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Typical recruitment process for a construction apprenticeship
Construction companies vary in size and specialism. Whether you're interested in traditional trades like bricklaying or modern roles in construction management, there's an application process you'll need to follow. Typical journeys can look like this:
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Cv, applications, and cover letters
Submitting a CV, filling out an online application form and providing a cover letter are standard practices when it comes to applying for an apprenticeship in the construction industry. Depending on the role, practical demonstrations or basic theoretcial knowledge will be advantageous, although not always essential depending on the level of the apprenticeship. Pay close attention to the requirements asked during online applications, where possible keep your CV and cover letter short, concise and relevant, and if you can, ask someone you trust to proofread any written submissions. -
Pre-interview tasks
Some larger construction firms add an online assessment as part of their application. Although these are typically associated with office-based or management roles, they could also apply to basic construction principles. Don't worry, not all construction companies require you to complete as part of your application - many small and medium sized businesses offering lower level apprenticeships will value enthusiasm and a willingness to progress in the industry just as highly. -
Interviews
Face-to-face, phone, or virtual interviews with firm owners, construction managers or HR professionals are to be expected as part of the application process. These are a great chance to show off any relevant skills you have to the employer, as well being an opportunity to ask questions about the role itself. While one interview is sometimes enough for an employer, many larger firms may ask you to attend two or more, and offer a variety of scenario-based questions to test your suitability.
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Assessment Centres
Depending on the role you're applying for, companies can include psychometric tests and assessments to guage your suitability for the role. These could be related to skills like teamwork and communication, and are often completed as part of a group, where you will get to meet other likeminded apprentices.
Dos and don'ts when applying for a construction apprenticeship
Dos
- Include any relevant work experience, such as part-time jobs or volunteering roles.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the construction industry and projects in the public eye, such as HS2.
- Research the company’s specialisms, such as residential construction or sustainable building, and discuss these in your interview.
Don'ts
- Try not to be too generic. While showing your appreciation of the industry as a whole, tell the employer why their particular.
- Don't think you're a master of your craft... just yet. It takes time to learn construction techniques both inside and outside of the office. Employers are looking for someone willing to learn.
A word from a current construction apprentice
Research into the apprenticeship role you're looking at for is the key to creating an effective application - and their are vast amount of both practical and office-based construction roles to consider. Take a look at our Day in the Life of a Building Services Engineering Apprentice video and explore the day-to-day responsibilities of an apprentice in the construction sector.
What are construction apprenticeship employers looking for?
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Skills
Construction is a logical industry, built on regulation and rules - what skills have you got that display that? Demonstrate your ability to work in a team, your problem-solving, and your attention to detail. These might be skills you’ve gained through academic project work, and don't be afraid to show examples, such as as graphic design or tech-based portfolios. -
Adaptability
One of the many advantages of the construction field is it's sheer size and diversity in roles. Apprenticeships may just take you on a tour of both practical and office-based roles to discover where you skills li, so don't be afraid to show off your adaptability and your willingness to try new things. -
Outside of the role
Apprenticeships are time consuming, but employers don't expect you to be working 24/7. Working outside the classroom, such as volunteering or participating in clubs, showcases your commitment and initiative. If these activities relate to construction, even better, but any involvement demonstrates valuable qualities. -
Understanding
Whatever field of construction you're looking to enter, an employer won't expect you to know everything about the field you're applying for. However, they will expect you to have thoroughly read and researched the particular role and the wider company as a minimum. Make sure to brush up on current company projects so you can show awareness in an interview situation.
Common interview questions to expect for construction apprentice positions
To give you a head start, here are some of the questions that a construction employer might ask you at the first stage of the interview process:
- Can you describe the specific aspects of our construction apprenticeship program that motivated you to apply, and how do you see them aligning with your career aspirations?
- Reflecting on the research you've done about our company and the construction industry, what unique challenges do you anticipate facing during your apprenticeship, and how do you plan to tackle them?
- Tell us about a time when you had to demonstrate exceptional initiative in an academic, work, or extracurricular setting. How would you apply that initiative within the context of this apprenticeship?
- The apprenticeship is a substantial commitment. Can you provide an example of a long-term commitment you have made in the past and how you maintained your drive and motivation throughout?
- What skills can you bring to this role, and can you provide examples of how you've developed them?
£30,500*
The average salary for an apprentice in the building and construction industry
*Glassdoor, correct as of November 2022
Large sector***
The construction sector is one of the largest in the UK economy
***GOV.UK, correct as of November 2022
I went to uni and ended up in a lecture that was talking about apprenticeships. I was immediately hooked as it suited my learning style perfectly and I was excited about working in a real-world environment…I really love being in a creative environment, especially one where you’re constantly changing the world around you through the work you’re producing.
There’s a perception that building and construction apprenticeships are for those wanting muddy boots and onsite experience, but that’s simply not true. Of course, there are those opportunities, but there are also so many other areas in construction where you can really drive and push new ways of doing things.
An example of a cover letter section
From a young age, I've been fascinated by the construction industry. What began as a childhood fascination with building blocks and construction sites has evolved into a deep interest in construction management and the intricacies of project coordination. My passion lies specifically in managing construction projects, ensuring that they are completed efficiently, safely, and within budget.
While I have worked part-time as a construction laborer over the past two years, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to understand and apply construction plans, maintain safety standards, and coordinate with team members effectively. This experience has not only enhanced my practical skills but also reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality work. My proactive approach has led me to take on additional responsibilities, such as assisting in project planning and providing on-site support to improve workflow efficiency.
- Interest in practical roles: In construction, roles are often practical, or at the very least have a requirement for the understanding of practical processes. This applicant has demonstrated that they have, not only been involved in practical work, but been involved with the correct procedures that are common in the field.
- Relevant experience: The applicant has offered relevant experience to the construction field, across labouring and processes. While this may not be professional standard or advanced work, it shows that the applicant is no stranger to the construction environment and the expectations that come along with it.
- Ambition: The applicant has gone one step beyond simply showing interest and experience, they have shown their ambition relevant to the role on offer. They have noted that their passions lie in construction management, mentioning both safety and budget which are crucial factors in a construction organisation.
- Above and beyond: the applicant has demonstrated a key quality in going above and beyond, displaying that they undertaken additional responsibilities in a their current role that are key areas for the apprenticeship on offer.