Beyond the CSCS Card: What Employers Want in Construction
Construction employers are spoiled for choice on paper, CVs, tickets and qualifications but what makes someone stand out goes far beyond a card in your pocket. In a market still battling skills shortages, the people who move quickest from interview to induction are those who combine solid skills with the right attitude, reliability and a safety‑first mindset.
1. A safety‑first mindset
On every site, safety is non‑negotiable. Employers look for people who understand UK health and safety expectations and can demonstrate that through training, tickets and behaviour on site. CSCS cards, CITB Site Safety Plus courses and a basic grasp of CDM regulations all signal that you take your responsibilities seriously.
But just as important is how you act day to day: spotting hazards, speaking up, following permit systems and toolbox talk guidance without cutting corners. From an employer’s perspective, a worker who goes home safely every day and helps others do the same is worth their weight in gold.
2. Dependability and work ethic
“Can we rely on you?” is one of the first unspoken questions behind any hire. Construction employers repeatedly highlight punctuality, consistent attendance and a strong work ethic as make or break factors, particularly for newer entrants. Long shifts, changing weather and physically demanding tasks are the norm, so they want people who turn up ready to graft, not just when it suits.
This reliability also shows in how you complete tasks: finishing what you start, tidying as you go, and handing over clearly to the next trade or shift. Onboard Jobs spends a lot of time getting to know candidates’ track records, because the best technical skill means very little if a contractor cannot trust you to be there when the concrete wagon arrives.
3. Core skills and tickets
Technical ability is still the foundation. Across the UK there is high demand for competent tradespeople, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, plant operators and multiskilled operatives backed up by recognised qualifications. NVQs, City & Guilds, apprenticeships and plant tickets (plus that CSCS card) all help employers see where you can add value from day one.
Increasingly, employers also pay attention to digital and sustainability related skills: reading drawings on tablets, basic BIM awareness, or experience with energy efficient materials and methods. If you can show you are comfortable with both tools and tech, you immediately look more future proof.
4. Teamwork and communication
Construction is a team sport. Projects bring together architects, engineers, site managers and multiple trades and employers consistently list communication and teamwork among the most important soft skills. That does not mean giving presentations; it means listening carefully, asking when you are unsure, feeding back issues early and passing on clear information.
Good team players help jobs run smoother: they coordinate with other trades, respect programme pressures and contribute to a positive site culture. Recruiters notice this; at Onboard Jobs we hear time and again from clients who ask for a worker back not just because they are skilled, but because they lift the whole team around them.
5. Problem‑solving and adaptability
No project runs exactly to plan. Design changes, late deliveries, awkward details and bad weather all force teams to think on their feet, so employers value people who can solve problems without drama. This might be as simple as suggesting a safer access method, re‑sequencing a small task, or flagging a clash before it becomes a rework.
Adaptability also now includes willingness to learn new methods and technologies from low‑carbon systems to new tools and software. Workers who are open to training and change are easier to deploy across different projects, which makes them more attractive hires and puts them front of the queue for progression.
If you are ready to move into your next role, or you want to understand exactly what companies are looking for at your level, partnering with Onboard Jobs is one of the most effective ways to get site‑ready and in demand.