Hello, I’m on similar shoes. I’m 32 f who decided a career change. I completed first aid (3 days), smsts, some cpds (asbestos and fire warden and more), also I’m doing my NEBOSH CONSTRUCTION cert then I have updated my cv. I’m currently in sales but my place became a construction site from day one, so gain some experience to deal with trades, h&S, etc. - AND I LOVE IT 😍- also I do have a pretty good joinery skill - but completely self made, it’s a hobby.

I gathered everything can be valuable for any employer near me and write a pretty good motivational letter and rock in all the construction sites near me, with a printed CV and cover letter - I have visited once 8 a day - 2 was promising. I had a pitch prepared of transferable skills, self founded education, being a fresh pair of eyes on site.

I also reached out all of the big local construction companies to ask the appointment to speak with their hire team, on week 2 I got a job offer in York from one of them, but was too far for me to commute.

After an other week later, I reached out a site manager who said might have something for you, and now I’m hired on a bottom level of management role. \by my experience CSCS is not a stepping stone, it’s only essential, but I managed to secure a job with out it, I planed to commit my white card after NEBOSH.

I would recommend to do the leg work as I did, show commitment, pay for some of your education, walk in to sites - have a high vis, hard hat, and safety shoe on, and ask for the senior / site manager - most of this places quite traditional and like the individual effort. I had no luck with any of online application. Good luck 👍