How to Get a Job in Construction Without a Degree

Whether you have a degree or not, you can still get a job in construction. Learn more about them.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a degree; you don’t have to have gone to university to work in the construction industry; there are still many paths open to you as long as you have a passion for construction jobs.

What, no degree? Not a problem.

There are no limits to the heights you can reach in your career with the help of excellent training and dedication. Whatever you leave school or college with, whether it’s GCSEs, a certificate, diploma, vocational qualification, A or AS Levels, or none of the above, there is a plethora of training and further education opportunities available to you. Many companies also provide work experience and scholarship opportunities for both students and graduates, so no matter your educational background, the construction industry will welcome you.

Your options:

• Depending on your skills and aptitude, you may want to begin working while also attending a part-time college course to obtain qualifications such as an HNC, HND, or a degree in a construction-related subject. You will also gain practical work experience while attending a one-day-per-week program.
• Apply for a position as an apprentice in a skilled trade.
• You could start your career by gaining on-site experience to count toward a level two national vocational qualification (NVQ) in general construction operations. With so many training programs available in the construction industry, what you choose to do first may not be what you do for the rest of your life.

Architect

To become an architect, you must first obtain a degree in architecture from one of the 36 national Architecture Schools recognized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). To be eligible for these courses, you must have two A Levels / three H grades and GCSE grades A to C / Standard Grades 1 to 3 in maths, English, and science. However, each university and course is unique, so do your research first. Architecture requires a minimum of seven years of training: –

• Three-year diploma
• One year as an architect’s assistant
• Diploma for two years
• a year’s worth of work experience

Civil engineering

A BTEC, or HND in civil engineering degree, is required to begin a career as a civil engineer; however, requirements vary between universities, so it is critical to check them out ahead of time. Currently, the minimum age to register as a qualified civil engineer is 25. There are several stages of training, beginning with completing an initial professional development period.

Manager of commercial operations

Because the job of a commercial manager focuses on the legal and financial aspects of construction, you will need quantity surveying knowledge and skills to manage these aspects of a building during the design, construction, and post-construction phases. A degree is the most common and expected entry route, but you can study part-time and combine your learning with a junior entry-level position to gain on-the-job work experience.

Health and security

The majority of new entrants into this role hold a BTEC higher national certificate, diploma (HNC/HND), or a degree. However, with training and experience, it is possible to begin in a junior health and safety position and work your way up to supervisory and management positions.

Mechanical engineering

As a graduate, you’re most likely to get a job in mechanical engineering. If you are under the age of 24, you may apply for an apprentice technician position with a company. Four or five GCSEs are required (A to C grades in maths, science, English, and design and technology.) Some employers may also require one or two A-levels in maths and science or equivalent credentials.

Scheduler

There are no specific academic requirements for training as a planner. You will be trained on-site and given day release to attend college for theory training. There are apprenticeship programs available, and employers are eager to provide work experience to those wishing to enter the trade.

Quantity surveyor

There are no specific requirements to begin training as a quantity surveyor, though most applicants have an A Level or higher. To become a qualified quantity surveyor, you must first obtain a BTEC or HND/HNC, which requires four GCSE passes (A to C) / standard grades (1 to 3) or a degree in quantity surveying. Qualifications can be obtained through the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). To join the CIOB, you must have an honours degree and two years of relevant experience or pass the CIOB examination. There are several routes to becoming a surveyor and achieving chartered status with RICS. You can study full-time to obtain a degree or post-graduate qualification, or you can study part-time while working.