Are you looking to get your start in construction industry? The industry is currently full of opportunities for new entrants, with housing, infrastructure and commercial projects all taking place right now or are in plan to start soon.
Whether you are a school leaver or want a career change, if you have the right attitude towards working and the willingness to learn there will be an opportunity there for you, no matter how much experience you have!
Why Choose Construction?
Construction is one of the most fulfilling careers you could have. It is not all about bricks and cement, it is about being a part of building the future! From new schools and hospitals to bridges and office spaces, you will be able to see the results of your work all around you.
If you enjoy diverse environments, teamwork, problem-solving, and physical activity, construction could be an excellent fit.
Essential Certifications
Before stepping foot onto any site in Ireland you will be required to obtain a Safe Pass Card. By completing a one-day health and safety awareness course ypou can obtain this mandatory certification that grants you the legal ability to work on a construction site in Ireland. Employers will also look for Manual Handling training, which teaches you how to lift and carry loads correctly.
Entry-Level Role, Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships
Construction is unique and one of very few careers that you do not need to have exeperience nor get a degree to get your foot in the door as a new entrant.
Many people start in a role such as:
- General Operative – assisting trades, carrying materials, and keeping the site organised.
- Labourer – gaining experience while learning the basics on the job.
These positions will provide you with the perfect insight into the industry that will help you progress and potentially obtain certifications to move onto more skilled roles (Banksman, Teleporter Driver etc.) for those interested in a long-term career in construction without doing an apprenticeship.
Specific roles such as electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, and plumbers play vital roles on every project. The standard entry route to these roles is an apprenticeship, which usually lasts four years.
Apprenticeships are paid, so you will earn while gaining nationally recognised qualifications.
Professional & Technical Careers
Not all construction roles allow you to work with no experience such as professional & technical roles where there are barriers to entry. These barriers may see you need to obtain a degree or highly specific training for roles such as Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Architects, Project Managers etc.
Students coming out of college can look at landing graduate programmes in these roles and for those without degrees, employers offer on-the-job development for workers keen to climb the ladder.
Building a Strong CV
When applying for your first construction role, keep your CV simple and focused. Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, reliability, or previous experience in physical or outdoor work. Keep it no longer than two pages and tailor it to the job you are applying for.
Where to Find Jobs
There are plenty of ways to find opportunities in the Irish construction industry:
- Recruitment agencies specialising in construction roles.
- Online job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and industry websites
- Networking – many jobs are filled by word of mouth, so do not underestimate the value of contacts.
Construction Recruitment Agencies like us here in O’Neill & Brennan are the best option as we will help match your skills and experience to the right position.
Succeeding at the Interview Stage
Interviews in construction are straightforward. Employers want to know if you’re dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to learn. Typical questions include:
- Do you have a Safe Pass card?
- Have you worked outdoors or in a team?
- How do you handle physically demanding tasks?
Confidence, enthusiasm, and a clear focus on safety will help you stand out.
Skills That Will Help You Progress
Take note of these certain skills that will play a role in your long-term career progression in the industry. Employers will find it easy to recognise these key traits.
- Physical fitness – the work is often demanding.
- Good communication – you will work closely with other trades and managers.
- Problem-solving skills – things rarely go exactly to plan.
- Adaptability – projects and tasks change daily.
The Future of Construction in Ireland
Construction is quickly evolving, with the workers entering the industry today will be part of a shift towards sustainable, more efficient building practices with an emphasis on the use of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). You can read more technology in construction from our previous blog.
Conclusion
Starting a career in construction is all about taking that first step. Whether you begin your job search for a labouring position, contacting a tradesman for an apprenticeship, or deciding upon which degree you should study for, the opportunities are there. With the right training, a willingness to learn, and an excellent work ethic, you can build a long and rewarding career in one of Ireland’s most important industries.
