Every year hundreds and thousands of students are left deliberating and considering different options after they receive their A-Level and GCSE results. Advice and support which schools and industries provide at this time is vital to the future of these young people as they embark on a career path that could shape their lives.

This year the Experience Construction Initiative is encouraging employers to partner with the Construction Youth Trust (CYT) to offer life-changing work experience placements, after it was highlighted that there is a skills shortage in construction.

Multiple surveys conducted showed a lack of pupils taking Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. With these being the sort of qualifications that equip students for a wide variety of construction careers, how can the industry attract new talent?

In a survey of 40 students already on construction courses, 83 per cent believe there is a need for more awareness in schools about the construction industry. 60 per cent of those students surveyed said that when they were in school, they wanted to be better engaged with companies and have access to the information on different careers within the industry, which is why firms are being urged to offer placements to students.

One student told the consultant: “The first thing that comes to people’s minds when talking about construction within schools is putting brick on brick.”

So what more is there on offer?

Roles in Construction you might not be aware of:

• Infrastructure
• Design and planning
• Demolition and deconstruction
• Foundations
• Super structure
• 1^st & 2^nd fixing
• 3^rd fixing and finish
• Repair & Maintenance
• Management

Quite a range, right? If students knew about the various roles and opportunities available, and had access to the sector, the construction industry might just become a more appealing prospect.

Integra People is committed to providing technical sector clients with high quality candidates. To find out more about our services, please call 01925 838600 to speak to a member of our friendly team, or email contact@integrapeople.com.