NFB welcomes McVey’s pledge urging GCSE students to consider a career in construction
Housing minister Esther McVey MP has called on pupils receiving their GCSE results to join the construction industry in a bid to help boost Britain’s capacity to build 300,000 new homes.
McVey said: “If you want to master a trade, financial stability and opportunities across the country, you can’t go wrong with the construction sector. I’m determined to get Britain building the homes we need, and my message to school leavers is: your country needs you, to get Britain building again.”
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) admires McVey’s efforts to shine a spotlight on the construction industry as an exciting career path for recent school and college leavers.
The industry yields some great opportunities to work and live abroad. Many countries see construction as a desired profession and structure their visas to favour those with CaBE and construction qualifications.
Construction careers are great if you want to work part-time or self-employed. Many do this to better manage their free, family, or learning time while benefiting from good wages.
According to The Guardian, the average salary in construction is £45,900.
Small and medium sized companies (SME’s) train four in five construction apprentices and are the predominant rural employers, so everyone can access the industry.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB said: “The NFB applauds McVey for shining the torch on the construction industry. From drone operators and bricklayers to land buyers and human resource managers, construction is the most inclusive career path out there and offers something for everyone.
“The industry is open to all levels of skills, experience and education. If you enjoy high wages, transferable skills, no two days the same and opportunities to work abroad, then construction is the right industry for you.”
| Job | Average salary (£) | Years to qualify |
| Site Manager | 45,000 | 3 |
| Health and Safety Professional | 43,500 | 3 |
| Interior Designer | 26,000 | 3 |
| Ecologist | 40,500 | 5 |
| Bricklayer | 30,000 | 2 |
| Roofer | 25,000 | 1 to 2 |
| Painter and Decorator | 32,000 | 1 to 2 |
| Electrician | 32,000 | 3 |
| Builders Merchant | 23,000 | 1 to 2 |
| Paint Sprayer | 42,500 | 1 |
| Scaffolder | 22,000 | 1 |
| Window Fitter | 20,000 | 1 |
| Stonemason | 27,000 | 2 |
| Carpet Fitter/Floor Layer | 22,000 | 1 to 2 |
More information can be found at CITB’s GoConstruct Website or https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
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