| Work experience can help you gain relevant | | | | certain areas that interest you. Not only |
| skills in the construction industry that will | | | | will you learn more, but also you will look |
| be of use to you when applying for a real | | | | keen and interested. |
| construction job at a later stage. It can | | | | |
| help you decide whether it is something you | | | | Proactive - asks loads of questions and speak |
| really want to do. | | | | to as many people as you possibly can. How |
| | | | did people get their construction role they |
| There are a number of ways you can get work | | | | are in, what do they like and dislike, what |
| experience in the construction world, e.g. | | | | they are actually do in a day, what |
| voluntary work, internships, apprenticeships, | | | | promotional opportunities are there. |
| gap work, sandwich courses etc | | | | |
| | | | Variation - if you are not already, ask if |
| So, once you have secured your work | | | | you can get involved in different aspects of |
| experience, what are the best things to bear | | | | the role so you are able to learn more. This |
| in mind in order to get the most out of it? | | | | will help you get the most of the experience |
| | | | and broaden your knowledge. |
| Goals - set your goals before you start so | | | | |
| you know what you want to get out of it. | | | | Reference - ask your mentor/supervisor |
| | | | manager if they will be a reference as this |
| Mentor - ask for an individual to look after | | | | can become very useful when applying for real |
| you if you have not already been assigned | | | | construction jobs. |
| one. This way, you will receive constant | | | | |
| feedback, you can ask them questions and they | | | | Network - try to build your network of |
| can help you to achieve you pre-set goals. | | | | contacts whilst you are working, as this will |
| | | | help you in the future. Ask for business |
| Diary - each day write down exactly what you | | | | cards and contact details to start early! |
| do, what skills you learn, how you have | | | | |
| developed and reflect on what you have done. | | | | Work experience can be a very useful thing to |
| This can be referred to in future when | | | | highlight when applying for a new job as it |
| applying for an actual job. | | | | gives you first hand experience. However, |
| | | | doing work experience and doing it well are |
| Contribute - what you get out of your work | | | | two different things. It is imperative to put |
| experience depends on what you put in so it | | | | maximum effort in, in order to get the most |
| is important to contribute ideas. When you do | | | | out of it. Always keep in the back of your |
| not understand something, ask! If you do not | | | | mind that you are doing this to secure your |
| feel you are being properly utilised, then | | | | next construction role. |
| say so and ask if you can get involved in | | | | |