A builder is a tradesperson who works on constructing, repairing and finishing buildings. They read plans, mix materials, lay bricks or blocks, fit structures, and ensure jobs are safe and up to standard. Builders often specialise in areas like bricklaying, carpentry, plastering or tiling and may work on new builds, renovations or maintenance projects. In the UK, many builders learn through apprenticeships or training courses and gain on the job experience to become fully qualified.
In the UK, a builder often earns between 20 000 and 40 000 pounds per year, depending on experience and location.
There are thousands of skilled tradespeople in the UK construction sector, with steady demand driven by housing, schools and infrastructure projects.
Most builders work full time, with some sites requiring early starts. Overtime and weekend work can occur on larger projects.
A role where you help to manage small building projects on site, ensuring work follows plans and safety rules under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.
An apprenticeship pathway where you learn bricklaying skills on the job and through college courses, building walls and structures under supervision.
A practical role focusing on finishing walls and ceilings with plaster, usually trained through an apprenticeship or college course while working with experienced tradespeople.
Find out the roles on a construction site and the different trades involved.
Learn about safety rules, common tools, and basic site etiquette. This stage is about building a foundation of knowledge and curiosity for construction work.
Look at GCSEs or equivalents that help in construction, such as maths and design.
Talk to careers staff or a local building firm about what subjects help in moving into construction. Consider science, maths, and practical graphics or design courses.
Spend time with a builder to see daily tasks and project planning.
Ask questions about the workday, safety gear, and basic tasks like mixing cement or laying bricks. This gives a real feel for the job.
Join a construction or Level 1 2 course focused on building trades.
Courses cover tools, materials, health and safety, and basic carpentry or bricklaying. They help you learn safely and gain a recognised qualification.
Practice using basic tools and techniques common on building sites.
You may learn plastering, brickwork, carpentry basics, or tiling. Practice at school workshops or with a local building club to build confidence.
Join a supported work placement or start an apprenticeship to gain real site experience.
Apprenticeships combine paid work with training. You will learn on the job, earn while you learn, and gain a recognised trade qualification over 2 to 4 years.
Decide between bricklaying, carpentry, plastering or general labouring.
Specialising helps you focus on the skills most interesting to you and can lead to higher pay and more responsibilities on site.
Complete additional qualification certificates relevant to your trade.
These qualifications are often required by employers and can lead to higher skilled roles on site such as foreman or supervisor.
Move into roles with more responsibility or continue training at higher levels.
As you gain experience, you can become a site supervisor, estimator, or move into construction management with further study.
A tradesperson who builds walls and structures using bricks or blocks, often working on houses and public buildings.
A skilled worker who builds and fits wooden structures such as frames, floors, doors and cabinets.
A tradesperson who fits plasterboard and other wall linings inside buildings, preparing surfaces for finishing.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Builder. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
Both roles are rooted in practical, on-site construction and core building methods. A construction site supervisor builds on this by coordinating trades, interpreting drawings and specifications, and ensuring health and safety and quality on site, which closely matches the qualifications of a builder.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
Degrees that offer the chance to gain work experience through a year in industry placement or paid internship may give you an advantage when looking for work.
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course to move into site management. Relevant subjects include:
You normally need experience of working in construction or have a construction-related qualification to do these courses.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You can apply to do a Construction Site Supervisor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take around 3 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
If you're working in construction or civil engineering, for example as a senior tradesperson or surveying technician, you could move into a supervisory or management role through training and promotion.
You could join the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate for professional development, industry news and useful resources.
You'll find more details about training and working in construction from Go Construct and House Building Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
