Thinking about your Options?
Start shaping your future with the right choices.
Explore how the subjects and skills you’re learning now can lead to exciting careers in Construction & Green Economy—one of the UK’s most vital and future-focused sectors. From building net-zero homes and skyscrapers to installing solar farms, retrofitting old buildings for energy efficiency, or designing flood defences, this is where hands-on skills meet the fight against climate change.
Check what’s available at your school and remember: choosing a strong mix of practical, scientific, and problem-solving subjects keeps your options wide open and your future full of possibilities.
Core subjects
What to study?
Relevant Year 9 Options Subjects
Closely Linked Subjects
💼 Business – Useful for project management, contracting and running your own construction firm.
🏗️ Construction & the Built Environment – The core subject that directly prepares you for the industry.
⚙️ Engineering – Highly relevant for civil, structural and mechanical roles on site.
🌍 Geography – Key for understanding climate, sustainability, planning and environmental management.
Linked Subjects
🎨 Art – Great for architectural design, interior fit-outs, landscaping and visualising green spaces.
🏛️ History – Useful for heritage conservation, restoring listed buildings and understanding traditional construction techniques.
🙏 Religious Education – Develops ethical awareness important for sustainable and community-focused building projects.
🗺️ Travel and Tourism – Relevant for large-scale leisure developments, eco-tourism projects and sustainable visitor infrastructure.
🧵 Textiles – Links to innovative sustainable materials, geo-textiles, insulation and interior finishes in green buildings.
Career areas
Unlock Careers in Construction & Green Economy
See the exciting career areas you can unlock by studying subjects within the CGE Gateway. From raising skyscrapers to delivering wind farms, retrofitting homes to save the planet, or protecting communities from flooding, these pathways let you build the sustainable Britain of tomorrow.
The table below highlights the most popular and diverse roles currently in high demand—perfect starting points for your future.
Career Areas within this Gateway |
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| 🏛️ Architect
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🛠 Carpenter
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🧱 Bricklayer
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| 🌿 Green Energy Engineer
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🏠 Roofer
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📏 Surveyor
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| 🚰 Plumber
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🔨 Joiner
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🦺 Health & Safety Officer
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Post-16 opportunities
T Levels are a two-year qualification equivalent to three A Levels and combine classroom learning with an extended in-depth industry placement lasting at least 45 days. On completion, progression can be onto Higher / Degree apprenticeships, university or employment.
The course is offered at:
NSCG – View All Courses | NSCG
Stoke on Trent College – T Levels – Stoke-on-Trent College :Stoke-on-Trent College
A-levels are a 2-year programme ideal for students who want to study 3 subjects in depth and plan to progress onto university or a Higher apprenticeship. They can be a great option for learners who enjoy learning facts and theories, are good at exam assessment and are good at doing independent learning and research outside of the classroom.</>
Maths and Physics are important subjects for Engineering. Other relevant subjects include: Chemistry, Computer Science, Further Maths, Product Design
A levels are offered at the following local colleges and 6th Forms:
NSCG – A Levels and A+ Programmes | NSCG
City of Stoke on Trent 6th Form College – Courses Archive – City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College
St Thomas More – Sixth Form – St Thomas More Catholic Academy
St Josephs College – Sixth Form – St Joseph’s College
St Margaret Ward – Sixth Form Courses | St Margaret Ward
Apprenticeships can be a great option for learners who are ready for the work place and are sure about the job they want to pursue. Learners will have to find an employer to take them on by searching for apprenticeship vacancies and going through the employer’s recruitment process. Employers are generally looking for applicants who are self motivated, have a good standard of maths and English and are reliable and passionate about achieving their goals.
Search for Engineering & manufacturing vacancies by postcode Browse apprenticeships before you apply
Pre-apprenticeships are ideal for learners who want an apprenticeship but may not yet be work ready. Need to improve your maths and English, develop your confidence or gain some relevant work experience? If so, a pre-apprenticeship at a local training provider could be right for you.
Martec Training offer motor vehicle pre-apprenticeships Motor Vehicle Courses – Martec Training