masters degree. use every day. Their Chartership is the most senior level The quickest way to become Eday-to-day work, however, can be at which engineers are recognised as chartered is to do an MEng – there completely different, depending on able to take the lead on projects and are a few degree apprenticeships the discipline and industry they work develop new solutions. They tend to that result in an MEng. If your in. Some roles get you out and about receive the highest salaries. Even as apprenticeship leads to either more than others and some roles an experienced technician, you could technician or incorporated status involve more technical report writing find that a less-experienced, just- instead, you may be able to work than others, for example. chartered graduate will outrank you. towards chartership with your employer’s approval. Levels of expertise Getting qualified Across the engineering profession You only qualify for each of these What subjects do you need? the amount of responsibility you get levels after you have undergone a If you want to get on a university depends on your level of education training programme, usually an course or degree apprenticeship, and experience. You can get into apprenticeship or graduate training you’ll need to take maths and, usually, engineering via an apprenticeship programme. When you are starting physics at A level (or equivalent). or an engineering degree (usually out, you are eligible to train towards: Other useful subjects at GCSE and either a three-year BEng or a four- • technician level if you have GCSEs, A level include further maths, year MEng course). The Engineering A levels, an HNC/HND or BTEC/NVQ computing, chemistry and DT. Council regulates the profession and level 3 (or equivalents)

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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. Most jobs can be found in large international companies, which tend to build either aircraft or engines but not both. There are also some jobs with specialist contractors, which focus on building particular components, or in the military or public sector.

Routes in Apprentices typically work as machinists, fitters, modellers Choose this if… or engineering technicians. Graduates might work as You think it’s cool to make things fly. engineers in a particular area such as maintenance, You are happy to work on military equipment. mechanical, electrical, or systems design. There are Much of the UK’s aerospace work is found in the aerospace engineering degree courses, but employers defence industry. usually accept other engineering disciplines. You are fascinated by space!

Automotive engineers and motor vehicle technicians

Automotive engineers work for large car manufacturers run some advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships or automotive suppliers. They design, assemble and for aspiring automotive engineers. There are automotive improve the performance of motor vehicles, from engineering degree courses – sometimes with a particular family estate cars or multipurpose vehicles to Formula 1 focus on the environment or motorsports – but you can cars or MotoGP bikes. Motor vehicle technicians work become an automotive engineer with a mechanical or for car manufacturers or garages or repair and service electronic engineering degree, among others. vehicles. Choose this if… Routes in Meccano and Scalextric sets were your favourite toys. Vehicle technician apprenticeships are available, usually at You are a detail person. intermediate or advanced level, and you can specialise in You are creative. light or heavy vehicles. Large automotive companies also

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 29

Chemical and process engineers

Some chemical engineers are employed in research and Routes in product development roles, but most are employed as You could look for an apprenticeship or go to university to process engineers. Their role is to ensure that processes study chemical or biochemical engineering. Mechanical relating to chemicals are the best that they can be – engineering graduates can also be hired as process designing them, implementing them or controlling engineers. You might be able to get into this job with a them. Biochemical engineering is an offshoot of chemistry degree, but it is more likely that you’d have to chemical engineering. You might help to create new complete a postgraduate degree in chemical engineering medicines and vaccines, as well as greener first. technologies such as biofuels. Choose this if… You like chemistry (and biology if you are thinking of biochemistry). You like following something through step by step. You get a kick out of improving things.

Electrical and electronic engineers

Electrical engineers design, test and supervise the Choose this if… manufacture, installation or repair of electrical systems, You enjoyed circuitry work during your science lessons equipment or products. Electronic engineers do the and any electronics work you did during DT. same work on electronic systems. Both types of You want to work on the latest technologies. engineers get involved with products/projects such as: aircraft and spacecraft; cars and other vehicles; construction sites and in construction design offices; defence projects, including new weapons; products for electronics and consumer goods manufacturers; and projects for power generation companies.

Routes in There are lots of electrical and electronic engineering apprenticeships on offer. Most degree courses in this engineering discipline are joint honours courses in electrical and electronic engineering, sometimes with an environmental or energy focus too. There are also a number of joint degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering.

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Environmental engineers

Environmental engineers assess the impact that a project will have on the environment or, in fact, whether the environment will have an impact on the project. They then work out ways to lessen that impact and find solutions to any problems.

Routes in At present, there are a few specialist environmental engineering apprenticeships. Some apprenticeships cover environmental topics alongside more general engineering principles. There are 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 Choose this if… environmental management. Geography, biology or You care about the environment. chemistry would be good A level You like the outdoors. (or equivalent) choices, alongside maths and physics. You want to become an expert in a specialist area.

Manufacturing engineers

Manufacturing engineers basically improve the process Routes in of making products, whether that is the latest must- There are apprenticeships available – including a project have Christmas toy or a superconducting magnet for an controls technician apprenticeship and a manufacturing MRI scanner. They aim to increase productivity, reduce engineer degree apprenticeship. At degree level, you can the costs involved in manufacturing and ensure that do a single honours course in manufacturing engineering products are made to a good quality in the timeframe or a joint honours course that combines manufacturing needed. engineering with subjects such as product design or production engineering. There are also some courses that focus on an aspect of manufacturing, such as operations and maintenance. You can also become a manufacturing engineer with a degree in physics or mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering, among other subjects.

Choose this if… You like making something better or finding new ways of doing things, but... You are also good at following a process. You can think on your feet. You don’t mind writing reports.

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Mechanical engineers

Mechanical engineers design, build/assemble and test Routes in the quality of any kind of machine or mechanical The obvious choice at university is a mechanical component. They also investigate whether a engineering degree. There are also lots of apprenticeships mechanical device might solve a problem on a project. available at all levels. Mechanical engineers are in demand As a mechanical engineer, you could work across a across a range of industries. However, the job title might whole range of engineering industries, including not have the words ‘mechanical engineer’ in it, as it can be aerospace, automotive, defence, construction, specific to the sector. For example, you might work in a manufacturing, medicine, pharmaceuticals and utilities. mechanical engineering role but your job title might be aircraft technician (if you work in defence), process engineer (if you work in chemicals) or manufacturing engineer (if you work in manufacturing).

Choose this 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.

Software engineers

Nowadays software engineering is an IT job. Some Choose this if… have argued that software engineers aren’t, in fact, You like IT. engineers at all as the job has changed so much over You enjoy programming. the years. However, software engineers can become You are good at explaining technical things chartered engineers, and they can be seen as using to non-technical people. engineering principles when designing, developing, testing and evaluating software. The software could be for computers but also other electronic devices, such as cars or smartphones. Software engineers can also be known as application programmers, software architects or system programmers/engineers.

Routes in Lots of apprenticeships are available – often at degree level. At university, there are a number of specialist software engineering degrees available, alongside computer science degrees that contain elements of software engineering. Useful GCSEs and/or A level subjects include computer science/IT, maths, further maths and physics.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 Industry led, funded by the CITB levy CONSTRUCTION: A CAREER LIKE NO OTHER

There’s so much more to the construction industry than simply working on building sites. While the bricklayers and the tilers are still vital, there’s a huge range of exciting and varied roles in construction.

Whether you prefer an active job where you’re out and about, or an office-based role that relies more on planning and paperwork, you’ll surely find something engaging and exciting in construction. As well as house building, there’s commercial building — which covers everything from offices to football stadiums — and infrastructure, which includes roads, bridges, water, electricity and more. There’s also off-site manufacture, which is concerned with components and parts that are built in factories and then transported to the relevant site.

HOW TO GET INTO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

There are many different entry why not try to organise some work points into the industry. experience alongside your studies? Some first-hand experience might Apprenticeships: If you’re aged help you to find out if the reality 16 or over and live in England, matches the expectations. It’ll be Scotland or Wales, you can apply good for your CV and offer an for thousands of apprentice invaluable opportunity to shadow positions online. You’ll need to experienced professionals. successfully undertake an interview and an induction, but this is a Applying for jobs: If you’re brilliant way to get started straight looking to go straight into the from school. Find out more in the world of work by going for existing ‘Spotlight’ section. full-time roles, make sure your CV is up to scratch before you start Traineeships: If you find academic applying. Alternatively, if you need work difficult or don’t think to fill in an application form, make you will leave school with good sure you read it very carefully and qualifications, a traineeship could ensure the right information goes be the ideal solution. Ranging from in the right places. a couple of weeks to six months in length, a traineeship will help Whatever your skills and to build your skills to prepare you aspirations, you’re sure to find for a job or an apprenticeship. a role within the construction industry that plays to your Work experience: If you think strengths and helps to develop construction could be right for you you on both a professional and but you want to ‘try before you buy’, a personal level. SPOTLIGHT ON APPRENTICESHIPS

Many construction professionals National Apprenticeship Week started their careers as apprentices. NAW is an annual week-long Apprenticeships can be a route celebration of apprenticeships into Higher Education or university, across England. Apprentices across and you can study for Higher/Degree the country will be celebrated Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are throughout the week, with a great way to start in the industry engagement and events in schools if you want to earn while you learn. and colleges nationwide.

Apprenticeship facts To find an event near you, check • Length of study depends on the out the website nawevents.co.uk level of apprenticeship. They will — it could be your first step into be from one to five years, usually an exciting and rewarding career! at a local training provider;

• They focus on a specific job If you want to learn more, role, where you’ll learn the the GoConstruct website skills required; (goconstruct.org) has a huge • There are approximately 100 amount more information about roles in the construction sector how to pursue a career in which can be accessed through the construction industry. apprenticeships — with more being added GOCONSTRUCT.ORG • As an apprentice you’ll earn as you learn, so there are no tuition fees and you’re on a wage throughout the course.

OPEN DOORS WEEK: REAL SITES, REAL PEOPLE, REAL CAREERS.

Ever wondered what happens on a construction site? and builders use state-of-the-art tech to protect our This is your ticket to go behind the scenes. Annually every planet, speak to the crane operators that construct March, hundreds of sites across England, Scotland and from 265 feet off the ground, and learn how history Wales are opening their doors to the next generation of and archaeology play a huge part in our industry. construction workers. With over 158,000 new jobs happening From skyscrapers to underground projects, the industry’s in construction over the next five years, you could professionals are ready to show you around. There’s a become one of 2.7 million people in the industry. diverse range of career paths in the construction industry, And, best of all, all the opportunities provided through so come and see people at work and get a taste of what Open Doors Week are completely free of charge! they get up to on a normal workday.

Construction isn’t just a job, it’s a career: and it’s one Visit where you can specialise in the areas you’re passionate opendoors.construction about. Watch as environmentally conscious designers to find out more. 34 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 The property industry is not just made up of estate agencies. There are many firms that provide all sorts of services to clients (people or organisations who want to gain, lose or invest in property or land). Some of the ways a property firm makes money for its clients are: selling, buying, letting or renting real estate negotiating the terms of contracts for landlords and/or tenants valuing land or property and setting the price for it to be sold or let finding ways to increase a property’s value or rental income conducting building surveys overseeing matters relating to planning and land development, eg getting planning permission assessing a property’s impact on the environment.

Types of property Property is divided into three types and property professionals usually specialise in one of these: 1. residential (including housing developments, individual homes, apartment blocks and student accomodation). 2. commercial (any property with a business use, ranging from shops and offices to warehouses and hotels). 3. rural (property in the countyside, including country estates, farms, land and countryside housing developments).

The employers Many property professionals work for property or chartered surveying firms. There are also some jobs with house-building companies, in which property professionals value, buy and make decisions about land that could be built on. There are vacancies in the public sector, particularly with regards to valuing land and property and with matters to do with planners. Other organisations that deal with or own large amounts of real estate may also hire property professionals: these organisations include retail chains as well as infrastructure companies such as Network Rail.

Property and 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.

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Building surveyors

Building surveyors provide technical advice to Institute of Building. There are a few apprenticeships construction and property professionals and property available. Alternatively, you could complete an HND and owners. They advise on factors affecting existing apply for a building surveying technician job. buildings, such as building defects, alterations, renovations and extensions, as well as the design and Choose this if… construction of new buildings. You want to get out and about, but return to a dry, warm office. Routes in You get bored doing the same thing all the time. Employers usually want you to have an undergraduate or You like to take charge. postgraduate degree that has been approved by the Royal You are interested in the law and how it can Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered be applied practically.

Estate agents

Estate agents play a key role in the property industry as Choose this if… they manage the buying/renting and selling/leasing of You are skilled at negotiation. property. The job of an estate agent involves elements You enjoy travelling. of marketing, sales and administration. They can You can build positive relationships with clients. specialise in a certain market, such as commercial, You can juggle responsibilities. residential or rural properties.

Routes in There are no formal requirements to become an estate agent, although employers may want to see experience of working with customers and an interest in the local property market. You can apply for trainee estate agent or sales/lettings negotiator roles at local estate agencies. Although not a necessity, an undergraduate degree in a subject such as building surveying, real estate or planning may give you an advantage. You can also choose to do a sales/lettings negotiator or estate agent apprenticeship. The majority of these are level 2 apprenticeships, but there are a few level 3 opportunities.

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Planners

Planners decide how many houses, hospitals, schools and shops we need, 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. If you work in the public sector, you will decide whether construction can go ahead. If you work for a property or construction company, your job is to try to get planning permission for the project.

Routes in You need to have either an undergraduate or become a planner by completing a degree or by postgraduate degree approved by the Royal Town completing a professional qualification after a number of Planning Institute (RTPI). Useful A level (or equivalent) years’ work experience. Your employer may support you to choices for an undergraduate planning degree include do these. You could also get a job as a planning technician business studies, economics, geography, politics, history, with a vocational qualification such as an HND. art and psychology. If you choose a postgraduate planning degree, good undergraduate subjects include law, Choose this if… geography, politics or environmental sciences. The RTPI You get on with all types of people. has recently developed a chartered town planner degree You are comfortable making difficult decisions apprenticeship. You can also do a level 3 apprenticeship in that not everyone will agree with. town planning technical support, after which you could You can interpret and apply rules and regulations. become a planning technician. From there you could You are organised.

Property surveyors A property surveyor (sometimes known as a general Routes in practice surveyor) does a different role to quantity or There are a few apprenticeships including a chartered building surveyors. Their role is to make the most surveyor degree apprenticeship, during which you’ll study money possible out of a piece of land or property. towards a degree while working, but most opportunities Clients include the land or property’s owners; people or are for graduates. Your degree needs to be approved by companies looking to rent or buy land or property; or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: most wealthy individuals or investment management groups university students study property, real estate, surveying or who want to invest in a property. land management, but some complete a postgraduate course after studying an undergraduate degree in geography or economics, for example.

Choose this if… You don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day. You are good at getting the best deal or your own way. You like strategising and planning. You are good with people.

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Professional qualifications explained

rofessional to the Royal Institution of Chartered workplace). For others, apprentices qualifications can be Surveyors (RICS). The Engineering can initially gain a lower qualification gained while working Council (www.engc.org.uk) or and then work up to a higher to prove that you know Construction Industry Trading Board qualification afterwards. your stuff. These (www.citb.org.uk) will be able to The qualification process usually Pqualifications are set and awarded by give you the names of professional involves a period of training in the professional institutions (also known bodies in your chosen profession – workplace, writing reports on projects as professional bodies). you can look online or contact you’ve completed at work and an them directly. interview with assessors. About professional bodies Every profession within construction, About professional Take advantage now engineering and property has an qualifications Professional institutions can help you institution that acts as its voice, looks These qualifications are recognised by to find out more about the careers in after its needs, gives careers the industry and they help you to their fields. Some institutions offer information to students, shares the prove your skills to employers and to help in finding work experience or latest industry data or technological gain promotions. You usually receive a arrange open days where students advances, and makes sure that pay rise after completing them and can visit employers. They may also standards are kept high. they may make it easier for you to have details of bursaries and sources Professional bodies in the UK work internationally, too. of funding for university. If you are range from the Chartered Institution To gain some qualifications, you going to university, ensure that the of Building (CIOB), to the Institution need to be a graduate (or have spent degree is accredited (approved) by of Engineering and Technology (IET), a significant amount of time in the the relevant institution.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 Available online at targetcareers.co.uk

Inspiring decisions, unlocking potential

targetcareers.co.uk

2020Research by Featuring the 200 most popular employers for trendence RESEARCH school leavers 39

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 Find out more online Visit targetcareers.co.uk and the websites of relevant professional institutions. Check out university websites if you’re considering uni and employer websites if you’re considering apprenticeships. Search for any careers fairs near you – or ask your teachers – so that you can go along and speak to employers in the industry.

2 Get chatty Find out whether someone you know is working in the industry or studying the subject at university. This could be a relative, a family friend or a contact recommended by your teacher. Draw up a list of questions to ask them. Aim to find out what they do day to day, the skills they use, the best and worst bits of their career, and different ways to get into it. Contact them to see whether they would be interested in answering some questions by email.

3 Try it out: get some experience If you have work experience or placement weeks coming up at school or college, talk to your teachers, tutors or careers officer about arranging one with an employer in the relevant career area. If you’re considering uni, you could attend a summer school or taster course. Seek out employers that offer work experience during the holidays. See the employer overviews from page 56 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.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 40

DEGREE COURSE

Architecture

MING HARPER

DEGREE UNIVERSITY PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS BA architecture Newcastle University 10 GCSEs and 3 A levels

always knew I was passionate Art galleries and beaches (I picked a sesame oil bottle) to a shop about design. I picked my A I chose my course because I thought a on campus, a housing scheme for the levels (English, geography more arts-based course aligned with elderly and a riverside spa. and art) with this in mind, my interests, whereas a few A lot of design projects include a and architecture combines all architecture courses can be more site visit. It’s about looking at how to Ithree. It is a career where I can see the technical. Newcastle as a city also integrate the building into the purpose and the outcome – the appealed to me. The art school and environment, rather than seeing it as impact I can have on an individual. For the art galleries are great and there’s an isolated monument. For my design example, architects have the power to plenty to do at the weekend. You can project this year, we also went on a alter the way people work in an office even hop on the metro and be at the field trip to Turin and Milan, visiting or how children learn in a school. beach in half an hour. specific buildings and completing case studies. Taking a year out Nine-to-five as an Once I had decided on architecture, I architecture student Looking to the future reached out to friends’ parents who are I’m now in my third year of university. I worked in the model making architects to ask questions and From day one, my tutors recommended department of an architecture arranged work experience at a local treating the course like a nine-to-five practice in London in the summer of practice. I went on site with an job. This means I can keep most evenings my second year at uni. It was good to architect, gained experience measuring and weekends for myself. I’m also a experience a different environment to rooms using computer-aided design member of my university’s Scottish my local architecture practice and (CAD) and sat in on meetings. I also dancing and architecture societies. figure out what aspects of architecture enjoyed reading social, political and My degree is taught through interest me most, particularly environmental discussions around lectures, seminars and design regeneration. architecture in the RIBA Journal and tutorials and I spend the rest of the Becoming an architect usually takes the press. day in the studio working on my seven years. After my degree, I’ll need I took a gap year before university. design projects. I study three or four to spend a year in practice, but some As well as working at my local modules at a time and they’re usually people stay for two years. I’ll start architecture practice, I worked as a split into design, technology and calling up practices and sending out nanny and at Wimbledon. Then I history. I’ve studied Greek and Roman my CV and portfolio in May. After that, spent four months at university in philosophy all the way up to modern I’ll come back to university for two years Taiwan learning Mandarin and two architecture. My design projects have to complete my masters and then go months in Fiji volunteering on a shark become longer and more in-depth back into practice for a year. If I had to conservation programme, tagging over the course of my degree. They say where I see myself in ten years’ time, juvenile sharks, going on dives and have ranged from designing a I’d like to practise abroad, for example participating in beach clean-ups. I building based on a household object in the USA, China and Taiwan. always say Taiwan helped me become more independent, then Fiji developed ROUTE IN GCSEs A levels Degree course my social and communication skills.

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APPRENTICESHIP

Bricklaying

CONOR HUGHES

JOB EMPLOYER PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 12 GCSEs, Apprentice bricklayer Barratt Developments 1 BTEC level 2, 2 BTECs level 3, 1 BTEC level 4

became a primary school PE I don’t notice as long as I’m busy. The numbers to call if I need any help and teacher after leaving school, gangs are very helpful and welcoming. they regularly check in with me. but I changed my mind after You can rely on them to have a laugh Accommodation for the two weeks my brother joined Barratt and they reward us for doing well – is organised for us with families living Developments as an maybe with a McDonald’s at the end nearby and it feels really homely. I Iapprentice bricklayer. I’d always of the day. have my own room and my friend wanted to learn a trade, but I didn’t stays in the same house. They cook know how to begin. I like being Life at college our evening meals for us, but they also hands-on and learning new things, I previously completed BTECs in leave us to it for the rest of the time. and it’s a unique skill that is in teaching and performing sport but Our curfew is 10.00 pm so we usually demand. It also meant more studying for my apprenticeship has go to the gym together. consistent working hours compared been completely different. I spend to teaching and I couldn’t have my eight weeks on site doing my job and Sibling rivalry brother earning more money than then two weeks at Stephenson Doing this apprenticeship is the best me in the future! College in Leicester along with other decision I’ve made. Working and apprentice bricklayers from across studying at the same time hasn’t On the trowel the country. I like that I get to learn affected my social life. I play semi- I help build houses for David Wilson things that I haven’t done on site yet, professional football, so I have training Homes Mercia, which is part of the for example building archways and on a Thursday night and a game at Barratt Group. I started on a site in pillars and trying out different types the weekend, but my college tutors Telford. I met my ‘gang’ of bricklayers of brick bonding, such as Flemish are really understanding. I just have who taught me how to do the job. bond and English garden wall. to be ready for my gang to give me One of the first things I learned was We spend most of our time in a some stick on a Monday if my football how to keep my compo (mortar) from practical area exclusively for team loses! slipping off the trowel. I’ve also been bricklayers, but we also learn some My highlight has been meeting my picking up all of the bricklaying terms theory in a classroom and there are gang and the other apprentices doing as I go – I had no idea what people computers for us to work on our the course. Bricklaying was completely were asking me to fetch at first. A coursework. I prefer studying in new to me but, when I start something, bricklaying dictionary would probably blocks of two weeks at a time rather I want to see it through and be the come in handy! than once a week as I’m learning my best I can be. It’s great to see how Now I’m more experienced, I’m in trade at an accelerated pace and I much my gang trust me now. They a new gang in Uttoxeter. I’m ‘on the find it easier to remember all of the miss me when I’m at college. I also trowel’ every day learning different information. I’ve received a lot of enjoy the friendly competition with things. It’s very different to working in support from my employer and my my brother and we could start a an office and it can get a bit chilly, but college tutors. There are phone family business in the future.

ROUTE IN GCSEs BTECs Intermediate apprenticeship

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 42

APPRENTICESHIP Electronics engineering

HALIMAH ERSHAD

JOB EMPLOYER PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS Undergraduate engineer Dyson 10 GCSEs, 3 A levels

found out about The Dyson also a gym on campus and the head tomorrow. For example, I’ve recently Institute of Engineering and chef at the café gave us cooking learned about how to manufacture Technology through my lessons. printed circuit boards (PCBs), which mum; she was reading an can be found in almost every electronic interview with James Dyson Becoming a specialist product. I also receive a lot of on-the- Iand he said that he was starting an We’re taught by lecturers from the job training ranging from computer- alternative to traditional university. I University of Warwick who travel to us aided design (CAD) to soldering. talked to my A level design and on lecture days. They’re responsive technology teachers and they over email and, if I’m stuck with From Paris to Singapore encouraged me to apply. It didn’t take something, they will organise a phone One of my work highlights has been up one of my UCAS university options call, or I can get support from the James Dyson joining my team for a so I could still apply to five other academic team at the Dyson Institute. design review. Sharing my designs universities too. In the first two years, I studied general with him and receiving his feedback engineering, giving me knowledge of was great. Another highlight was a Campus life electronics, mechanical and software recent project designing backpacks I started the four-year programme in engineering. Now I’m in year three, I for school children that measured air 2017 and I’m in my third year now. The have chosen to specialise in quality. Five of us went to Paris to test campus is based in Malmesbury, electronics. the backpacks and the goal was to Wiltshire, and I live in a house share I spend two days a week studying walk around as much as we could. I just down the road with my classmates. and three days doing hands-on work got to see sights such as the Eiffel I grew up in London and it was a big alongside experienced engineers. In Tower and Arc De Triomphe while change moving away, but I didn’t find the first two years, I joined a new doing my job! I couldn’t believe I was it scary. My mum was more worried team every four months, including on a business trip in Europe aged 20. than I was! It taught me a lot about acoustics, motor development, app I’ll be going overseas again soon. independence and it was reassuring development, new product We design the products in the UK to know that my classmates were innovation and research. Now I’ve and manufacture them in Singapore, going through the same experience. specialised in electronics, I’ve joined so I’m going over there for around six At university, you’d be joined by the batteries team. I’m currently weeks to work alongside the hundreds of new freshers but there working on the battery design for a manufacturing engineers. Hopefully were only 33 of us. This meant it was floorcare product, but I’ve also worked in the future I can work overseas for a easy to get to know people. The on personal care and environmental few years. I’m also passionate about student support team helped us to care products. It’s really exciting when starting something of my own so settle in by organising evening a product I’ve worked on is launched. maybe one day I’ll have a little side activities such as dinners, ice skating, I like the ability to learn something business or a start-up with my go-karting and escape rooms. There’s today and apply it to my job friends.

ROUTE IN GCSEs A levels The Dyson Institute

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 43

APPRENTICESHIP Mechanical engineering

TATIANA PETERS

JOB EMPLOYER PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS Mechanical design engineer MBDA 9 GCSEs, BTEC level 3

studied electronics during circuit boards that I had created and diploma in technical support. A fifth of my GCSEs and I became wired, as well as my related project my working time could go towards fascinated with how lots of tiny research. I think the interviewers were studying and, if I ever found myself components could be wired impressed by this as they were able to struggling, I was able to ask my together to create something see the work I was talking about. colleagues around me for help. I Irather spectacular. I then went on to finished my apprenticeship in college to study for an engineering New experiences September 2019 and my employer is BTEC, which is where I met some MBDA designs missiles and missile now sponsoring me to study a bachelors MBDA apprentices. After hearing first- systems for the three branches of the degree, which I started in October 2019 hand about their apprenticeships, it armed forces (air, sea and land). My and am due to finish in 2021. seemed like the best option for me. I apprenticeship lasted four years. I was I’m also encouraged to sign up for was always told by teachers, family and based in Stevenage but I changed work training courses. So far, I’ve been on friends that I had to go to uni, get a placements every three to six months. various CAD courses but there are degree and find a job in order to follow Fortunately, I enjoyed experiencing a others, ranging from learning a foreign the ‘right’ path in life. By choosing to do variety of placements (including language to business, leadership and an apprenticeship, I just took this path manufacture, design and future management. in a different order. I got a job and concepts) and being adaptable and gained a recognised engineering flexible was all part of the learning curve. Personal growth qualification, all while earning a salary. Once I completed the scheme, I Doing an apprenticeship was certainly chose to go into a mechanical design right for me. It boosted my confidence A hands-on interview role. My job varies a lot as there are dramatically and I’ve developed skills The first step of applying for my always new problems to solve. I might that I believe I would never have apprenticeship was filling out an be doing computer-aided design (CAD) learned in a classroom. I’m really proud application form. I was then invited to or working alongside the of what I’ve achieved. I even won the complete a test and, after successfully manufacturing teams in Bolton and Advanced Apprentice of the Year passing this, I went for an interview Paris. I get to travel to these places, Award at the National Apprenticeship with a panel, which included the early which is a great experience. My biggest Awards in 2019. careers manager and an engineer. I highlight so far has been assisting on a My advice to future apprentices is to was naturally nervous in my interview trial on a Royal Navy frigate, as I had be enthusiastic, ask lots of questions so, if I could go back, I would tell myself never been on a ship before! and have a willingness to learn. Even if to try to remain calm and remember you find certain jobs boring, there’s that the interviewers aren’t trying to Racking up qualifications always a bigger picture and it’s all part catch me out. During my apprenticeship, I gained an of your learning process. Volunteer for I took my GCSE electronics HNC and HND in mechanical opportunities that arise and go into coursework along to my interview with engineering and an NVQ extended everything with an open mind.

ROUTE IN GCSEs BTEC Advanced apprenticeship Sponsored degree

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 44

APPRENTICESHIP Property surveying

SUBA SHANMUGAVEL

JOB EMPLOYER PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS Surveying apprentice JLL 9 GCSEs, BTEC level 3

one of my family check my emails as there’s usually a management, lease advisory or work in property and backlog. Agencies representing valuations. I’m keen to experience I didn’t have much clients will put out a requirement for the investment side of things. knowledge of it, but I a space to rent, such as 12,000 square applied for a job at an feet in Mayfair, and I respond with all Studying online Nestate agent in London. I worked the options we have. I’m usually out I’m studying online for a degree in there for just over a year and learned of the office for an hour or two every real estate management. I’m given a lot about leasing, how contracts are day to conduct viewings. Most one day every week to study and I drawn up and compliance, but I spaces are blank canvases with no tend to stay at home so I don’t get decided that I wanted a career desks, carpets or painted walls, so I distracted. I’m given material to read change. need to help the client see how they (I can buy the books or use the I researched routes into surveying can use the space. It’s important to university’s e-library) and there is a and found the apprenticeship at JLL. be knowledgeable about the weekly webinar. I’m also given tasks I didn’t want to sacrifice earning a property or you won’t be taken to work through, such as a quiz or a wage, so one of the biggest draws for seriously, so I always prepare video to watch. For the first year, I’m me was getting a degree without beforehand. assessed purely through going back to full-time education. assignments, such as a 1,500-word The social side of work essay, but in my second and third Always on the go I like how quickly the time goes by years, there will also be some exams. The assessment day for my and how sociable my job is. My team apprenticeship was focused on how sits on the same bank of desks, no Advice for apprentices I could write and communicate. I matter how senior people are, so we Be willing to take on different tasks. think this is because property is all can easily tell each other about Instead of thinking ‘Oh no, I can’t do about people and relationships. My what’s happening. We regularly go this’, just ask somebody to run you best piece of advice would be to get out for drinks after work and through it. You can also absorb a lot there early so you’re not in a rush; I whenever a new property comes of knowledge by listening, asking wish I’d arrived five minutes earlier! onto the market we host a launch questions, saying hello to people, I’ve been on my apprenticeship event at breakfast or lunch. growing your network and helping for nearly five months now. I’m in the I’ll spend up to a year and a half in out where you can. Networking is agency team and my job is to get the agency team and then I’ll move very important in property. space rented. Every morning, I’ll to a different team, such as property

ROUTE IN GCSEs BTEC Degree apprenticeship

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 45

APPRENTICESHIP Quantity surveying

ALEX WILD

JOB EMPLOYER PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS Apprentice cost manager Turner & Townsend 11 GCSEs, 3 A levels

didn’t know what a cost For the M6 project, I work couple of online tests and an online manager did before I started alongside two other cost managers in interview, where I recorded my my apprenticeship. I a wider team of ten people, including answers to set questions. The final originally wanted to go to risk managers, project managers and stage was an assessment day at university full time but then I planners. I see a project almost purely Turner & Townsend’s head office in Idecided it would be better for me to from a cost angle so it’s interesting to London. It was quite daunting do an apprenticeship and come out hear their viewpoints. travelling down and finding the office of it with a degree and five years’ Over the past year and a half I’ve by myself but, once I was there and experience and wages. received good feedback from both talking to other people in the same I looked into apprenticeships in the clients and directors at my company, situation, I felt more comfortable. I’d north west in various sectors, including which is always nice. Joining the world done a couple of mock assessment IT and business, but construction of work took some adjusting at first, days at school in year 13, which really appealed to me because of how much though. A nine-to-five job is different helped me prepare and get in the the industry contributes to the to going to school or working in bars zone. running of the country. I originally and restaurants. I appreciate the applied for the project management weekends a lot more now! Following in programme, but Turner & Townsend my footsteps suggested I’d be better suited to cost My degree and beyond Be organised when it comes to management, a career I’m really I go to the University of Salford one day applying for apprenticeships. It happy with. I didn’t study maths at A a week to study for a degree in quantity worked out well for me, but I definitely level – I chose media and business surveying. I’m assessed through a could have started applying sooner. subjects – but this didn’t matter. mixture of coursework and online tests. Ask your teachers, family and friends I do my university work in the office as if they have any tips for the interview On the job this means there’s no distractions and I process. You can learn a lot from I joined the Manchester office 18 can completely switch off when I get people who’ve been through the months ago and I’m part of a team home. Once I’ve got my degree, I’ll process before. covering rail, road and aviation projects. complete the assessment of professional When I started my apprenticeship, A lot of my time has been spent on the competence (APC) to become a one of the directors told me to be a M6 motorway upgrade for Highways chartered surveyor with the Royal sponge and soak up information – England, but I’ve also worked on Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). even if it’s just chatting to somebody carbon reduction for the Environment in the kitchen for a few minutes while Agency and a railway upgrade project Flashback to the getting a coffee. A lot of my in the north of England. My job is to recruitment process colleagues have been in construction evaluate the cost of a project then, To get the apprenticeship, I for 10 or 20 years and they’ve got a during the construction phase, assess completed an application form, a wealth of knowledge to pass on. whether it is sticking to the budget and regularly report back to the client. ROUTE IN GCSEs A levels Degree apprenticeship

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 46

Building your personal statement

dmissions tutors use the UCAS personal Be yourself statement to decide who to invite to an Don’t be tempted to copy someone else’s statement: interview or to make offers to, so use the UCAS has software to pick up on this and the tutors space wisely. genuinely want to hear about you. A Think beyond school or college What admissions tutors want Universities want to see that your interest in your chosen Admissions tutors want to know the answer to these subject extends to your hobbies and free time. For example, three questions, which you can use to structure your you might enjoy reading industry magazines or websites. statement: Explain how you’ve learned from these experiences. • why do you want to study the course? • what have you done that makes you suitable Applying for different courses for the course? If you are applying for a number of courses, you should • what else have you done that means you will do well avoid the specifics of individual courses and talk about on the course and contribute to the university? what interests you about engineering, construction or property as a whole. You can find more tips at targetcareers.co.uk.

Write about... Any topics you have read about that are What you find interesting about the subject (you relevant to the subject, including articles published by don’t need to define the subject). professional bodies, or any discussions you have had Anything practical you’ve done that ties into your with professionals in the industry. course: if you are applying for an automotive Specific career goals if you have them engineering course and you’ve rebuilt engines in your (use pages 19–36 to find out more about job roles). spare time, say so. How any work experience, part-time jobs or Any industry work experience – but relevant work extracurricular activities have developed skills that will experience isn’t essential. help you on the course and at university. For example, Anything about your previous subjects that made you you could write about how your time playing football feel this course is right for you. has developed your teamworking skills.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 47 Get up to speed with uni interviews

Likely interview questions

You might be asked about your reasons for applying, for example: Why do you want to study this subject specifically (as opposed to a efore deciding to offer similar one)? you a place, some Why have you applied to this university in particular? universities may invite Tell us about a construction/engineering/property news story you’ve read. you for an interview. What do you expect to get out of the course and the university? The interview days Why did you choose your A levels (or equivalent)? Bvary in how formal they are, but it’s What are your interests outside of studying? wise to dress smartly. Many universities invite a number of students on the same day and give You might be asked for your thoughts about your future them a tour of the faculty and career, for example: campus. You are often also given a Do you have any career goals? What are they? group exercise to complete and an What roles would this degree qualify you to do? individual interview, which can last What does a [eg quantity surveyor] do? What would you do day to day in between 20 minutes and an hour . the role? What skills would you need in order to be a good [eg quantity surveyor]?

If you have applied for an engineering or another maths-based degree, 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 Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 48

Firing off job applications – the essentials

Communication Can you adapt your communication The skills worth style depending on who you are talking to (eg a friend, a customer, showing off your boss) or what you need to achieve (eg to inspire teammates before a game)? Are you able to talk confidently in front of a group? Can you write a report?

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 49

nce you’ve found Reasons for applying are looking for and what they involve. the perfect At any point during the application Take some time to think of one or two apprenticeship for process, you could be asked questions examples of times when you’ve you, it’s time to along the lines of ‘Why do you want demonstrated each of these. Oapply! You will usually need to fill out this apprenticeship?’ an application form and/or submit a Look carefully at the A few finishing touches CV and covering letter (see pages apprenticeship listing and pay • There is usually a set word limit for 50–53). If you’re successful, you are attention to the qualifications and each answer on the application likely to be invited to an interview or training you’ll receive and the work form: be careful not to go over. At assessment centre (see pages 54–55). you’ll be doing. Come up with two or the same time, you shouldn’t write But, before you do any of that, you three reasons why this opportunity very short responses that don’t give need to assemble your application will help you to reach your career the employer enough to go on. toolkit. goals and why the structure and • Make sure you proofread your content of the apprenticeship is application – or ask somebody you Employer research perfect for you. trust (your parents or your teacher). Go to the employer’s website and Even when you’re applying online, make notes on what the company Evidence of your skills and it’s still worth printing off a hard does, any recent products or projects strengths copy of your application to check it that interest you, what your job will You can’t just say that you have the through. involve, the training you’ll receive and skills employers want – you need to • At an interview, the employer is the skills you’ll need. You should also give examples. You could draw them likely to ask you about the read up on industry news, especially from school/college, your family, information you’ve provided in your any recent news stories that relate to sports teams, part-time job(s), work application form. So, before you the employer. Think about how you experience, the Guides, Scouts or submit your initial application, make would use any of this information to Cadets, other hobbies or community sure you keep a copy of it so you answer questions such as ‘What do activities. The list below shows some can refresh your memory you know about us?’ or ‘Why do you of the common skills that employers of what you wrote. want to work for us?’

Planning and organisation Commercial awareness Customer service Do you think ahead and set out Do you understand how the company Have you had experience of working action plans? Do you make a ‘plan B’ you are applying to makes money? with clients or customers? Do you know in case ‘plan A’ doesn’t work out? Can Do you know how your job would how to communicate professionally? you prioritise and juggle tasks to contribute to that? Have you successfully handled angry meet deadlines? Can you give or troublesome customers? examples from outside your academic work? Problem solving Have you found ways around Teamwork obstacles? Do you suggest solutions Have you worked successfully in Self-motivation and figure out new ways of doing groups? Do you help your teammates Are you able to motivate yourself to do things? Can you judge when to ask out if they are struggling or encourage something? Have you set yourself a for help? quiet members to speak up? Do you personal target and then achieved it? consider how your actions affect others? Can you create a positive atmosphere?

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 50

You don’t need to say ‘Curriculum Vitae’ at the start of your CV. Begin with your name.

Include contact details: phone numbers, an address and an email address (make sure this is sensible and sounds professional). You don’t need to include The foundations your date of birth, your age or a photo.

of a strong CV If you’ve attended more than one secondary school or college, list the most recent first. You don’t need to include your primary school.

If the work experience or job you are applying for specifies that you need certain exam grades, show that you have them. If you haven’t achieved much in the way of qualifications, you could list the subjects you studied without What to avoid including your grades. here is no one right • Don’t lie. If you’re found out you way to put together a could lose your job. CV. There are some • Don’t waffle. Your CV should be no standard headings longer than two pages and at this Employers will be keen to find out about that you will find stage it’s more likely to be one page, your skills, for example, IT skills, team Tuseful and there are some common as in our example. You can use working, customer service and errors you need to avoid. However, bullet points and you don’t have to communication skills. If it’s relevant to you can adapt the format to suit you use full sentences. the role, mention that you have a full, and reflect your strengths. A CV is a • Don’t be too fancy or too informal. clean driving licence (if you have). personal document and everybody’s Use a professional-looking font such CV is different. Our example CV will as Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana give you ideas and help you get or Cambria. Putting any voluntary work you have started. • Don’t leave in typos. Check your done on your CV helps to show that you spelling and grammar and get are committed and motivated. Include somebody you trust to read your CV any fundraising, involvement in teams, and check it again. positions of responsibility and awards.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 51

JOHN THORPE If you aren’t writing a covering letter, 17a Christmas Way, Abingdon, Oxon OX99 2PQ you can include a personal statement at the beginning of your CV that Email: [email protected] describes your strengths and why you are interested in the career. If you do Tel: 01449 123456 Mobile: 07759 234567 this, keep it brief – ideally two to three lines and not more than 60 words. Education and qualifications 2013–present Abingdon Secondary School A levels (predicted): maths (B), physics (C), chemistry (C) 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 Employment and work experience they will be interested in any that you 2019 (two-week placement, August) Civil Engineers & Building Design, do have. Give some details about what you learned and contributed. High Street, Abingdon Shadowed design team and attended design meetings. Used technical computer programs, including AutoCAD 2020. 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 2019 (July) South Oxfordshire Holiday Park, Wallingford have had, explaining your Helped caretaker with repairs and maintenance, including cleaning and responsibilities and achievements. gardening. 2016–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 IT skills way to tell employers about your Good working knowledge of AutoCAD 2020, Excel and Word. strengths and give them a sense of Interests what you might be 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 (2017) we came second in the county league. I have volunteered as a football coach at local primary schools’ after-school You don’t have to include this. clubs and have tried and enjoyed many other outdoor activities, including Employers will assume you have kayaking and climbing. references and will follow them up if you get through to the next stage. You definitely don’t need to include References available upon request contact details for them.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 52 Covering

P 1

First paragraph State the vacancy you are applying for and where you saw it. For example: ‘I am writing to apply for your construction management trainee scheme, which I saw advertised covering letter is a on targetcareers.co.uk.’ If you are not applying for an letter or email that advertised vacancy, state what you are looking for. For you send in with example: ‘I am writing to see whether you would be your CV to explain able to offer me a week’s work experience.’ why you are the Aright person for the vacancy and why you want to work for that employer in particular. If you can, address it to a specific 2 + 3 person responsible for hiring, eg P ‘Dear Mr Smith’. If you aren’t given a name, address it to ‘Dear Second and third paragraphs Sir/Madam’. Sign off the letter with Write about how you have the skills, qualities, attitude and ‘Yours sincerely’ if it is to a named experience (if you have any) to succeed in the role. Refer to person and ‘Yours faithfully’ if to the skills and qualities asked for in the job description. If Sir/Madam. Your letter shouldn’t be there isn’t one, use the skills listed on pages 48–49. longer than one page of A4. For example: ‘I believe that I have the right skills and qualities to excel on your trainee scheme. I have developed the leadership potential you’ve asked for through my involvement with Explorers. I was part of the Young Leaders Scheme and helped to run Scout meetings. For example, I led a session on...’

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 53 letters: the formula for success

P 4

Fourth paragraph 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 by the company, the qualifications you would gain, the company’s values or something else that attracts you.

For example: ‘I am applying to J Smith & Company because I really want to work and learn in a company that takes on innovative projects, such as the 2 George Street project. I was impressed by how you retained the Grade II listed exterior while making the interior more environmentally friendly...’

Final LAP

Final paragraph Finish by thanking them for considering your application and stating when you’d be available for interview and when you’d be able to start if hired.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 54

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

Interviews and assessment days – what to expect

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 55

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

How to shine on the day

Think about the little things Bring your papers, please It’s safer not to post on social Dress for success Your initial application or CV, personal media about the company as For interviews, you should statement (if you have one) and any they may see it. Your voicemail always be dressed smartly. You related coursework could come in handy message should just state your may be invited out to a rural if you can’t remember exact details in name and request a name and office or a construction site, but the interview. number for the caller. Keep your you’ll still need a smart phone off or on silent during trouser/skirt suit. an interview.

Prepare your own Have breakfast questions Give yourself time You don’t want to pass out You will be asked if you Nothing makes a bad impression due to interview nerves. Stay have any, so make the like turning up late. Practise the hydrated. It’s OK to ask for a most of this opportunity journey beforehand if you can. drink of water in your interview. to find out more about the company or role.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 56

Organisations who want to hear from you

AECOM...... 57 Atkins ...... 58 CITB ...... 59 Find out Laing O’Rourke ...... 60 more about MBDA...... 61  the employers Turner & Townsend ...... 62 Wates ...... 63

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 Level 3right upto Level 6degree apprenticeships, ofastructured 2.5 aspart training modulesthrough AECOM University. We provide from opportunities job technical training withinyour team, andcomplete anumberofonline relationships andcommercial awareness. Alongsidethisyou willreceive onthe learning modulescovering areas like team building,presenting, client business andthedevelopment programme. You willalsoattend several withyouran induction peersto provide you withanoverview oftheAECOM All ourapprentices year joinour2.5 ADVANCE programme. Here you willattend Project Managers;andEnvironmental Consultants. Transport &Development Planners;Quantity Surveyors; BuildingSurveyors; Water; mechanical andWater; &electrical engineersinRail,BuildingServices, Building Structures, Highways &Local Roads,Bridges &Structures, Railand environment inwhich we live. Ourapprentices work ascivilengineersin every oneofthemmaking apositive onthebuiltandnatural impact We hire around 100apprentices each year across theUK&Ireland, each and possibilities to helppeopleandcommunities thrive. access to clean water powers ortransforming skylines, infrastructure keeping thelightson,restoring andprotecting ourenvironment, providing creates for opportunity everyone, whetherit’s improving your commute, Admired Company in2020for thesixthyear running.We believe infrastructure voted asaWorld’sAECOM firm, istheworld’s Most premier infrastructure Transport Planning,andEnvironment. UK andIreland withinEngin We have Advanced, HigherandDegree Apprenticeship across the opportunities and are supportive ofday-release, block-release, anddistance learning courses. We package, providequalification. andbenefits acompetitive salary full-time year development programme towards including fullsupport your professional eering, Quantity Surveying, Project Management,

TARGETcareers

www.aecom.com/careers £ Salary • environmental consulting • buildingsurveying • development planning planning • transport • project management • structural engineer • quantity surveyor • mechanical engineer • electrical engineer • civilengineer Job roles We runrolling recruitment Application deadline • university students sixth form students educationcollege/ • further • school students Work experience offered to • throughout Sponsorship atuniversity • graduate programmes placements/internships • undergraduate • higherapprenticeships • advanced apprenticeships onoffer Opportunities Locations 14,000 Construction, Engineering &Property Regions with opportunities: Regions withopportunities:

– £18,000

2020 In the 200 most popular employers for school leavers 2019/20 57 58 TARGETcareers apprenticeship. It’s amazingto seehow far come they’ve achieved.” andwhatthey’ve inspired by themany seniorengineerswh “At Atkins,they care aboutmeasanindividualandoffer great I’malso support. With theAtkins Apprenticeship Scheme, you’re ingreat company. highly valued. environment where wellbeing andwork-life balance isnotonlyencouraged, it’s trust andflexibility to drive your own development. You’ll ofadiverse bepart the Learning &Development team and theapprentice community, you’re given the one to helpyou reach your fullpotential. Supported by linemanagers, seniorleaders, dayAs apaid,fulltimeandpermanent memberofourteam, we’ll you support from aerospace toareas energy, from to transport technology. across avariety opportunities BAE Systems of to Apprentices HighSpeed2. willfind consultancy, we offer apprentices thechance to work withmajorglobalclients from countries to solvingtheenergy problems ofthefuture. Asaleading international that canleave helpingto provide alastinglegacy, drinkable water from inthird world differently. Apprentices have to ofawidevariety theopportunity bepart ofprojects We’re searching for curious mindswhoaskquestionsanddare to dothings and make areal difference to people's lives around theworld. answer theworld's biggestchallenges, we helpclients to bring theirprojects to life over 80years' designandengineering expertise. Driven to discovering new ways to Atkins, amemberoftheSNC-Lavalin Group, isaleading globalconsultancy, with Construction, Engineering &Property

o started theircareer by doingan 2020 Katrina Ho, Apprentice withAtkins

• mechanical engineer • environmental engineer/consultant • electrical engineer • civilengineer • buildingsurveyor • aerospace engineer Job roles Apprenticeships’ Website: Search ‘Atkins [email protected] Contact details Check ourwebsite Application deadline sixth form students educationcollege/ • further • school students Work experience offered to • graduate programmes placements/internships • undergraduate • higherapprenticeships • advanced apprenticeships • intermediate apprenticeships onoffer Opportunities Competitive Salary • town planner • structural engineer • software engineer • quantity surveyor are recruited into. area thatapprentices Midlands isthemain Locations www.atkinsglobal.com

atkins_global @InsideAtkins Inside Atkins Regions with opportunities: Regions withopportunities:

In the 200 most popular employers for school leavers 2019/20 in training through reviews ofyour progress to make sure you achieve your provider) andyour employer. It'stheirjob to monitor your progress onsite and isthelinkbetween you, thecollegeThe apprenticeship (or training officer you throughout your apprenticeship. willbeonhandto co-ordinate your training programmeofficer andsupport From theday you submityour applicationform, adedicated apprenticeship We’ll you support everyone ontheteam dependsoneveryone elseto getthejobdone. Strong working relationships are formed onconstruction projects because • of every day isoneofthemostrewarding ofajobinconstruction. parts Regardless ofyour role onsite, seeingtheprogress thatyou’ve madeattheend • stadiumandsay “Ihelpedtoor sports buildthat”? How many professionals inotherindustries canpointatanew hospital,school • so notwo days willbethesameandyou’ll never bebored. Every day onaconstruction project willbring new andinteresting challenges, • too: There are otherbenefits and you’ll getpaidwhileyou learn your trade. planning andorganising, ordoingsomethingcreative, there isarole for you operating heavy –whetheryou machinery enjoy working withyour hands, issomuch moreThe construction industry thanlarge men,diggingand Why chooseconstruction? around 15,000supporting peopleeach year. CITB isthelargest provider ofconstruction apprenticeships inBritain, full outto achieve them.” recommend anapprenticeship to anyone willingto work hard, have goals andgo good feeling to know thatI’ve beenrecognised inthisway. I’d definitely to thepractical applicationandthemore creative ofthejob. aspects It’s areally “I’ve loved every ofmy theclassroom singlepart apprentice learning journey, from the second consecutive –thismeans inspection we’re awesome! We’ve beenrated asan‘outstanding’ apprenticeships provider by Ofsted for We’re great atwhatwe do goal. final You’ll ofateam bepart You’ll getto seeimmediate results You’ll getto buildthe stuffpeopledependon Loads ofvariety

Zoe Evans (CITBApprentice oftheYear 2019)

TARGETcareers

• • • • • Job roles [email protected] Wales: 0300 4565700 [email protected] Scotland: 0344 9948800 [email protected] England: 0344 9444010 Contact details a-citb-apprenticeship become-a-citb-apprentice/apply-for- qualifications/citb-apprenticeships/ citb.co.uk/courses-and- How to apply Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 onoffer Opportunities Competitive Salary • • • • • • • Locations Bricklayer Stonemason Carpenter Civil Engineer Project Manager Plus many more Plant Mechanic Plasterer Tiler Painter andDecorator General Construction Operative Scaffolder Roofer Construction, Engineering &Property Regions with opportunities: Regions withopportunities:

citb.co.uk

2020 See the inside front cover, pages 32–33 and the outside back cover for more information 59 60 TARGETcareers Science). school withatleast three GCSEs (preferably A-C/4-9 inMaths,Englishand We alsorunatwo-to-four year Apprenticeship+ programme for peopleleaving throughout your career atLOR. techniques, andgetto know colleagues who’llcontinue to you support same time.Throughout you’ll learn innovative engineering andconstruction experienced professionals onlive projects, andattend college/university atthe degree apprenticeship experience. withon-the-job You’ll work alongside College Leaver programme combines studyingfor anaccredited higher& some amazingprojects withsomeexceptional School & people. Ourfive-year Join usasaSchool &College Leaver andyou’ll have to theopportunity work on Our schoolleaver opportunities our early careers programmes for students,graduates andapprentices. adoption ofnew technologies andasustainedinvestment especially intalent, Our success dependsonourengineering excellence, together withthe complex. Terminal 2expansion, Hinkley Point CandEdinburgh StJamesshopping programme,Europe’s Tideway, largest infrastructure to Manchester Airport We are proud to work onsomeofthemostprestigious projects inthe UK, from More aboutus create structures thatwillhelpbuildabetter future for everyone. using thevery latest digitaltools andplatforms. Andwe’re always looking to in theconstruction industry. To achieve we’re that, changing theway we work, day. It’s ourmissionto betherecognised leader for innovation andexcellence projects usedby millionsofpeopleevery buildings andcomplex infrastructure We are LaingO’Rourke. We design,manufacture, engineerandbuildiconic think they shouldhave donethis.” how muchI’mlearning, developing and are alittle jealous. They went toMy friends university They andIdidn’t. cansee and knowing thatIhelpedto make ithappen. beforeindustry joiningLaingO’Rourke. soIdidn’thave aconnection to“My parents theconstruction work infinance,

Construction, Engineering &Property

Ellie, School&College Leaver, Quantity Surveyor I justlove seeingthebuildinggoingup, enjoying my job. Ithinksomeof them 2020

laingorourke.com/careers Job roles Social media [email protected] Email: Contact tel: 01322296555 Crossways, DA2 6SN. Bridge Place, Anchor Boulevard, Early Talent Team, Contact details • • • • Application process Check ourwebsite Application deadline apprenticeship. throughout higher°ree Programme Sponsorship School andCollege Leaver onoffer Opportunities Competitive Salary steel fixing • carpentry/scaffolding/ admin •electrical •formwork • humanresources •business surveying •information technology •engineeringservices •quantity • civilengineering •building on current projects. UK widedepending Locations interview) discussion, presentation, 1to 1 Assessment day (group Video interview Online tests Application form including CV

Laing_ORourke laingorourkeltd earlytalentLOR Regions with opportunities: Regions withopportunities:

See the inside back cover In the 200 most popular employers for more information for school leavers 2019/20 www.mbdacareers.co.uk 61

Contact details Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2DA [email protected] Social media: @MBDAcareers

Job roles • electrical engineer • electronic engineer • environmental engineer/consultant • manufacturing engineer • mechanical engineer • software engineer • supportability engineer

Salary £14,500 (starting)

Opportunities on offer • intermediate apprenticeships We work with purpose, knowing that every advancement provides better, smarter • advanced apprenticeships and more effective defence capabilities to the UK and their allies. • higher apprenticeships • undergraduate Whether it’s designing a future concept for the British Army, managing the placements/internships procurement of a missile component or harnessing their expertise in software in • graduate programmes order to integrate one of our products on to the newest fighter jet, all of our employees are a part of delivering a more secure tomorrow. Work experience offered to Our Apprenticeship Programmes offer the chance to work at the cutting-edge of • school students engineering and provide the opportunity to help solve the defence challenges of the • further education college/sixth form future. Consisting of four-year programmes built around three areas of development students – professional, personal and technical – we can provide the platform to build your • university students entire skillset. Application deadline Whether you choose a Degree Apprenticeship where we fully fund a university Depends on role – check website degree or a traditional Apprenticeship, where we fully fund a nationally recognised qualification, you will have the support you need to achieve your full potential. The structured rotational work placements allow you to experience different areas of the business that are of interest whilst you combine study via day release at college or university. In addition to this, we further enhance our apprenticeships with bespoke internal and external courses focused on your development. Challenging and stretching your skills as well as nurturing your talent are aspects we believe strongly in and there are many avenues to develop yourself further within the business. Working at MBDA means you will receive a comprehensive benefits package that allows you to pick and choose as and when you need. Whether it’s flexible working, up to 15 days flexi-leave a year in addition to 25 days annual leave, our yearly bonus Locations scheme or discounts at a number of retailers, we offer you the opportunity to do Regions with opportunities: more of what you enjoy. When it comes to sharing common interests and socialising, we have a vibrant apprentice community and there are lots of activities and clubs to get involved in. We actively encourage volunteering activities and inspiring the next generation in STEM so there are also plenty of opportunities for you to share your enthusiasm for engineering with others.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 62 www.turnerandtownsend.com

Contact details www.turnerandtownsend.com

Job roles Quantity Surveying Project Management

Salary Competitive

Opportunities on offer Higher apprenticeships

Sponsorship at university • throughout

Turner & Townsend is a global construction consultancy, applying technical Application deadline excellence in their work across the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources Please consult our website sectors. Training provided With 110 offices in 45 countries, we draw on our extensive global and industry We offer a wide range of training experience to manage risk while maximising value and performance during the from corporate and personal construction and operation of our clients’ assets. development to specialist and technical training. From the beginning of a project through to completion and beyond, we help to

deliver the outcomes that matter to our clients, with services covering the full How to apply spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations. Online via our website Our Apprenticeship Development Programme provides you with a great opportunity to learn on the job while also gaining fully funded qualifications. We typically offer higher-level apprenticeships giving you the chance to study for a degree part time. Over the course of the programme, you will receive market-leading training through our technical training academy as well as a range of soft-skills and on-the-job learning. Apprentices also benefit from a wide range of support and development from their training provider delivering the degree part of the programme.

We currently offer the following apprenticeships:

• Quantity Surveying – Degree Apprenticeship Level 6

• Project Management – Degree Apprenticeship Level 6

Our Project Managers deliver project success through effective planning, the right team and rigorous controls. For candidates who are more numerate, our Quantity Surveyors drive our clients’ financial interests from start to finish.

Turner & Townsend offer apprentices the opportunity to excel within their profession; through providing the opportunity to work with world class clients on cutting edge Locations projects, and as an apprentice, you will be given all of the support and training you Regions with opportunities: need to help you realise your full potential, enabling you to rise as far as you can, as fast as possible.

“An apprenticeship offered me a versatile learning opportunity with the chance to apply my new knowledge and skills in the real world. I have the flexibility to build a career path unique to me and the support to help achieve my goals. Since joining, I have developed both as a professional and a person; the culture adopted by the company places an emphasis on promoting growth and developing talent. For a company with a global presence, it’s reassuring to know that they still value investing in their people to build success.”

Zack Short, current apprentice

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 wates.co.uk/careers 63

Contact details Wates House, Station Approach Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7SW Contact tel: 020 7061 3435 wates.co.uk/careers/early-careers Social media: linkedin.com/company/wates

Job roles • Site Management • Quantity Surveying • Building Services • Estimating • Planning • Business Management)

Salary Competitive

Wates Group is one of the largest privately owned construction, development Opportunities on offer and property services companies in the UK. • intermediate apprenticeships • advanced apprenticeships Our school leaver opportunities: Our early careers programmes are designed to provide you with the right • higher apprenticeships knowledge, skills and experience to develop your career. • undergraduate placements/internships We offer a wide range of career routes including Production, Quantity Surveying, Building Services, Estimating and Planning, Finance and Business • graduate programmes Management. Sponsorship at university • throughout Higher Apprenticeships Our Level 4 apprenticeship offers individuals the chance to develop the skills • for your penultimate year and experience required for a career in Site Supervision, Building Services or • for your final year quantity Surveying. This industry recognised programme offers structured Work experience offered to development and experience as well as support in achieving a HNC. • school students • further Degree Apprenticeships education college/sixth form Our degree-level apprenticeship is a progression pathway for those who have students • university students already achieved a level 4 construction apprenticeship or HNC. Application deadline They include support with your degree combined with on the job experience. Check our website The programmes are industry recognised and designed to provide you with the experience necessary to become a Quantity Surveyor, Estimator, Planner, Contractor of the year 2017 Building Services Manager or Site Manager.

How do we select? Locations Regions with opportunities:

The Level 3 apprenticeships are available in the North. The remainder are nationwide.

“The development I have received so far is excellent. My Apprenticeship, placements and various workshops planned by Wates provide me the backbone knowledge I need to progress forward my career.”

Hamza El-Mhamdi (Estimating Management Trainee)

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 64

Thank you to our contributors

Barratt Developments ...... Conor Hughes...... 41 CITB...... Stephen Cole ...... 1 Dyson...... Halimah Ershad ...... 42 JLL ...... Suba Shanmugavel...... 44 MBDA ...... Tatiana Peters ...... 43 Newcastle University...... Ming Harper ...... 40 Turner & Townsend ...... Alex Wild ...... 45

Index of organisations who want to hear from you

AECOM...... 57 Atkins ...... 58 CITB ...... 32–33, 59, IFC, OBC Laing O’Rourke...... 60, IBC MBDA...... 61 Turner & Townsend ...... 62 Wates ...... 63

KEY: IFC = inside front cover, IBC = inside back cover, OBC = outside back cover More help at targetcareers.co.uk

If you’re interested in construction If you’re interested in engineering careers… and property careers… … head to targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/engineering … head to targetcareers.co.uk/career- for more information and advice including: sectors/construction-and-property for more information Engineering job options at 18 and advice including: Engineering degree discipline choices The types of jobs in construction and property Salaries in engineering. How much you can earn in construction Longer versions of the construction and property job descriptions on pages 19–21 and 35–36. If you’re thinking of doing an apprenticeship… If you’re thinking of going to university… … head to targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/ work-v-uni for more information and advice including: … head to targetcareers.co.uk/uni for more information How hard is an apprenticeship? and advice including: Relocating for an apprenticeship University city guides and degree subject guides Apprenticeship entry requirements What university rankings mean Job applications timeline. University fees and funding advice

Tips for applying to uni, from personal statements to You can also pick up a copy of the Guide to your future admissions tests. from your school or at a careers fair (or you can find it

online at targetcareers.co.uk). Inside, you’ll find a list of You can also use our Degree Explorer tool at the UK’s 200 most popular employers for school leavers. targetcareers.co.uk/degree-explorer to get a ranked list If you’re ready to start applying for school leaver of the university subjects that match your interests and opportunities, head to targetcareers.co.uk/jobs. explore each recommendation in more depth.

TARGETcareers Construction, Engineering & Property 2020 BUILT FOR YOU

EARLY TALENT PROGRAMMES

Every day, we design, manufacture, engineer and build iconic buildings and complex infrastructure projects that go on to be used by millions of people. From deep under the ground to thousands of feet in the air, from rail to retail developments, we’re changing the industry with innovative design and delivery techniques. And we’re always looking to create structures that will help build a better future for us all. Find out more about our Apprentice and School Leaver programmes at laingorourke.com/ careers

190x270_lor_early_talent_advert.indd 1 09/01/2020 14:34 Industry-led, funded by the CITB Levy

OVER 100 CAREERS INCLUDING: ARCHAEOLOGIST PLANNER CRANE OPERATOR BRICKLAYER ARCHITECT SHOPFITTER CIVIL ENGINEER SURVEYOR PLASTERER SITE MANAGER

A CAREER WHERE YOU CAN SPECIALISE IN THE AREAS YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT.

With over 168,500 new jobs being created in construction over the next fi ve years, you could become one of 2.7 million people in the industry. And for the next generation of construction workers there are over 100 apprenticeship roles which off er:

– Earn while you learn, straight out of school – Combine practical and academic learning VISIT REAL SITES, TALK TO REAL PEOPLE, – £0 course fees, unlike university SEE REAL CAREERS. – 17% of apprenticeships get a pay rise and around half get a promotion after they qualify* OPEN DOORS WEEK (*DFE: apprenticeship evaluation 2017) Annual event, every March Find out more online at: To learn more about the range of roles and OPENDOORS.CONSTRUCTION opportunities available in the construction industry, visit: GOCONSTRUCT.ORG

B04980_004_CITB_Borne_1_TARGETCareers_190x270mm_Jan2020_AW.indd 1 27/01/2020 15:59