Why construction offers graduates a limitless career path

As major national housebuilder Redrow Homes launches recruitment for its 2016 graduate scheme, it has compiled the top 10 reasons why graduates should consider a career in construction.

From the varied nature of the careers on offer, to the boundless opportunities for progression and development, the construction industry is bolstering its image and Redrow is at the forefront of promoting its appeal.

Karen Jones, HR director for Redrow, said: “As a home builder that specialises in the creation of communities, we know there’s far more to a career in the sector than bricks and mortar.

“This year we have launched a brand new graduate programme in construction management. We’ll be taking on 24 young people in these roles and are now welcoming applications. This site-based programme is an intensive two-year introduction to our building process, designed to give talented graduates the skills and understanding to manage the construction of our award-winning homes.

“We’ve also just opened the application process for our fifth annual rotational graduate scheme, a 24-month programme that will give 10 university leavers the chance to experience working in five very different departments, before choosing to specialise. It’s a proven springboard into management as many former participants have gone on to cement successful careers with Redrow.”

Here are Redrow’s 10 reasons for graduates and other young people to consider a career in construction:

1)      There’s no glass ceiling

Essentially, you could start your career as an apprentice or trainee and become a managing director or CEO. The industry is very much one to promote ‘on the job’ training and the sky’s the limit for career progression

2)      The variety is astounding

There is a role to suit everyone whether you prefer hands-on practical work, logical problem-solving or creative thinking. There are roles in planning, quantity surveying, project management, sustainability, interior design, sales, digital marketing and many more.

3)      You’re helping to create a unique product

Every new home or building is hand-crafted. Unlike car manufacturing say, where the emphasis is on machine precision, craftsmanship still plays a major and valued role in the construction industry. One day you could be planning a four-bedroom family home, the next a contemporary penthouse apartment or a new art gallery.

4)      You’ll work with likeminded people

The industry is full of passionate, inspiring and down to earth people who want to help you to learn and progress, share their expertise and hear your fresh ideas.

5)      You’re making an impact

Construction changes our natural environment in immeasurable ways. You can be part of transforming the world around you by regenerating urban or brownfield areas, creating new communities, enhancing nature and ecology and building a legacy for the future.

6)      The training is first rate

Few industries offer the breadth of training that construction companies do. Throughout your career you’ll learn new skills and gain experience and attributes that extend far beyond those gained in the classroom.

7)      Construction is thriving UK-wide

While some industries may only offer the top roles in the larger cities, the growing demand for houses across the whole country means construction offers opportunities nationwide so you won’t necessarily have to move. Likewise, if you want to move, there will probably be an opportunity in any place you choose to live.

8)      Hard work is recognised

The industry has a culture of rewarding excellence and there are many awards schemes that employees are encouraged to enter. It’s testament to the industry’s quality standards that so many awards schemes exist to acknowledge success.

For example, former Redrow apprentice turned trainee site assistant Liam Sargeant has won numerous titles including GB Apprentice of the Year at the CITB Apprenticeship Awards; ‘Apprentice / New Starter of the Year’ at the esteemed Builder and Engineer Awards and Your Move Magazine’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’, as well as being named as Redrow’s own ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

9)      There are extra rewards and benefits

The sector offers competitive salaries and other benefits, depending on the company and role. Many positions at Redrow offer bonuses or commission, a generous pension scheme, private medical cover as well as a retail discount scheme.

10)  It will be the making of you

This is one of Redrow’s mottos, but it does ring true. A career in construction gives you skills for life that are transferable to other careers… not that you’d ever want to leave!

Redrow has just taken on a record 23 new graduate trainees for 2015, as well as 80apprentices, and 15% of its 1,750-strong workforce now has trainee status.

The FTSE-250 housebuilder is now taking applications for its 2016 graduate training programmes and will be attending a number of careers fairs at universities around the country over the coming months.

Redrow also offers opportunities for apprentices and under-graduate work placements.

To read more about the graduate schemes on offer visit www.redrowcareers.co.uk/graduates