Thinking about your future?
Leaving school, college or university?
Why not take a look at Building Materials?
Here at BMCareers, we’re on a mission to share with you an exciting career option that often goes unnoticed—the Building Materials sector.
What IS Building Materials?
Building Materials is an industry sector that makes, sells and distributes all the products and materials needed for all the UK’s building and construction projects.
It’s a vast and varied place to build a career because every item needs to be designed, developed, produced, financed, checked, stocked, loaded, shipped, imported, distributed, managed, marketed, sold, tracked, delivered, supported, accounted for, advised about and more.
That’s a lot of jobs, leading to a lot of careers, for a lot of people.
A career in Building Materials is where you can make a material difference
Why Building Materials is such a great place to work
The Building Materials sector combines creativity, innovation and the potential to impact on society through the way Building Materials shape the environment.
The sector offers exciting career opportunities and the potential to progress for a wide and diverse range of people.
Embark on a journey that enables you to shape the physical world around you while contributing to sustainable development and creating a positive impact on society.
Hear what people who work in the sector have to say.
6 great reasons
to build your future here
Vital
We’re critical to construction, the built environment, and the homes and communities we all live in.
Varied
Building Materials is a vast and dynamic sector, with thousands
of different roles with hundreds of employers, where your career can
take many paths.
Potential
Build a great future from the ground up, with opportunities to progress from entry level roles to senior management, long-term career paths, competitive salaries and benefits.
Changing
We’re modernising, digitising and decarbonising construction, developing new and better products and accelerating sustainable solutions.
Futureproof
Be part of an industry that always has been and always will be in demand, and which is helping us build a better future for everyone.
Diverse
Join an open, friendly, supportive and welcoming community, with a need for more diverse people and skills to help us serve a wider range of needs.
With hundreds of roles
there’s one made for you
Discover the vast range of roles that a career in Building Materials cover. The highlighted roles are where most people start their career path into the sector – imagine this could be you.
Apprenticeships are also available for all career paths.
Take a look at
some typical job roles in the sector
Apprenticeships
A great way into the sector
Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to learn practical skills directly from experienced professionals, enabling you to develop expertise in a specific area within Building Materials.
An apprenticeship is a paid job, offering training that lasts a minimum of 12 months and is for anyone aged 16 and over. Your employer will give you tasks to perform, and a training provider will equip you with the theoretical skills to perform those tasks.
Employers in the sector offer a wide range of programmes and levels suitable to the many roles within the industry. Apprenticeship levels work a little differently from typical academic levels, instead of GCSEs, A levels or bachelor’s degrees, apprenticeships levels are ranked in terms of:
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Higher
- Degree
You do not have to do the levels in numerical order though. Apprenticeships are designed to make you an expert in your role with the opportunity to progress in that area. Your career pathway is your own and doesn’t need to be a straight line, either way, we can help you pave it in whichever direction you want to take it.
Apprenticeships are usually fully funded by the government and at no cost to you, they use government approved standards and are delivered by industry competent coaches to deliver the exact knowledge, skills and behaviours required in this ever changing industry. Apprentices spend 80% of their working week ‘doing the job’ and the rest of the time either work shadowing, online learning, attending workshops and individual coaching sessions or on assignment/project work.
Find out more
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
Start your career straight from school
Earn while you learn
Get practical training in a job
Study without getting into debt
Learn key skills for your career
Top 10 tips
for building your future here
If you’re a young person considering a career in the Building Materials sector, here’s some careers advice to help get you started.
Remember, pursuing a career in the Building Materials sector requires determination, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt. By immersing yourself in relevant experiences, acquiring the necessary skills, and building a strong network, you’ll be well-positioned to embark on a successful career in this exciting industry.
Apprenticeships
A great way to enter the sector. You don’t need any experience or knowledge about Building Materials – that’s what the apprenticeship is for. If you complete an apprenticeship you are x3 more likely* to get a promotion [*LEAP statistic 2024]. There’s a huge range of programmes across a wide variety of roles.
Research and explore the sector
Gain insights into other parts of the construction sector, such as builders merchants, sustainable building practices, product manufacturing, design, or sales. Understand the roles and responsibilities within these areas to identify which aligns with your interests and strengths.
Seek educational opportunities
Focus on acquiring a solid educational foundation. Pursue relevant subjects in school, college or university, such as mathematics, English, chemistry, or design and technology. Consider pursuing a degree in disciplines like architecture, materials science, or construction management. These programs will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in the Building Materials sector.
Hands on and outdoor roles
If you’re not academically focused, the sector has some great opportunities for you in practical roles, sales, technical and material handling roles, forklift drivers, working in the warehouse or manufacturing production lines. Explore these types of roles and also consider earning while you train through an apprenticeship programme.
Engage in hands-on experiences
Look for internships, apprenticeships, university placements, or work experience roles that provide practical experience in the industry. Many companies offer programmes targeted at introducing young individuals to the sector. Participating in such initiatives will allow you to work alongside professionals, gain practical skills, and understand the day-to-day operations within the Building Materials industry.
Volunteer and join relevant organisations
Consider volunteering or participating in activities and charities related to the Building Materials sector.
Develop technical and digital skills
The Building Materials sector today involves advanced technologies and digital tools. Explore a tech role or develop a proficiency in software programs such as computer-aided design (CAD), building information modelling (BIM), or materials testing software. Familiarise yourself with emerging trends, such as 3D printing or sustainable materials technologies. Building a strong foundation in these technical skills will make you a valuable asset to potential employers.
Embrace sustainability and innovation
The Building Materials sector is increasingly focusing on sustainable and innovative practices. Educate yourself about sustainable building materials, green certifications, retrofit, modern methods of construction and sustainable building techniques. Stay updated on technological advancements and innovations in the sector. Demonstrating a passion for sustainability and innovation will enhance your desirability to employers.
Network and seek mentorship
Building relationships with professionals in the industry is invaluable. Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows. Engage in conversations and seek advice from experts. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn and join relevant industry groups. A strong network can provide mentorship, career guidance, and potential job opportunities.
Develop soft skills
In addition to technical skills, focus on developing essential soft skills. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. This sector is very people focussed and relational skills and high emotional intelligence will help you succeed. People skills are highly valued in the world of Building Materials.
Routes into Building Materials
Find your way into the sector
From apprenticeships to degrees and employment – there are many ways to enter Building Materials, including:
Apprenticeships
College
Employment
University
Graduate Schemes
Here’s what you need to know to build your career here…
Take a look at what your career pathway could look like within
the Building Materials industry
Building Materials offers huge variety and opportunities to progress from entry level roles up to management.
Pathways can be squiggly lines from different roles to others, not just step by step, but here are some examples.
Got some questions?
Career pathways
in branch roles
Career pathways
Head office & support functions
