- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work on your own
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Depending on where you work, you could:
- discuss plans and job instructions with clients or site managers
- cut and shape timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
- make and fit structures like staircases, door frames, roof timbers and partition walls
- assemble fitted and free-standing furniture
- install kitchens, cupboards and shelving
- build wooden supports called shuttering which holds concrete that has not dried yet in place
- fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings
- construct stage sets for theatre, film and TV productions
With experience, you could become a site supervisor or construction project manager.
You could also move into:
- construction estimating
- contracts management
- a specialist area like stage sets or heritage restoration
- starting your own business
- training apprentices
- teaching at a further education college
Find out more about teaching in further education from teach in further education.