The Construction Skills Network states that the UK construction industry will continue to experience strong growth, with construction output expected to rise by 12.7% by 2010. The blueprint published by ConstructionSkills in 2006, forecasts that 348,000 more employees will be needed for the construction industry by 2010 to meet expected demand - an average of 88,000 new recruits per year.
Source: Construction Skills Network (June 2006)

Example: Olympic Games - London 2012

In an industry that already required 88,000 new recruits every year, Construction Sector Skills Council has warned that that it will be vital if the industry is to deliver on all demands.  The 33,500 predicted jobs include 24,000 trade and craft roles, with the London Olympics generating £2.5 billion in construction output over the next seven years.
Source: Chartered Institute of Building (November 2005)

So what's in it for you? Well, choosing a future in construction is a very positive move. For a start, you won't be going it alone - thousands of people are changing their outlook and entering the industry each year in the UK. They do this for various reasons with better job satisfaction, quality of life, job security (have you ever heard of a plasterer being out of work?) and significant earning potential being the most common reasons that we have experienced. Whatever job you choose within the construction industry, you will be glad you made the decision to change for years to come and you will have the job satisfaction and level of income you have always wanted.

You may already have a good idea what kind of job you want to do. If not, you'll find everything here to give you a good flavour of what's on offer. There are so many careers to choose from, that it can be difficult knowing where to begin. Thankfully, we've made it easy for you to choose the career that's just right for you.

Our courses are specifically designed for the adult learner and career changer wanting a time efficient and cost effective way to get the skills needed to get the job done.

We understand that the majority of you have substantial responsibilities such as families to support and bills to pay so, to cater for these circumstances, our courses are intensive to limit the time away from home and not earning. Many of our courses are accredited or give
you the knowledge to work towards a qualification
either through on-site assessment or further experience
and training.

“1 in 3 companies in the UK are reporting vacancies through skills shortages”

We view training as progressional giving you the building blocks and practical experience to achieve higher levels of qualification in the workplace and through further training. But whatever skill you choose, you will receive hands-on intensive training delivered by professionals.

Access Training’s comprehensive courses are aimed at people of any age or background, whether you want to start a new career or learn a new trade skill, we have a course to suit you. The aim of our courses are to provide a level of competence, which will allow work to be safely and efficiently carried out on domestic properties, equipment and systems. We guarantee that during the courses you will learn a wide variety of things, anything from repairing a leaking pipe to re-plastering an entire house.
You will be given the skills you need to get into the industry and quickly develop your career.

By attending a course with us you can be reaping the benefits of a career in the industry by getting the professional qualifications you need in just a matter of weeks (including City & Guilds and NICEIC). Traditionally you would need to wait 2 or 3 years to start your career by enrolling on a lengthy and inflexible college course. However, we can cater for your individual needs and get you qualified and trained in just weeks.

Having attended Access Training’s courses, the vast majority of students have gone on to establish profitable new careers in the industry using the training and guidance they’ve received. We can even get you set up and ready to start your own business through our Business Start-up Programme with LloydsTSB Business.

Who are these courses for?
These courses are ideal for people wishing to change career, new entrants and trades people from other sectors who want to gain work or self employment in the construction industry.

Will I learn everything I need to start working straight away?
The answer quite simply is yes. You will get everything you need from the skills required and how to assess quotations for customers through to free business start up with LloydsTSB Business.
It’s all provided during the course.

What will I learn during one of these courses, during the Professional Plastering Course as
an example?
The courses are comprehensive and have been designed to incorporate the latest industry requirements and standards. Plus where possible they have been accredited by international awarding bodies such as City & Guilds.

Areas covered include:

• The application of bagged rendering materials.

• The correct method of fixing plasterboard.

• The correct method of measuring and cutting plasterboard.

• How to apply plaster and leave a superb, professional finish.

• How to apply a floating coat.

• The application of tape and scrim to
  plasterboard joints.

• The correct method of laying floor screed and how to consistently achieve a true level surface using water and laser levels.

• How to line walls with plasterboard using direct bond ‘dot and dab’ method.

• The application of angle beads to external angles and window reveals.

• The application of a sand and cement render scratch coat ready to accept a floating coat.

• How to price jobs and approach customers.

We will also take out any anxiety or uncertainties you might have about getting started after your course by giving you all the advice you need and if you wish, set up in business for free with LloydsTSB Business during the course.

Rest assured you will have the right level of training, the best qualifications available and the experience to work in the trade of your choice.

What if I have no experience and have never done anything like this before?
Don’t worry, Access Training’s courses are aimed at people with little or no experience aged between 20 and 65. Whether you have never picked up a screw driver or have fitted your own kitchen, the programmes are tailored to fit around your experience and learning speed.

What if I want to fit my training around my
current job?
Access Training deliver their courses in this way so that you are in complete control of the speed in which you study and complete the course. Most students have both family and work commitments so they fit the course around them. This works well for students as they do not have to give up their job until they have the confidence and skills to move into the industry.

Do I need to study?
No, there is very little in terms of theory work to be done on these courses as they are practically based. However, any technical information or product knowledge will be taught by our experienced tutors at the relevant point in the course.

Are the courses practical and hands-on or is there a lot of classroom based theory work?
There is very little paperwork involved, apart from recording the evidence of the work you have produced for the qualification you are working towards. Rest assured your tutor will be helping and guiding you with
your portfolio.

As most previous students will tell you, the courses are intensive but rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable and you will be very surprised how much you learn in a short space of time. These courses are practical hands-on training that you do at one of our training facilities.
You can book your practical training sessions when it suits your schedule, you tell us when you would like to attend. You may decide to take some time off work to fit in the practical training sessions as the practical sessions are broken down into a number of week long blocks, which will be spent at one of our training centres.

I’m unsure which course is best for me?
Speak to one of our experienced advisors.
They are available at your convenience and will fully explain each training course and our facilities, they will ask you about your ambitions, introduce the benefits of working within the industry, discuss what you would like to achieve, guide you towards the course that is right for you and most importantly advise you if this career will suit you.

They can also discuss your accommodation needs should you be interested in attending a course with us and they will also identify relevant funding options for your circumstances

Call the Course Admissions Team for further information free on 0800 345 7492 or email us.

Our free Course and Career Guidance Service is available to you 24 hours a day 7 days a week so call us now for a FREE information pack and/or attend one of our open days! We will even arrange a 1-to-1 appointment with a Course Advisor should you wish!

freephone: 0800 345 7492
email: click here