Schools & colleges

We love to inspire young people by showing them the wide range of careers you can enter in the construction industry.

How does Connolly help school leavers?

Whether you want to put practical skills to use as a tradesperson or study towards a professional qualification, the team at Connolly regularly attend careers fairs and talks at local schools to offer practical advice about what it’s like to work in the construction industry and what different career pathways can look like.

Connolly staff networking with students at a careers event social value charity

What careers can I get into in construction?

  • Skilled trades
    Joiners, electricians, plumbers, painters, roofers, drivers etc
  • Customer service
    Customer liaison officers, social value managers
  • Technical experts
    Health & safety managers, quantity surveyors, estimators, bid writers
  • Professional roles
    Site managers, project managers, contract managers
  • Support specialisms
    IT, finance, HR, marketing, administration, quality assurance, procurement
A roofing team working on a scaffolded residential block

Work experience placements

Schools and colleges are now targeted with providing a total of two weeks’ meaningful work experience for pupils by year 11. We welcome work experience students to our head office where they can gain exposure to commercial, operations, social value, IT, finance, HR and marketing departments to gain a rounded view of the areas they might enjoy in the future.

Inspiring women and girls in construction

Women currently make up around 15% of the UK construction workforce, with significantly lower representation in site‑based roles. Engaging with students who may not yet see themselves represented in construction roles helps challenge outdated perceptions and ensures talent is not overlooked.

Female members of our team visit schools and colleges to take part in honest discussions about the challenges that can arise at different stages of a career, and how confidence, resilience and support networks play an important role in overcoming them.

A female connolly operative using a power tool during kitchen work

It’s important to show young women that construction is a place where they can build successful careers. Throughout my own career, I’ve always felt supported and valued, and it’s rewarding to see the next generation growing in confidence and starting to see the range of opportunities available to them.

Frankie Donnolly
Quantity Surveyor
Looking for support for your school?

If your school or college is close to a Connolly site, and you’d like support for your next careers fair or to enquire about work experience for a student, please fill in this form.

Get in touch

Team Connolly values