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Career guidance for schools, colleges and universities

Educational resources

Bmcareers.com is on a mission to help raise awareness of the many benefits of working in Building Materials, a sector that is often overlooked.

We have developed a range of materials to support educational facilities:

Contact us to request more information or a visit from one of our sector Ambassadors.

Contact us Request an ambassador visit
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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.

That’s a lot of jobs, leading to a lot of careers, for a lot of people.

A career in Building Materials is where your students can make a material difference to the world they care about.

Encourage your students to explore this site and the ‘career starters’ pages for more information.

Advice for career starters

Meet the team of

Sector Ambassadors and request a visit

The Building Materials sector’s trade association is the BMF and they run the sector’s ‘Ambassadors programme’, a group of around 30 passionate people, working across a variety of roles in the Building Materials sector. Ambassadors are equipped and ready to share their stories and experiences of what it’s like to work in the sector with your students. Their responsibilities include:

  • being a spokesperson for the Building Materials sector and the employers within it
  • sharing their personal testimonials at schools and colleges and
  • attending apprenticeship and careers fairs.

 

Meet the Ambassadors

Attracting young people to the sector

What type of young person will like working 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.

Interest in construction and engineering

Young individuals passionate about construction, engineering principles, and building processes may find the Building Materials industry intriguing. They are likely to be fascinated by the design, development, and implementation of materials used in construction projects.

Young people who prefer hands-on activities, such as working with materials, working outside, designing, or creating tangible products, may be drawn to careers in Building Materials. Working with physical materials and seeing tangible results can be fulfilling for some certain young individuals.

Young individuals with strong problem-solving abilities and a knack for finding solutions to technical challenges may thrive in the Building Materials sector. The industry often presents complex problems that require innovative and practical solutions.

Young people who are passionate about sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and innovative technologies may be attracted to careers in Building Materials that focus on developing sustainable materials, smart building solutions, and environmentally friendly practices.

Young individuals with a natural aptitude for technical subjects, such as mathematics, physics, or chemistry, may excel in roles that involve understanding material properties, specifications, and applications in the Building Materials industry. There is also high demand for people with IT and data skills.

Young people with a creative mindset, a flair for design, and an eye for aesthetics may find career paths in Building Materials appealing, especially in roles related to material design, product development, or architectural applications.

Young individuals interested in the business aspects of the industry, such as sales, marketing, supply chain management, or product development, may find opportunities in Building Materials companies that require business acumen and strategic thinking.

This is a people orientated sector. Young individuals who enjoy collaborative work, teamwork, and interacting with diverse stakeholders may thrive in roles that involve coordination among architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners and suppliers within the Building Materials sector.

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.

6 great reasons Why Building Materials is

Great for young people

Hand drawing an imaginary line on a 3D house

Vital

We’re critical to construction, the built environment, and the homes and communities we all live in.

The faces of different people working in Building Materials

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.

3 leaders in the Building Materials sector

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.

Collage of a green house with greenery

Changing

We’re modernising, digitising and decarbonising construction, developing new and better products and accelerating sustainable solutions.

Row of contemporary houses

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.

Lots of people's hands on top of one another

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.

Pathways into

employment in the sector

There are several pathways for individuals to enter the Building Materials sector. These pathways typically involve a combination of education, training, work experience.

Education
  • Academic Qualifications: A common pathway is to pursue relevant academic qualifications, such as a degree in materials science, built environment, civil engineering, construction management, architecture, or related fields. These qualifications provide a strong foundation in understanding Building Materials and their applications.
  • Vocational Courses: Individuals can also consider vocational courses, such as apprenticeships or technical diplomas in construction, building trades, or materials engineering. These programmes offer practical training and on-the-job experience.

Gaining practical experience through apprenticeships, internships, work placements, or part-time jobs within Building Materials companies can provide valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. This can help individuals build a network, develop skills, and gain exposure to different aspects of the sector.

Pursuing professional certifications and continuous professional development programs in areas such as construction materials management, sustainable building practices, or project management can enhance one’s knowledge and credibility within the industry.

Many building materials companies offer graduate schemes, trainee programs, or rotational programmes that provide structured training, mentorship, and exposure to different areas of the business. These programmes are designed to develop future leaders in the sector.

Engaging with industry associations, such as:

can provide valuable resources, training opportunities, and industry updates for individuals looking to enter or advance in the sector.

Find out more about what employers have to offer.

Employer search