Careers

Building Plymouth Green Careers Page

As the world shifts towards a sustainable future, the construction and built environment sectors are at the forefront of this transition. Green careers are essential in this movement, particularly as Plymouth strives to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and the wider UK by 2050. These careers not only help protect our environment but also create innovative opportunities in the construction industry.

Why are green careers important?

Green careers focus on reducing environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. These roles are crucial for: Meeting net zero goals: This means achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals, so that the atmosphere is no longer warming.

Sustainable development:

This ensures that we can grow sustainably whilst ensuring long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Innovation:

This promotes and encourages the use of new technologies and materials in sustainable practices.

Economic growth:

Creating new jobs and boosting the economy through green projects.

Types of green careers:

Sustainability consultant – Advise on sustainable practices, assess environmental impact, and develop sustainability strategies. Degrees or courses in environmental science, sustainability, or engineering; professional certifications (e.g. LEED, BREEAM)

Energy manager – Improve energy efficiency in buildings, manage energy use, and implement renewable energy solutions. Course in energy management, relevant experience and certifications.

Green architects – Design sustainable buildings that minimise environmental impact and promote energy efficiency Architecture degrees with a focus on sustainable urban design, certifications in green building standards (e.g.BREEAM, LEED, Passivhaus)

Renewable energy specialist – Design and implement renewable systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal. Degree in renewable energy, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering; experience in renewable energy projects.

Retrofit coordinator or specialist – Manage and implement retrofitting projects that enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of an existing building Courses in building services engineering, construction management project management, or environmental science; specific training in retrofit coordination and energy efficiency measures.

Pathways into green careers

Education and training

University degrees: pursue degrees in relevant fields such as environmental science, engineering, architecture, and construction management.

Vocational training: Enrol in technical courses or apprenticeships that focus on sustainable construction practices, retrofit technologies and renewable energy systems.

Certifications: Obtain professional certifications like LEED, BREEAM, CEM or ESOS, as well as specific retrofitting qualifications.

Work experience

Internships: Gain practical experience through internships with companies focusing on sustainability, retrofit projects and green building initiatives

Volunteering: Participate in environmental or sustainability projects to build skills and network with professionals in the field.

Professional development

Workshops and seminars: Attend industry workshops and seminars to stay updated on the latest green technology, retrofit techniques and sustainability practices.

Networking: Join professional organisations and networks such as UK Green Building Council to connect with industry leaders and stay informed about job opportunities.

For more information visit the Skills Launchpad Plymouth Green Economy page here

Careers

Prison leavers / People with experience of the criminal justice system

Leaving prison or living with experience of the criminal justice system in general can throw up several barriers such as housing, benefits, substance misuse and mental ill health. With the support if various organisations in Plymouth however, there is the opportunity to get yourself back on your feet, re-enter the world of construction or even start in it as a new entrant. Many individuals take up the opportunity to access courses and build their skills in construction using the prison education system and there are many employers out there who have inclusive employment pathways and look to promote rehabilitative ways back into work and contribute positively to communities.

Roles in the construction industry for those with experience of the criminal justice system.

The construction industry finds it particularly useful to recruit workers with previous experience – whether that be as a tradesman, running a business or being in possession of certain qualifications. With the opportunity to build a new life, demonstrate commitment and earn a decent wage, there are multiple pathways into a career that works for you and supports reintegration.

Support for prison leavers and people with experience of the criminal justice system

If you’re thinking about returning to or moving into the world of construction there are several opportunities available for you. You may well have already had support in one way or another, be that from a charity such as Shekinah or through a Prison Employment Lead giving pre-release support. We can also help you to access advice on training, skills and work in order for you to discover pathways or build your career, with supportive organisations able to intervene along the way.
Some of the organisations that can offer support are:

The Plymouth Aliiance – the aim of The Plymouth Alliance is to coordinate a complex needs system which will enable people t be supported flexibly, receiving the right help, at the right time and in the right place. Alliance partners provider housing advice and support, access to temporary and settled accommodation, treatment and support regarding substance abuse, including prescribing. The seven core providers of services are:

BCHA
Hamoaze House
Harbour Centre Plymouth
Shekinah
PATH
Livewell Southwest
The Zone

Op NOVA | Forces Employment Charity – Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, enabling them to access the services they need.

Unlock – their mission is to support & advocate for people with criminal records in England and Wales to be able to move on positively in their lives.

Shaw Trust – CF03 – CFO3 is supported by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). It is a voluntary programme designed to help people within the justice system prepare for when they leave custody and re-enter the community. They aim to increase social inclusion by engaging with support from the community in areas such as health, family, housing, education and employment. *Please note this programme is subject to changes in funding.

CASS+ often arrive at court alone, feeling powerless, trapped and terrified. CASS+ are free, and independent of the system. They sit down and listen. They build trust and use their knowledge and connections to find solutions to complicated situations. They will guide you towards positive change and stay by your side for as long as you want them there.

Prison Advice and Care Trust – Pact is a pioneering national charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families. We provide caring and life changing services at every stage of the criminal justice process: in court, in prison, on release, and in the community.

Nacro – They believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side. That’s why their housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why they fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

Other Resource Banks:

Useful Organisations — Caring for Prison Leavers

Support for ex-offenders | The Prince’s Trust

Statutory support on offer can be found here:

Plymouth: Plymouth Probation Office
Check if you need to tell someone about your criminal record: When you need to tell someone about your criminal record
Supporting prison leavers: a guide to Universal Credit

Take a look at our member vacancy padlet which has a wide range of opportunities across the industry.
Some employers have specific schemes to support prison leavers, such as Kier’s ‘Making Ground’ programme, Kier Careers | Diversity and inclusion

Making Ground Video

Want to join the exciting world of construction? See how we can help you. Pop into our Job Shop to speak to a member of our team.

Careers

School Leaver Engagement 2025 - Your one stop shop for next steps

Now that school is out for Summer and in many cases out forever – it is time to look at the various next steps that are available to you. Construction is a growing industry with Plymouth having the biggest capital build spend in 25 years – ensuring that projects are starting all the time and have longevity.

It can be daunting to look at all of the different options and career paths that are available to get into construction so we hope this page will help you.

Why not take a minute to read this handy guide to all of the routes into construction that are available here

Next it is good to have a look at all of the different careers that are available in construction and the built environment -currently 180 job roles!! Take a personality test to see what construction career might suit you.

Find out more about apprenticeships in construction with Go Construct here

There are so many apprenticeships available across the city and many key sectors such as carpentry, bricklaying and roofing which are crying out for new talent! Want to get involved and take those first steps to that dream career?

Download our latest apprenticeship bulletin here

More apprenticeships can be found on the government website, which can also be used as a really useful research tool to see which employers are offering vacancies and also what skills you would need in order to become an apprentice. Don’t forget to register on the site to be kept up to date when new vacancies are live

When looking at vacancies on the .Gov website scroll down to the very bottom to find the name, email and phone number of the recruiter who is working with the employer on the vacancy. This gives you a point of contact.

Our Building Plymouth member training providers who have apprenticeship vacancies are:

Focus Training Group
Greenlight
City College Plymouth
Skills Group
South Devon College

We will be working with the Skills Launchpad Plymouth Youth Hub to offer a series of apprenticeship drop ins as well as apprenticeship focussed workshops. To stay in touch and find out more take a look at the Youth Hub and keep up to date with what is happening this Summer here

If you would like to come and see our Construction Coordinator Gareth then please feel free to come in and see us for our sector drop in day on a Tuesday 10 -3pm on the first floor of Barclays Bank. No appointments necessary!

Finally if parents and carers want to find out more about apprenticeships in construction and what is on offer watch our parent and carer webinar here or visit the parent/carer section on the Amazing Apprenticeships page click here

Careers

Building Plymouth Job Shop

The Building Plymouth Job Shop is open

The Building Plymouth Job Shop is open we are currently based on the first floor of Coburg House, Mayflower Street, PL1 1QX. We will be there every Tuesday between 10am and 3pm you can pop in and talk with one of the team about jobs, apprenticeships and training in construction and the built environment industries.

You can still get in touch with us via email during the working week hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk

Employers are also welcome to email us at hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk

Construction industry job opportunities

To have a look at the latest vacancies that our Building Plymouth members have and apply for them please click here

There are also a number of construction industry websites that can help you find out more about the types of roles available, training and opportunities. Check out Go Construct as well as the CITB website

Regardless of whether you’re new to the industry, thinking of changing careers, have recently left the military or are looking to embark on an apprenticeship , we can help point you in the right direction, so please do get in contact with us. We’re here to help!

Careers

Go Construct

Building Plymouth is working alongside Go Construct – an industry-led organisation that has been funded by the CITB Levy and a great partner with the same aim as ourselves – to get more people interested in the brilliant world of construction and the built environment.

Go Construct is an industry-led initiative to attract, inform and encourage people to move into construction as a career of choice, and retain a talented workforce to help construct the major building projects taking place across the country.

Find out more about Go Construct by visiting their website

Fantastic Video available from Go Construct showcasing all their amazing careers

Take the personality quiz to find out what kind of role you might be suitable for.

Careers

Career Changers

Thinking of changing career or re-entering the industry? It’s never too late to get into the exciting world of construction and the built environment.

Be a part of Plymouth’s future

If you’re equipped with work experience from other sectors or have previous experience of construction, you’ll enter the industry with valuable transferable skills – something that employers are so keen to utilise.

Start your dream role in construction with Building Plymouth

A career in the world of construction is possible at any age. Our team can help you discover your dream role in this interesting industry by:

- Walking you through the different roles available – with our strong connections to employers, we already have a variety of roles available
- Informing you on ways you can up skill or improve your skills through apprenticeships, open to any age, or other industry qualifications
- Refer you to the National Careers Service for help with your CV
- Going through your transferable skills to see what you can bring to your new role
- Speaking with you regarding your employable skills
- Talking you through possible funding opportunities

Regardless of your age or working history, there is a role waiting for you in the fascinating world of construction. By joining the construction industry, you’ll be able to learn new skills through training or even an apprenticeship. Although we are not a recruitment company, our strong connections with our project sponsors means we are first to know about upcoming roles and vacancies. We’ll circulate your CV on your behalf!

Get your foot in the door with work experience

The world of construction has so many roles to choose from, you may not know where to start – that’s where work experience can help. Work experience enables you to try many career paths before you decide on the one you want to embark on.

Already got some experience but looking to up skill or retrain? We can help you find the right qualifications and training programmes to help further your career.

If you’re thinking of joining the world of construction, speak to our team today – we can help you find your ideal path into the industry or pop into our Job Shop.

No CSCS card No problem we work with Kier Hard Hat Academy and Sherford training centre to give you access to training courses that can give you hands on experience as well as the training needed to get your CSCS card and start your journey. Please contact us to find out more. hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk

Have a look at all the opportunities that our Building Plymouth members have available.

Careers

New Jobs

Made the decision to join the exciting world of construction and the built environment? Now’s the time to find your dream role in an ever-growing industry.

Follow our short step-by-step guide to apply for a job in construction:

1. Do your research – with 180 job roles available in construction, start by researching the roles to find out what you’re interested in and where your strengths lie. Read all about the available roles in our A – Z Careers Guide
2. Check out our Job Shop – Come and see us at our Job Shop to find out more about the world of construction and the built environment and how we can help your employment and learning prospects
3. Write your CV – Your CV will be an employer’s first insight of you as a potential employee. It is important to have your relevant skills and experience clearly listed, whilst showing your personality. Check out the National Careers Service website for more help on how to create your perfect CV.

If you’re looking for more top tips on finding your dream role, the National Careers Service has several on how to write your CV.

Take the first step in your path to the world of construction – talk to our team today. Contact us at our Job shop which is open on the first floor of Barclays Bank in Armada Way in Plymouth City Centre every Tuesday between 10am and 3pm. Pop in and talk with our construction coordinators James and Morven about jobs, apprenticeships and training in construction and the built environment industries.

You can still get in touch with us via email during the working week hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk see how you can be a part of building Plymouth’s future.

Have a look at our vacancy padlet and see all the up to date opportunities, apprenticeships and full time positions that our Building Plymouth members have right now!!

Careers

Military Leavers

Leaving the military can seem like a daunting prospect – so, why not transfer your valuable skills to the world of construction? Servicemen and women can enjoy a rewarding career in the construction industry, with several career paths and opportunities available that are relevant to your military experience.

Military roles in the construction industry

The construction industry needs workers with leadership, teamwork and project management skills – all skills military personnel can offer in spades. Renowned for their dedication, work ethic and reliability, military leavers are the ideal addition to any workplace.

Funding for military leavers

If you’re thinking about moving into the world of construction, there are several funding opportunities available for you. We can help you to access advice on training and skills required for you to further your career, with funding investment schemes to help you along the way.

Take a look at our member vacancy padlet has a dedicated section for military leavers.

Skills Launchpad Plymouth team hosted their first military employment showcase event onsite in the Royal Marines Stonehouse Barracks.

Working in partnership across Plymouth City Council, Career Transition Partnership (CTP), and The Forces Employment Charity, with support from Plymouth’s Armed Forces Covenant, the event helped connect over 80 serving members of HM Armed Forces, veterans and their families with local employment opportunities.

To find out more about the event Click Here

Want to join the exciting world of construction? See how we can help you. Pop into our Job shop and speak to Victoria Mead.

Careers

Apprenticeships

Looking for a career like no other? Why not become a construction apprentice?

Apprenticeships in Construction – how could it help me?

An apprenticeship is an ideal way to earn whilst you learn key skills in the world of construction. With so many great projects in Plymouth’s construction pipeline, there has been no better time to become part of such a growing industry.

With over 100 different kinds of apprenticeships available, there is guaranteed to be an apprenticeship to suit you. From hands-on roles such as bricklaying, carpentry and painting to more technical roles such as electrics, engineering and surveying, you’ll be surprised at the extensive range of careers the world of construction can offer.

Alongside apprenticeships, there are also several degree level apprenticeships available giving you the opportunity to gain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

To find out more about how an apprenticeship could work for you please click here

Think you’re too old for an apprenticeship? Think again!

There is no age limit to apprenticeships – each one is an opportunity to grow your skills and expand your knowledge regardless of your age. Not only will you learn something new, you can help to maximise your future earning potential.

If you’re thinking about the different career paths you can take, find out more about the different pathways you can take on Career Pilot.

Apprenticeship Vacancy Bulletin

Take a look at all the amazing apprenticeship opportunities currently available in and around Plymouth. We publish a new apprenticeship bulletin every 2 months Click here

Skills Launchpad Plymouth

Have you visited Plymouth’s one-stop-shop FREE skills service Skills Launchpad Plymouth service. Whatever your age or situation, you’ll find advice, guidance and support from pathways into employment, apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience, training, education, volunteering and self-employment.

We have a dedicated Youth Hub where you can access a wealth of information on the Resource Bank

Build your own future – the Building Plymouth Job Shop is located on the first floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street. Every Tuesday between 10am and 3pm you can pop in and talk with one of the team about jobs, apprenticeships and training in construction and the built environment industries.
You can still get in touch with us via email during the working week hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk

Apprenticeship Information for Employers

Find out more about organisations that can help you with information regarding an apprenticeship.

Information for specific standards –
CITB
Institute for Apprenticeships

Gov.uk Employer Guide to Apprenticeships –
Apprenticeship Guide for Employers
Employer Benefits
Shared Apprenticeship Service SW

Take a look at our online guide to all our one stop shop for school leavers

Now that school is out for Summer and in many cases out forever – it is time to look at the various next steps that are available to you. Construction is a growing industry with Plymouth having the biggest capital build spend in 25 years – ensuring that projects are starting all the time and have longevity.

Take a look at our Skills Launchpad Plymouth Education leavers page

Careers

Adopt a School

Building Plymouth relaunches ‘Adopt a School’ programme to inspire the next generation of construction talent

Building Plymouth has officially relaunched its flagship Adopt a School programme which connects local construction businesses with schools across the city.

The programme aims to inspire young people to explore careers in construction and the built environment, while strengthening the pipeline of future talent for the industry.

The relaunch was celebrated at the Building Plymouth members meeting on 25 June, hosted by Foot Anstey.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council said: “Given the growth and investment in Plymouth, it is absolutely crucial that our children and young people are fully aware of the fantastic career pathways available in construction.

“I’d like to thank local construction companies for ‘adopting’ our schools and creating these new strategic relationships to improve awareness and engagement.”

Through the Adopt a School programme, each participating school is matched with a named construction professional who acts as a key contact and ambassador. These ambassadors provide tailored support to schools, including careers talks, site visits, mentoring, and curriculum-linked activities.

The initiative is coordinated by Building Plymouth’s 5E’s Group, which streamlines engagement and shares best practice across the network.

Sam Morcumb, Chair of the 5E’s Group and Business Development and Bid Manager at BuildX (SW), commented: “Our ambassadors don’t just build structures, they lay the foundation for future talent. This is game-changing work that gives young people access to real-world experiences and opportunities they might never have imagined.”

The programme already boasts a strong list of confirmed partnerships, including:

· AECOM with Lipson Cooperative Academy

· Balfour Beatty with UTC Plymouth

· Bailey Partnership with Devonport High School for Boys

· BAM Construction with Millbay Academy

· Bell Group with Ace Schools

· Drew and Co with Brook Green Centre for Learning

· GasJack Construction with Plymstock School

· Greenlight Safety and Training with Plympton Academy

· Hydrock now Stantec with Plymouth High School for Girls

· ME Contracting with All Saints Academy

· Mercury Construction with Eggbuckland Community College

· Morgan Sindall with Tor Bridge High

· Obedair Construction with St Boniface Catholic College.

· Richard Harding with Heles School

· Willmott Dixon with Notre Dame RC School

· YGS Landscapes with Marine Academy Primary School

Schools have welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. Emily Waterfield, Work Based Learning Coordinator at Brook Green Centre for Learning, said:

“We’re delighted to be partnered with Drew & Co. This collaboration will help introduce our students to careers in mechanical and electrical engineering, supported by real-life experiences that enhance our STEM curriculum.”

Rachael Hudson of St Boniface’s Catholic College added: “Obedair has already made a huge impact by setting up an alternative provision within our school, giving students vital hands-on experience in a variety of trades.”

Building Plymouth is calling on more construction businesses and schools to get involved, helping to expand the reach and impact of this transformative programme.

For more information or to get involved please email hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk