I recently spoke with a young woman taking a gap year. She’s interested in a career in construction but was unsure about the available roles and didn’t want to follow the traditional university route. I was thrilled when she messaged me earlier today to share that one of her applications had progressed to the next stage!
Our chat got me thinking about the careers advice given in schools, particularly regarding industries like construction. Too often, students aren’t provided with the full picture, making it difficult to make truly informed decisions about their futures.
Reflecting on My Own Experience
Fifteen years ago, I was in her shoes—choosing my A-levels, exploring university options, and trying to figure out my career path. Unfortunately, the careers advice I received was inaccurate and, frankly, discouraging. I was told:
- Quantity Surveying could only be studied at one university in the whole of the UK! (Spoiler: That’s not true.)
- A woman couldn’t work in construction. (Yes, really!)
- If I didn’t go to university, I’d failed and would be a disappointment.
Luckily, I had family friends in the industry who helped me gain work experience on construction sites during Years 11 and 12. This exposure opened my eyes to the different opportunities available. Because of this experience, I secured a degree apprenticeship that allowed me to gain practical, on-site experience while earning a university qualification.
The Problem with Careers Advice in Schools
Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but question: is poor careers advice due to a lack of awareness about industries like construction, or are schools deliberately pushing a traditional university route for other reasons?
It’s no secret that the construction industry faces a significant skills gap. One way to address this issue is by breaking down barriers and increasing awareness of the industry in schools and colleges. Changing perceptions early on could encourage more young people to consider rewarding careers in construction.
How Can We Improve Careers Guidance?
I believe we need to:
- Provide students with accurate, up-to-date information about a variety of career paths, including apprenticeships and vocational training.
- Increase industry engagement with schools through site visits, work experience programmes, and guest speakers.
- Challenge outdated stereotypes that discourage individuals—especially women—from considering careers in construction.
Resources:
- Go Construct: www.goconstruct.org/get-started-in-construction/
- Apprenticeships: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship