Thinking about diving into the world of construction? Whether you’re eyeing up an electrician apprenticeship, plumbing apprenticeships, or fancy giving bricklaying or joinery apprenticeships a go, you’re in the right place. I’ve been in this business for years, and I’ve seen it all when it comes to apprenticeships. So, here are my top tips to help you secure that perfect job and get your career in construction off the ground.
1. Know What You Want (or at Least Narrow It Down)
The construction industry is massive. We’re talking everything from bricklaying apprenticeships to electrician apprenticeships. Not sure where to start? That’s ok—take some time to think about what interests you. Are you good with your hands? Maybe joinery apprenticeships are for you. Love solving problems? Plumbing might be for you. You can also come along to one of our Try it Out workshops and get a taste of all the trades to see which one suits you.
2. Show Enthusiasm and a Can-Do Attitude
Let’s be real: construction isn’t always glamorous. There will be early mornings, heavy lifting, and problem-solving that’ll make your head spin. Employers aren’t just looking for skills (you’ll learn those on the job). They’re looking for attitude. Show that you’re willing to learn, work hard, and stick it out, even when times get tough. Write that in your application, show it in your interview, and you’ll stand out from the crowd.
3. Find an Apprenticeship That Matches Your Vibe
Every company has its own style, and you want to find one that’s the right fit for you. Big companies might offer a more structured programme, while smaller businesses could give you more hands-on experience.
At TyneMet, we help to connect students with businesses offering apprenticeships, we’ve built strong relationships with employers, so you’ll be learning from the best in the business. Use resources like our careers team or the National Apprenticeship Service to find opportunities, or just pop into one of our open events and have a chat with us!
Bonus tip: Don’t be afraid to ask around! Sometimes the best opportunities come from word of mouth.
4. Polish That CV (Yes, Even If You’ve Never Had a Job)
You might think, “What do I even put on a CV if I’ve never worked in construction?” Don’t worry—we’ve got tips to help you stand out. List any experience that shows you’re reliable and hardworking. It could be a part-time job, a school project, or even hobbies or team sports. Highlight skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
5. Don’t Skip the Interview Prep
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with a little prep, you’ll do great. Research the company, think about why you want the apprenticeship, and come ready with questions. Show them you’re genuinely interested. And don’t stress if you don’t know all the technical stuff yet—they’re not expecting you to. They just want to see potential. At college, we also help our students practice their interview skills to boost your confidence.
6. Be Patient
Landing an apprenticeship can take time, so don’t feel gutted if you don’t get the first one you apply for. Use each experience to learn and improve. Got rejected? Ask for feedback. Didn’t hear back? Follow up with an email.
I would also always recommend a back-up option – just in case. Apprenticeships, especially in construction are in really high demand which means it’s a highly competitive industry and sometimes plans don’t always work out.
A Plan B is always a good idea, we offer full-time courses across a range of trades so you would still get the qualification in a hands-on learning style, you’ll just go through a different route. What’s more, at college, we can support you with getting an apprenticeship as your next steps. So, just because you didn’t get one first time round, doesn’t mean that’s the end of the road. You can view our full-time courses here.
Why Choose Construction?
Construction isn’t just a job. It’s a career that’ll always be in demand. You’ll learn skills you can use for life, and there’s real pride in looking at a building or a home and saying, “I helped make that.”
A career in construction can also allow you travel all over the world, by learning a trade, you’ll develop transferable skills that will support you to take your career to the next level.
Ready to take the first step? At TyneMet College, we’re here to help you find an apprenticeship and build a career you’ll love. Whether it’s a plumbing apprenticeship, joinery apprenticeship, or something else entirely, your future in construction starts here. Ready to make it happen?
Discover more about apprenticeships here.