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