Take a look at the Enhanced C.V. example to the right. Although he has no paid construction experience, it is very clear that Thomas is committed to a career in carpentry.

Take some time to study and compare the basic and enhanced C.V’s, click the link to the right.  If you were an employer, which C.V. would you choose to move forward to the interview stage?

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By now you may be bored of hearing the word, but commitment is the single most important factor when considering someone for a position within a company.

In Step 4 we mentioned the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment.

Safety boots £20
Hi-vis vest £3
Safety glasses £3
Safety gloves £2
Hard hat £4 (not essential for all jobs)

Buying your own PPE shows the employer that you’re committed enough to spend your own money on the basics to start your construction career.

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PPE LAW – once employed, it is your employer’s legal responsibility to provide you with full PPE for protection against both personal injury and poor weather. Employers may, however, be unwilling to purchase your PPE if you are only with them for a one-day work trial. You will not be allowed on-site without the correct PPE!

If you are volunteering, the same laws apply and you must wear PPE where required. It is always best to speak to the project manager before you start, just in case they do not have PPE for you to borrow.

To the right, you will find our guide to Personal Protective Equipment.

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Buying even the most basic tools and knowing how to use them shows the employer that you have thought about what it is you need to do to support your team on-site and that a day or more won’t be taken up with having to teach you the basics.

Tape measure £4
Folding work knife £8
16oz claw hammer £4.50

TOP TIP: No matter which career pathway you choose you will need to use a tape measure. Spend some time measuring things, understanding that instead of 1.2 metres, most tradespeople would shout ‘1200’ (millimetres). This may sound a little basic, but sites are fast-paced and projects can be held up if measurements are not understood.