I’m 33 years of age and I currently work in an asbestos removal company and I am looking for a career change.

Since leaving school I have worked within the roofing industry, working as a hod carrier, labouring on construction sites etc. My ideal job would be to work as a digger driver. I have always wanted to do this since leaving school but have never had the opportunity.

I have researched how I can train to be a digger driver but the courses start from £1,500 and I can’t afford this. I was wondering whether there is anything available like funding, etc for someone of my age to make a career change.

Also I have noticed that any construction job which is advertised now asks that the applicant must hold a CSCS card. How do I get hold of this and do I have to pay for it. Can you help?
Philip S

The Career Guru says:

I’ll answer the easy question first. You can download an application form for the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card from here and these cost £25 with an additional £17.50 to sit the required health and safety test.

Regarding grants available to career changes, unfortunately there is no general scheme in the UK that you can apply for, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some opportunities.

The industry you’re in runs the CITB Construction Skills Grant scheme that gives companies the opportunity to apply for funding to train up members of staff. Perhaps the best avenue for you to explore is to apply for a job at a company who employ digger drivers, but go in at a slightly different role that matches your current experience.

The key thing to do is be honest. Tell your potential employers that being a digger driver is the job you’ve always wanted and they are bound to be impressed with your enthusiasm. Tell them the steps you have taken to try and gain the skills but that you can’t reach your goals without their help.

Tell them about the CITB grant (which they will probably already be aware of) and find out the possibilities of working for the company in an alternative role until your training is complete.

It’s much easier to get moved into an alternative role if you’re already employed by the company. It may take you slightly longer, but if you find the right employer with the right levels of training support for their employees, then the opportunities are endless.