Construction and built environment
Construction work is one of the biggest and most varied sectors in the country. Whether you’re working on site, from an office or at home, choosing construction means contributing to one of Scotland’s target green industries today.
The impact you could make
- Be involved in creating and building the world around us.
- See the results of your work on a grand scale.
- Help make our homes more energy efficient.
The opportunities within construction
The construction industry is one of Scotland’s growing industries. The industry is expanding their processes from using digital tools and designing SMART buildings to using new methods of construction and data management tools. These new ways of working will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Employment
In 2022 there are around 201,500 people employed in Scotland.*
Job availability
By 2025, the construction and built environment industry will need an estimated 20,000 more people to fill job openings in Scotland alone*
Job diversity
There are 12,871 Modern Apprentices in Scotland training in construction.*
*Skills Sector Assessment 2022
In years to come, you can look back and say you were part of that process that formed the towns and cities that are round about you and the people you know.
Daniel
Building Standards Team Manager, City of Edinburgh Council
Explore construction jobs
We’ve pulled together some construction jobs for you to explore
Some things you may not know about construction
It's estimated that 4 out of 5 buildings that we use in 2050 already exist. The sector is focusing on adapting these buildings to be ready for the future!
It took 23,000 miles of cable to create the Queensferry crossing – that's enough to stretch across the planet!
You could use Virtual Reality tools in your construction career. It's expected the use of digital tools will grow in the industry.
What subjects to take
We’ve pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FA) that could be useful for getting into a construction and built environment career.
- FA Civil Engineering
- Computing and IT
- Design & Manufacture
- English
- Maths
- Science
For most jobs, you might not need specific subjects. If your school does not provide all of these subjects or you're just unsure — do not worry. There are many more subjects you can explore by using the Option Choices tool or speaking to a careers adviser in your school.
What routes you can take
There are different options you can choose from after school. We’ve pulled together some of them to help you decide which is best for you.
Construction industry partners.
Discover some of the partners within construction and built environment and find out how they’re contributing to the industry.
Go Construct
Go Construct provides resources for anyone looking for a career in the construction and built environment sector.
RICS Connectr
Learn more about charter surveyors. With the latest technologies and data management tools, you help provide solutions to issues like climate change, migration and urbanisation.
CITB
CITB works to support the skills needed in the industry. They encourage training which helps build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce
DYW
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) will signpost to their key partners to make it easy for you to get the advice and guidance you need for considering your next steps in construction.