Introducing Construction Careers to the Next Generation: Our Visit to Inclusion College
By Onboard Jobs on - 6 minute read time
Our director recently visited Inclusion College to introduce students to the range of jobs in construction and the different ways people can begin a career in the industry.
The visit was a careers talk: an opportunity to explain what construction involves, explore the breadth of roles available and discuss routes into work and training. It was also a chance to show that construction is not one job, or one route, but a varied industry with opportunities across practical trades, technical work and professional roles.
Inclusion College Hook is a small independent specialist college in Hampshire, supporting young people aged 16–25 with mental health needs and co-occurring neurodivergence. Its students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The college places wellbeing alongside education and prepares students for adulthood through learning that includes careers, employability, confidence, independence and skills for life.
Showing the breadth of construction careers
Many young people do not hear much about construction careers while they are considering their next steps. Others may know about a few familiar trades but not realise how many different jobs help to plan, manage and deliver a project.
A careers conversation can help make those options more visible. Construction includes practical trade roles such as carpentry, bricklaying, electrical installation and plumbing. It also needs people in roles including:
- Quantity surveying and estimating
- Site and construction management
- Civil and structural engineering
- Planning and project coordination
- Building surveying and technical design
- Digital construction, including BIM and CAD
These roles involve different tasks, settings and training requirements. Some are mainly site-based, some combine office and site work, and others are largely office-based. Exploring that variety can help students find out what interests them and what kind of working environment might suit them.
Why reaching beyond the usual routes matters
The construction workforce needs new people. CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook estimates that the industry will need an average of around 41,200 additional workers each year between 2026 and 2030, around 206,000 over five years. This estimate includes people needed to support growth and replace workers leaving the industry; it is not a count of current vacancies.
The Government’s Construction Jobs Plan, published on 19 October 2026, includes around 40,000 industry placements a year and up to 10,000 construction Foundation Apprenticeships. These are intended to help more young people gain experience and explore routes into the sector. The Government’s announcement on job and training opportunities for young people sets out the wider context.
Meeting workforce needs means making career information accessible to people who may not follow the traditional GCSE-to-apprenticeship route. Reaching learners in specialist education settings is one way to broaden awareness and help more young people understand what the industry can offer.
Inclusion is not about lowering expectations. It is about understanding and removing barriers, while providing clear information and appropriate support. That principle aligns with Inclusion College’s approach to helping students progress towards employment, further education or training.
Finding a route that fits
Many construction roles do not require a degree. Depending on the job, entry routes may include college courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, work experience and other supported learning or employment pathways. Skills-based trades can suit people who enjoy practical tasks, problem-solving and seeing the result of their work.
Different roles also offer different environments, structures and paces. A site-based job may involve changing conditions and early starts, while a technical or planning role may involve more time in an office. Those differences can matter to anyone choosing a career, including young people with SEND or mental health needs.
There is no single route or role that will suit every person. Students should be encouraged to explore what interests them, ask questions and consider the support or adjustments that could help them learn and work well. College staff and families can help young people weigh up options against their individual strengths, needs and goals.
What employers can do to open doors
Employers can help young people picture themselves in construction by making careers visible and explaining what different jobs involve. A school or college visit, a conversation with someone working in the sector, or a suitable work experience placement can give learners a clearer view of the options.
When offering trainee or apprenticeship opportunities, make the advert practical and specific. State:
- The role level and trade or specialism
- The work location and any travel requirements
- The working pattern and expected hours
- The training provider’s involvement
- The tasks, skills and requirements candidates should expect
Clear information helps students, families and college staff assess whether an opportunity could be appropriate. It also helps employers reach candidates with relevant interests and expectations.
OnBoard Jobs supports construction employers by advertising vacancies on a job board dedicated exclusively to the UK construction industry, with no dilution from other sectors. Employers can advertise a vacancy and use code OBJTRIAL to access 20 FREE Job Adverts.
Next steps for students and families
If construction sounds interesting, start by speaking with the college careers team and exploring the options available through its careers and vocational learning programme. Ask about relevant qualifications, employer visits, work experience and the support available when considering a next step.
You can also search the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship service for apprenticeship opportunities in England, or contact colleges and training providers to ask about construction courses and progression routes.
To explore current vacancies, browse construction jobs or professional and technical construction roles on OnBoard Jobs. You can register to create a profile, upload your CV and set up job alerts. Our construction-only focus and search filters help you narrow results by keywords, location and other preferences.
Training, careers talks and work experience can help young people understand their options, but they do not guarantee a job. Each opportunity has its own requirements and selection process. The important first step is to find out what is available and get advice that reflects the individual’s circumstances.
Thank you to Inclusion College
Thank you to Inclusion College for hosting our director and making space for a conversation about construction careers. We welcome opportunities to help more young people learn about the range of roles and routes available across the industry.
Find out more about Inclusion Education and Inclusion College.
Frequently asked questions
Who visited Inclusion College, and why?
OnBoard Jobs’ director visited to introduce students to construction as a career option, including the breadth of roles and routes into the industry. We have not named the director or specified a visit date.
What is Inclusion College?
Inclusion College Hook is a small independent specialist college in Hampshire for young people aged 16–25 with mental health needs and co-occurring neurodivergence. Students have an EHCP, and the college supports learning and preparation for adulthood.
What construction roles were introduced?
The talk covered the breadth of the industry, including trade, technical and professional possibilities. Roles across construction can include trades, quantity surveying, site management, engineering, planning and digital construction.
Can young people with SEND work in construction?
Some young people with SEND may find a suitable role or training route in construction. The right fit depends on the individual, the role and the support available. Students and families should explore options with their college and relevant advisers.
How can employers get involved in similar visits?
Employers can contact colleges and training providers to discuss careers talks, employer visits and suitable work experience. Clear information about roles, requirements and support helps learners understand what an opportunity involves. Employers can also post construction vacancies on OnBoard Jobs.