Construction Labourer

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £29,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends away from home

How To Become a Construction Labourer

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could start by taking a college course like:

Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can do a groundworker intermediate apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set requirements, though it will be helpful if you've got on-site experience.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of building and construction
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
the ability to work well with your hands
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
knowledge of maths
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

groundworking - marking out and digging trenches for foundations and drains
formworking - putting up panels that hold setting concrete in place
steel fixing - bending and fixing bars used to reinforce concrete structures
steel piling - joining steel sheets to form temporary retaining walls for excavations
concreting - laying concrete for foundations, floors and beams
road working - laying kerbs, paving and resurfacing

You'll also help tradespeople on site, like bricklayers, by keeping them supplied with materials and mortar.

Working Environment

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

You could train on the job to become a qualified tradesperson or with experience, become a site supervisor, estimator or construction manager.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Further information

You can find out more about working in construction from Go Construct and House Building Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

have a good level of fitness

To work with plant machinery like excavators or dumper trucks, you'll need to be 18 or over and have a driving licence.