There have rarely been more employment opportunities in the UK construction industry than there are at present.

Companies are crying out for a new generation of qualified workers due to a skills shortage driven by new infrastructure projects, the government’s plans to build 300,000 homes a year, digitalisation of the industry and a rate of retirement that’s outstripping recruitment.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has reported that the industry will need to find 157,000 new recruits by 2021.

This skills shortage brings with it a host of opportunities, including great employment prospects, job security and an exciting and varied career.

Weston College is at the forefront of this drive to create the next generation of skilled workers. Our South West Skills Campus, based at Locking Road in Weston-super-Mare is a hub for younger learners entering the industry, with courses such as: bricklaying, site carpentry and general construction skills, among others.

This year we will also be opening our Construction Training Centre, which expands on the existing construction training facilities by offering training and qualifications in three areas where the skills gap is at its widest – scaffolding, plant operations and groundworks. This Centre is based just off the M5 at Weston-super-Mare. For more details on training in these areas, please click here.

So, now you know there are a host of relevant courses on your doorstep, here are some more reasons to choose a career in the construction industry.

Employment opportunities

Around 157,000 new construction jobs are expected to be created over the next four years, as new projects are announced and a generation of workers retires.

The government has pledged to build 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s, which in itself, presents huge opportunities for aspiring construction workers.

Plus, the government has committed to an additional 3,000,000 apprenticeship ‘starts’ across all industries in England by 2020, with a substantial proportion of the opportunities likely to be within the construction sector.

This demand for workers also means that the sector boasts strong job security.

Job satisfaction

Few careers are as rewarding as those in the construction industry.

The satisfaction of seeing your work develop in front of your eyes is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in construction. You can watch a building transform and grow into the finished product, knowing you have made an important and lasting contribution to the landscape.

Competitive pay

The construction industry is highly competitive, meaning that the salaries are, too. Most technical trainee roles can start on £25,000 a year, while more experienced technical workers can earn £48,000 and above. Trades roles also pay well, generally, with higher skilled workers earning from £15-£25 per hour.

Variety and choice

The construction industry is extremely varied and offers something for everyone – from carpenters, plasterers, plumbers and bricklayers, to engineers, surveyors and project managers. What’s more, no two jobs are the same or in the same location. This means you can work in a huge variety of projects during your career, and will have the opportunity to work across the country and, possibly, abroad.

You’re always being challenged – physically and mentally – and required to find solutions for new problems.

Progression opportunities

The wide variety of roles and projects brings many opportunities to progress. Construction is also viewed as a very meritocratic industry where hard work pays off – after all, many company CEOs started out at the bottom. And, unlike other sectors, construction workers are frequently presented with opportunities to gain new skills and move into different roles.

Innovation rewarded

The construction industry is constantly evolving, as client expectations grow, projects become more complex, and technology improves. Companies continuously need to find more innovative ways to design, build and deliver, which creates opportunities for new employees with fresh ideas and methods.

For more information on our construction courses, please click here.

A college-wide organisational transformation programme to enhance the mental health, wellbeing and welfare of its learners, its staff and its community has received national recognition by winning an Association of Colleges Beacon Award.

Weston College picked up the award for developing sustainable community partnerships/peer networks to maximise engagement and minimise isolation, where staff and students have improved morale and wellbeing.

The judges were impressed by the colleges’ commitment to creating an ethos which puts mental health, wellbeing and welfare at the forefront of college investment -as an inclusive driver to achieve its mission of creating brighter futures for all its staff and students regardless of their starting point in life.

Now in its 24th year, the AoC Beacon Awards showcase best practice and innovation in colleges. It is designed to promote the interdependence of colleges, businesses and professional and voluntary organisations. The awards also highlight excellence and helps share best practice across the sector.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said; “This is a fantastic achievement for the College in such an important policy area, where we are delivering real impact for our students and staff. “

Judges also commented on the fantastic cross college holistic approach to mental health and well-being that was demonstrated by the College, which really set them apart from everyone else.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Each year the standard of entries is extremely high and this year is no exception. This makes choosing the winner so difficult, especially with so many worthy entrants.

“Colleges are inspirational places to learn because education and training is delivered by expert teaching staff in industry-standard facilities. Weston College should be proud of their award.”

For the first time, The AoC Beacon Awards and the TesFE Awards were presented alongside each other at the annual TES FE Awards ceremony in London on Friday 22 March 2019.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m Lauren Smith, I’m 20 years old and have high-functioning autism.

I’m an ex-student of Weston Bay, currently studying a degree in Special Education with the University East of London. I also volunteer for People First and The Curly Hair Project.

I’m passionate about raising awareness and supporting others with autism, which I do through autism awareness events. I have an upcoming event on 6th April - Autism Networking Day. This free event will be open to young people, parents and professionals and there will be a chance to participate in well-being activities, learn about local support services and listen to young people’s perspectives. It's being held at Locking Castle Church (Weston-super-Mare) from 11.30-3.30pm.

I have written a book called ‘Tick Tock: It’s Time to Listen’, which is a poetry book based on my experiences of living with autism and navigating the education system. Join me at my book launch on 5th April at Weston Museum. 

My ambition is to set up my own autism awareness business.

What did you study at Weston College?

I studied Level 2 Health and Social Care at Weston College and then progressed to a Level 3 Extended Project Qualification, where I was awarded a distinction and A*.

I particularly enjoyed the independent research project, focusing on autism and effective support within education.

When studying at Weston College, I did encounter difficulties in the mainstream environment so I turned to Weston Bay (the College’s specialist facility for people on the autism spectrum), for additional support. I worked through an independent living programme at Weston Bay and accessed a few of their social activities.

Do you have any fun stories or fond memories of your time here?

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Disneyland Paris with Weston Bay and enjoyed sharing my fundraising efforts. During my time at College, I held a cake sale, participated in an autism awareness walk and dressed up in 30 different fancy dress outfits to fundraise for the National Autistic Society. I organised and participated in a BBC report to promote Weston Bay and also represented the College at an anti-bullying champion event at a local primary school.

How did Weston College and Weston Bay help you get where you are today?

They helped me:

• Develop my confidence and social skills
• Make new friends
• Meet like-minded people, which helped me to realise what I wanted to do as a career
• Be more determined and hard work to become a stronger person and create opportunities for myself.

Do you have any advice to future students?

• Be yourself! Try and work towards your passions, regardless of whether or not you are good at it.
• Tell someone if you are struggling. It’s okay to ask for help! Make sure you stand up for yourself and strive to get your voice heard.
• Don’t let obstacles get in the way of what you want to achieve. We can all achieve – we may just need to take different paths to get to our destination.

Anything else you would like to add?

Weston Bay is an excellent facility and can offer effective support alongside a mainstream course. However, as autism is a lifelong condition, the struggles still exist and, without appropriate, consistent support, it can have a devastating effect.

I would like to see more support and, in light of this, have set up a Weston Bay alumni group on social media to allow ex-Weston Bay students to keep in contact and support each other. I organise monthly social activities, including meals out, bowling and Airhop. I have set up a Facebook page called ‘My Rainbow Life’ where I share experiences and support others with autism.