Many skilled tradespeople reach a point where they want to use their experience in new ways — helping others learn the skills that have shaped their own careers. Becoming a construction tutor or trainer is a rewarding way to stay connected to the industry while finding more stability, structure, and satisfaction in your working life. This FAQ is designed to answer your key questions about what it’s like to move from the tools to teaching, the qualifications you’ll need, and how The Skills Centre can support you every step of the way.
How can I become a construction tutor or trainer?
If you’re interested in how to become a construction tutor, then you should get in touch with us. We are always looking for skilled individuals who are ready to take the next step into their construction career. If you have experience and want to share it along with a passion for helping people reach their full potential, you could teach others about construction, to build skills for the industry.
Do I need a teaching qualification to train others in construction?
No. You might think you need a teaching degree to teach construction, but you don’t! As long as you have experience in construction and a willingness to pass your passion and skills onto other people, we can help support you as you move into a teaching environment by gaining the relevant qualifications.
What qualifications or certifications do I need to start teaching construction?
Although you don’t need a PGCE to teach construction, you do need a relevant trade qualification at L2 or above and you have to have a L1 CSCS or be willing to work towards one.
At least two years of industry experience is also usually required so that you can teach students the skills they need to succeed.
English and Maths at GCSE is also preferable.
How will The Skills Centre help me become a tutor? What support is available to help me teach well?
When you join The Skills Centre as a construction tutor, you will have a six-month onboarding plan, covering all parts of the job role to help you become a dual professional, leveraging your vast experience in the industry to help others.
Your learning manager will provide you with one-to-one support and feedback throughout the training, with structured shadowing and mentoring.
You will take part in learning walks, with additional training throughout the six months and formal observations to enable continuous improvement.
Is there an age limit?
No! As long as you have sufficient relevant experience in your trade, we don’t mind what age you are.
I don’t have a lot of experience with computers – will that stop me from becoming a tutor?
Absolutely not. Individual support and training is provided to help you get up to speed. You’ll be given a laptop and any other equipment that you may need to do your job to the best possible standard.
Can I move into teaching part-time while still working on-site?
You may not feel ready to put your tools down completely and transition full-time into teaching, but that’s fine. The Skills Centre can provide opportunities to share your specialist skills and experience with our learners in a part-time capacity.
If you want to know how to start teaching while working, we can provide mentoring opportunities and the chance to take our apprentices on-site to see what life is like on the yard or construction site.
What is the pay like for construction tutors compared to site work?
A construction tutor salary varies depending on trade; some trades can earn £220 a day.
There are many other benefits to a career in construction tutoring. For example, you’ll receive a regular monthly salary with tax already deducted, so there’s no need to manage your own tax returns. You’ll also be entitled to paid holiday, sick leave, maternity or paternity leave, bereavement leave, and parental leave, providing financial stability and peace of mind.
Is there demand for construction teachers and assessors in the UK?
Yes – we need you! There is currently a skills shortage and the demand for experienced construction workers is high. According to the CITB, the overall number of extra workers needed for the 2025–2029 period is estimated at 47,860 per year, which is equivalent to 1.8% of the 2024 workforce. This means the UK construction industry needs to recruit the equivalent of 239,300 extra workers over the next five years.
The Skills Centre industry takes a 5 doors approach to teaching construction, which covers theoretical knowledge, practical skills, professional development, continual assessment and career guidance.
What support is available to help me transition into teaching or training?
If you’re interested in a career change and would like to train to become a teacher, we will offer continual support along the way, from organising any online training required to buddy mentoring.
Will I still feel fulfilled if I leave the tools to teach?
If you’re considering teaching your trade but are slightly nervous that you won’t get the job satisfaction from teaching or that you will miss out on site work, we can help you cope with the culture change. We already have a community of people who have experienced the change and can help you through it.
We’ve helped change the lives of learners, inspiring them to launch their own careers provides a new source of satisfaction. We offer opportunities to engage in projects by working in the yard with learners to teach practical skills, so you will still be able to enjoy your tools.
What are my career options if I want to move off the tools in construction?
If you are looking for a career change from construction, talk to us. We can help you make a decision by explaining how you can make the transition work for you.
What does a tutor do? What will a typical day look like?
Teaching days start at around 8am, to prepare the classroom and get ready for the lesson before learners arrive at 8:30 for registration. The morning session usually involves theory or class-based learning, followed by a lunch break and then in the afternoon, learners will go out and learn some practical skills in the yard.
Learners usually leave at 4.30pm, when the centre closes, so you will be home in time for tea!
It’s important to remember that days vary, and tutors need to plan weeks between programmes to enable completion of training, marking, lesson planning, meetings and other admin.
How can I find more flexibility and stability in the construction industry?
Transitioning into construction training offers more structured hours, regular holidays, and often term-time work.
What do holidays look like for construction tutors?
Holidays for construction tutors can be significantly more structured and generous compared to traditional site-based construction roles. You will also be allowed a set amount of annual leave, which is usually around 25 days a year, plus bank holidays.
What changes can I expect going from being self-employed to being employed as a tutor?
There are many benefits to becoming a tutor for The Skills Centre.
- Fixed hours
- Pensions
- Holidays and other leave entitlement
- Financial stability/security
- Regular monthly pay
- You won’t have to complete a tax return
We are a small company with big opportunities where you will get the chance to meet and get to know other staff who have followed similar career paths. The Skills Centre is a supportive environment to help you grow your career.
What might I find difficult or challenging?
Making the move into tutoring from a job you’ve grown to know well can be daunting but we can help every step of the way. Moving from a physically demanding, hands-on, site-based role to a structured, classroom environment can feel like a significant change.
Teaching requires patience and a focus on long-term outcomes, whereas construction often offers more immediate, tangible results. There can also be more administrative tasks than many expect, including lesson planning, marking, assessments, and compliance with safeguarding and education standards.
Despite these challenges, our construction professionals find teaching deeply fulfilling, sharing their expertise and shaping the next generation.
Taking the leap from construction work to construction teaching can feel like a big change — but it’s one that opens the door to new opportunities, greater work–life balance, and the chance to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. At The Skills Centre, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the transition, providing training, mentoring, and ongoing support to help you thrive as a tutor. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and build a new chapter in your construction career, get in touch with us today to start your journey.
Explore Opportunities
Head over to our vacancies page now to see what tutor opportunities are waiting for you to start your journey from tools to teaching. Or get in touch with us at info@theskillscentre.co.uk if you have any more questions!
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