Different occupations require different qualifications. Options may vary depending on age and whether you want to stay in full time education or start earning while your learn. Here is a summary of the three main routes. For further help on the best route for you, visit, www.bconstructive.co.uk our careers site for young people.

Craft
Most new entrants train and gain qualifications as they work, through an apprenticeship, although there are other kinds of training schemes. To enter the industry in a craft occupation, a good basic education is needed. Craft trainees develop skills using their hands and specialist equipment whilst learning about construction materials and production methods. You will also have the chance to do qualifications that can take you into technical, supervisory or management occupations.

Technical
To train in a technical occupation four good GCSE passes (or in Scotland, 4 good Standard grades), A levels, or an equivalent vocational qualification, are needed. There are two main options: either you can work and go to college part-time through an apprenticeship, or you can get full-time college qualifications before joining the industry. You will have the opportunity to complete further vocational and professional qualifications and move to supervisory or management roles.

Graduate
People with a foundation degree or degree, in a subject such as civil engineering, building, and construction management, can expect a high level of responsibility when they enter the industry and develop relevant skills. Graduates will be trained for highly specialised or management positions and will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications such as chartered status.