As careers advisors, we are constantly researching sectors to stay up to date with Labour Market Information (LMI) and trends.
The construction sector continues to be one of the strongest and fastest‑growing opportunity areas in Cambridgeshire, and beyond, making it an exciting time for young people exploring their next steps. With major housing developments, infrastructure projects, science park expansions and a national push for sustainability and retrofit work, demand for skilled workers has never been higher.
Employers across Cambridgeshire consistently report skills shortages in key areas including bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing, groundworks and site management. These shortages create increased job opportunities, faster recruitment and strong job security.
The sector is also evolving. Digital skills and data‑driven construction are becoming increasingly important. Sustainability and low‑carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, insulation and energy‑efficient retrofit are also driving new training and job opportunities.
Why Construction Appeals to Young People?
Construction offers something for everyone, whether a young person enjoys practical work, creative problem‑solving, engineering, design, digital technology or leadership. Many roles offer excellent earning potential, variety and the satisfaction of helping to shape the places we live, work and study. There are also opportunities to work abroad, progress into management roles or even become self‑employed.
What Do Construction Careers Look Like?
Level 2 and Level 3 construction careers that are common across colleges, apprenticeships, and early‑career routes. These are ideal starting points for young people and focus on developing core trade skills and preparing learners for work on site. However, there are a broad range of roles at every level, including:
- Bricklayer, Carpentry & Joiner, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Painting & Decorating, Property Maintenance ( Level 2 and 3)
- Technical roles (Level 4) such as Construction Technicians or Building Services Technicians
- Advanced specialist roles (Level 5) such as Assistant Quantity Surveyors or Site Managers
- Professional roles (Level 6) including Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers and Project Managers
What skills are employers looking for?
Local employers highlight both technical ability and key transferable skills, including:
- Communication and teamwork
- Organisation and time management
- Reliability and initiative
- Attention to detail
- Numeracy
- Adaptability
- Confidence with digital tools
These skills can be developed through school, college, volunteering, work experience and personal hobbies and interests.
Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn
Apprenticeships continue to be one of the most attractive routes into construction as they combine real work with paid training time. Apprentices can complete anything from shorter 9-month Foundation Level 2 programmes to degree‑level qualifications lasting up to six years. They are:
🔹Open to anyone aged 16+ (no upper age limit)
🔹Paid, with apprentices earning a salary from day one
🔹Free to train, as costs are covered by employers/government (with a few exceptions at Level 7)
Where Young People Can Train Locally
Families are fortunate to have several strong local providers offering construction pathways in our region including:
Cambridge Regional College (CRC) https://www.camre.ac.uk/
- Level 2–3 trade courses and apprenticeships
- Retrofit, sustainability and skills bootcamps
- Higher‑level technical training (Levels 4–5)
College of West Anglia (CWA) https://cwa.ac.uk/
- Trade course and apprenticeships across multiple campuses
- Level 2–3 Domestic Retrofit courses
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) https://www.aru.ac.uk/
- Degrees and degree apprenticeships in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and related fields
- Flexible and part‑time options available
Check out your local college offer with your young person, and they can also advise on funding, flexible study hours and course suitability.
Getting Started: Tips for Young People
Parents and carers can support by encouraging their young person to:
- Explore roles that match their strengths and interests
- Build a strong CV focusing on their skills and experiences
- Look at apprenticeship and training opportunities
- Connect with local employers or recruitment agencies
- Use job‑alert tools on sites such as Indeed, Totaljobs and the government’s “Find a Job” service
A short work experience placement or taster day can also be an excellent starting point to help your young person choose their next steps.
Useful Resources
- Go Construct (career profiles & training pathways)
https://www.goconstruct.org - CITB Health & Safety Tests
https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/… - CSCS Cards
https://www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards/ - National Apprenticeship Service
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk