Breaking the mould: Changing young minds about construction careers

Construction roles have long been considered low-paid, physically demanding and lacking in career progression, but the reality in a rapidly evolving landscape is very different. Jack Dawson is a director of Super Trowel, the UK’s largest bricklaying competition, and a full time skills tutor at a college. 

Here he explores why modern bricklaying and construction careers offer a very different outlook for the next generation of skilled professionals. 

Don’t fall into the trap of outdated stereotypes. Construction careers today are no longer “just manual labour”, instead they are highly skilled, technology-driven, with clear paths for growth and leadership. Modern roles combine technical precision and creative flair, with salaries that reflect the skills required to get it right. It’s time to change the narrative. 

I see the potential of tomorrow’s bricklayers in my dual roles as a skills tutor and a director the UK’s largest bricklaying competition. I also see the value of support from industry leaders like wienerberger UK, committed to showcasing the future of the trade through key partnerships including the Super Trowel competition. 

Construction isn’t a fallback option; it’s a future-proof, essential industry playing a vital role at the heart of society’s biggest challenges, including climate-resilient housing and urban development.

Changing perceptions

Who says you need a degree to kick-off a six-figure career? The average salary for experienced bricklayers can exceed £50,000, with higher salaries for more technical roles, site management and opportunities for entrepreneurship too. And the introduction of advanced tools and digital technologies in modern bricklaying has transformed the profession.

I would challenge the notion that construction is stuck in the past. We’ve seen innovations like sustainable building techniques and modular design, delivering new ways of working across a sector that continues to evolve. However, those from outside the industry in particular – and perhaps those leaving education into vocational training and apprenticeships – need to rethink their perception of site roles. 

Laser levels, automated measuring tools and 3D design planning have replaced outdated, manual methods. Modern bricklaying is a skilled role that requires precision and an understanding of technology. I’ve seen at first hand the skills and attributes needed to go far in Super Trowel, with a growing community of skilled professionals getting involved each year. I’ve also seen the development of competitors such as Rocco Reynolds-Black, a junior finalist who 18 months ago was unsure if he wanted to pursue an apprenticeship in bricklaying. He has recently achieved a distinction across the board in his End Point Assessment, started his own company and is a favourite to win on the 13th August at the final. 

Supporting the industry

So how do we change those outdated perceptions? 

There are policy drivers, of course, such as the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy and recent expansions to vocational training incentives. UK-wide campaigns such as National Careers Week and the CITB’s various initiatives have also proved successful in attracting new entrants into construction. 

However, I’m a big believer that brands are vitally important in driving change, and I applaud the investment put in by companies such as wienerberger. Committed to supporting the next generation, wienerberger continues to sponsor key skills events and programmes aimed at building a sustainable, skilled workforce, including the Guild of Bricklayers, Super Trowel and SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, the leading construction competition for trainees and apprentices.  

As the industry continues to tackle a national skills shortage which has created unprecedented demand for young talent in the construction sector, it has never been more important to encourage new people into the sector. Economic pressures and rising student debt are making alternative, vocational career routes more attractive. While cultural shifts are helping to increase the profile and value of skilled trades, helped by influencers and social media showcasing craftsmanship. This perfect storm presents a unique opportunity to change perceptions.

Now is the time to encourage young people to explore vocational pathways. Attend skills events like Super Trowel, experience the industry first hand and see the opportunities for yourself. I will continue to encourage parents and educators to present construction trades as equal, if not better, alternatives to traditional academic routes. Together, we can make real progress in building better.