Construction labourer

You could start by taking a college course like:

• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can do a groundworker intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set requirements, though it will be helpful if you've got on-site experience.

Registration

• you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Further information

You can find out more about working in construction from Go Construct and House Building Careers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of maths
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• have a good level of fitness

To work with plant machinery like excavators or dumper trucks, you'll need to be 18 or over and have a driving licence.

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• groundworking - marking out and digging trenches for foundations and drains
• formworking - putting up panels that hold setting concrete in place
• steel fixing - bending and fixing bars used to reinforce concrete structures
• steel piling - joining steel sheets to form temporary retaining walls for excavations
• concreting - laying concrete for foundations, floors and beams
• road working - laying kerbs, paving and resurfacing

You'll also help tradespeople on site, like bricklayers, by keeping them supplied with materials and mortar.

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.