There is no shortage of jobs in the building services sector, but how do you land that dream position? Continuing his series of guidance for new entrants, Mark Krull from Logic4training, provides step-by-step advice on making career dreams into a reality.
The building services sector is one of the fastest growing industries contributing to Net Zero 2050, but skills shortages present a serious challenge to decarbonisation goals. The good news is that those with training and qualifications in gas engineering, heating and hot water, renewable technologies and plumbing are in high demand and paid accordingly.
Being qualified is just the first step, however; the following tips will help you stand out from the crowd and bag the job of your dreams.
Employed or self-employed?
Many tradespeople have ambitions to run their own successful business but working for an established company in the first instance provides valuable experience for newly qualified engineers – plus benefits such as pension, paid holiday, ongoing training and van and fuel expenses.
Collect documents together
Common documents requested in job ads include:
• Qualifications, for example, an NVQ in plumbing and/or heating
• ACS certificates
• Gas Safe registration and/or Competent Person Scheme (CPS) details.
• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if the role involves working on a building site.
• A full UK driver’s licence
• Identification documents
• References from former employers or work placements.
Search for vacancies
• Job websites – set up email alerts for a specific vacancy
• Go direct – check employers’ websites or contact them directly to ask about vacancies. If you make a good impression, this can be a very effective way to find work.
• Social media – many businesses will advertise vacancies on their social media accounts so make sure you are following local/national businesses in your sector.
• Put yourself out there! – LinkedIn is growing within the skilled trades community and many large companies use it to search for new recruits. If you are looking for this type of work you could consider creating a profile.
Write a CV
There is no quick and simple way to create a winning CV – you only get out what you put in!
Top tip #1: have a general CV that can be edited to suit each application.
Top tip #2: Keep all the important stuff near to the top and the whole thing less than 2 sides of A4.
Top tip #3: Excellent spelling and grammar essential!
Word of warning: do not send a generic CV out to lots of potential employers! Your CV must include specific and targeted information based on the role.
What should my CV include?
• Contact details – Name, phone number and email at the top
• Personal profile/statement – 3 to 4 sentences, for example, ‘I am recently qualified in x, I want to develop my career in y’. Set out your strengths and abilities.
• Key achievements/skills – optional but could help you to stand out from the crowd. For example, did you work on a specific project during your training work placement? 3 to 4 bullet points max.
• Professional qualifications/accreditations – check which have been specifically requested.
• Employment history – List where you’ve worked, including work placements and voluntary roles together with your responsibilities, tasks and experience.
• Hobbies/interests – maybe! If you have done something exceptional, for example, trekked through the Himalayas and raised lots of money for charity, put it in. Otherwise, skip this section.
• References – Contact details of two people who can vouch for your character, skill and work performance.
Write a cover letter
Your cover letter is an opportunity to tell your story to potential employers, explain recent gaps in your employment record and highlight what makes you the best person for the job.
Top tip for career changers: Focus on transferable skills – how have your previous jobs and experiences prepared you for the role?
Top tip for college leavers: Demonstrate your commitment and willingness to develop your skills and learn.
Interview like a boss!
• Presentation – Wear practical work clothes that look clean and tidy.
• Attitude – It’s not all banter on the building site! You need to be personable and polite to win over employers.
• Respect – Turn up on time, listen to what’s being asked. You’ll need to be a team player and keen to learn.
I hope this has given new entrants some inspiration and food for thought. You are the future of this thriving sector that offers so many opportunities – go out and grab them!
