Getting the most out of work experience in the hunt for a construction job

Work experience can help you gain relevant skillsinso and ask if you can get involved in certain
the construction industry that will be of use to youareasthat interest you. Not only will you learn more,
when applying for a realconstruction job at a laterbut also you will look keen andinterested.
stage. It can help you decide whether it issomethingProactive - asks loads of questions and speak to
you really want to do.asmany people as you possibly can. How did people
There are a number of ways you can getget their construction role theyare in, what do they
workexperience in the construction world,like and dislike, what they are actually do in a day,
e.g.voluntary work, internships, apprenticeships, gapwhatpromotional opportunities are there.
work, sandwich coursesetcVariation - if you are not already, ask if you canget
So, once you have secured your workinvolved in different aspects of the role so you are
experience,what are the best things to bear in mindable to learn more.
in order to get the most out of it?This will help you get the most of the experience
Goals - set your goals before you start so youand broaden your knowledge.
knowwhat you want to get out of it.Reference - ask your mentor/supervisor/manager
Mentor - ask for an individual to look after you ifyouifthey will be a reference as this can become very
have not already been assigned one. This way, youuseful when applying for realconstruction jobs.
will receive constantfeedback, you can ask themNetwork - try to build your network of
questions and they can help you to achievecontactswhilst you are working, as this will help you in
youpre-set goals.the future. Ask for businesscards and contact details
Diary - each day write down exactly what youto start early!
do,what skills you learn, how you have developedWork experience can be a very useful thing
and reflect on what you have done.tohighlight when applying for a new job as it gives
This can be referred to in future when applying foryou first hand experience.
an actual job.However, doing work experience and doing it well are
Contribute - what you get out of yourtwo different things. It isimperative to put maximum
workexperience depends on what you put in so it iseffort in, in order to get the most out of it.
important to contribute ideas.Alwayskeep in the back of your mind that you are
When you do not understand something, ask! If youdoing this to secure your nextconstruction role.
do not feel you are beingproperly utilised, then say