The careers section of our website holds all the information you'll need. You can request an application pack or even apply online. You can also contact your local ConstructionSkills office for more info.

Yes, you get paid by your employer so you will "earn while you learn." Contact your local ConstructionSkills office for more info.

Yes, you can do this through an apprenticeship. This will involve working for an employer and attending college on day or block release. Contact your local ConstructionSkills office for more info.

You have to be 16 to start an apprenticeship and will be eligible for funding towards the cost of training. Contact your local ConstructionSkills office for more info.

If you want to go down one of the craft routes, such as roofing, steeplejacking or painting and decorating, you will need a good basic education to GCSE/Scottish Standard level or equivalent. Maths and English will be helpful. If you want to go down the technical route, like being a surveyor, civil engineer, architect or estimator, then you need four good GCSE/Scottish Standard grades, A Levels/Scottish Highers or equivalent grades. Further information on qualifications and types of study.

It will depend on what course you are interested in and where you want to study. You will usually need a minimum of 2 A Levels/ Scottish Highers. Some courses will also prefer a science or maths based background. To find out more about construction courses and requirements, visit www.ucas.co.uk or have a look at university and college prospectuses in your local careers library.

Your selected Training Organisation will help you with this, but if you can secure an employer yourself, this will make the whole process a lot easier. Check the Yellow Pages listings and write to or call the employer. Don't forget to make contact with any employers that you may have done work experience with.

Training within Jobskills is split into two separate categories:

• Traineeships - This is the term used for those undergoing training to NVQ Level 2 standard. As a trainee operating under a traineeship programme, you will receive a Training Allowance. At the moment, the allowance is set at £40 per week plus travel expenses. The employer may also make an additional weekly contribution, although they are not obliged to do so.
• Modern Apprenticeships - These are directed at those trainees who will complete training to NVQ Level 3. A requirement of Modern Apprenticeship training is that an employer must employ you from day one, and will then pay you a wage. If you are under 18, this must be at least equivalent to the Training Allowance (£40). If you are over the age of 18, your wage must be at least equivalent to the Minimum Wage.

The length of the training period is calculated by the Training & Employment agency in terms of the number of funded weeks you are entitled to. In order to serve a full apprenticeship, an allowance of 156 weeks is normally awarded. However, it can be completed sooner, depending on individual ability and competence.

The Training & Employment agency Careers Officer will use your qualifications and number of subjects studied as a guide when assessing which level of training you will study. It is important you study at a level that you are suited to. Most training courses do not demand specific entry grades although, obviously, the better you do in your GCSEs, the more options you will have. Check out our 'What Do I Need?' section for further help!

The construction industry welcome graduates with not only construction associated degrees but also more diverse degrees to provide more balance. So don't worry if this is what you want to do but you have a degree in (for example) History or Business Management - there are still jobs out there for you.

In one respect you may feel you have to prove something all the time, being in the minority. However, the other side of the coin is that your good work gets noticed. Construction firms are starting to realise that they need to employ both women and men, if they are to be successful.

Yes they do. Starting as a graduate offers a broad opportunity to develop a better wage. For example if you start on a Management Training Programme, the training and development will stand you in good stead for the future.

Now is decision time. You need to find the right job which involves researching the type of company you want to work for and the type of role you want to take. A good place to start is bconstructive...have a look over the job descriptions page or try using our virtual careers advisor!