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Labourer CV Example

A labourer CV highlights your physical capability, reliability, and willingness to support construction teams across a variety of site tasks.

Recommended template: StructuredPro

Key Skills to Include

Manual HandlingSite PreparationMaterial TransportHealth & Safety AwarenessCSCS Card HolderTeam Collaboration

Quick Tips

  • Emphasise your reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic throughout your CV.
  • Include your CSCS card status and any additional training certificates such as asbestos awareness.
  • Mention any trade skills you have picked up on site that add value beyond general labouring.
  • Highlight your physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

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How to Write Your Labourer CV

A labourer CV should demonstrate your reliability, physical capability, and willingness to work hard in demanding conditions. While labouring roles may not require formal trade qualifications, employers still look for evidence of a strong work ethic, basic safety awareness, and the ability to support trade teams effectively. Your CV should present you as a dependable, versatile worker who turns up on time and gets the job done safely.

CV Structure

Use a straightforward format with a profile, work experience, qualifications, and skills sections. If you have limited construction experience, include any manual or physical roles from other industries. For each role, list four to five bullet points covering your main tasks and one to two achievements. Place your CSCS card and any training certificates prominently. Keep the CV to one page if possible.

CV Format

Keep the design simple and professional. Construction agencies review labourer CVs quickly, so make your CSCS card status and availability immediately visible. Use bullet points and clear headings. Avoid unnecessary graphics or formatting — a clean, text-based document is preferred for labouring roles.

CV Profile Examples

Experienced Construction Labourer

Reliable construction labourer with six years of experience supporting trades on residential and commercial building sites. Holds a green CSCS card with additional certifications in asbestos awareness, manual handling, and abrasive wheels. Known for excellent timekeeping, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to different tasks and site environments without close supervision.

General Labourer

Hardworking general labourer with three years of experience on new-build housing developments and civil engineering projects. Competent in site clearance, concrete work, material distribution, and assisting bricklayers, carpenters, and groundworkers. Physically fit, well-organised, and committed to maintaining safe and tidy work areas across all projects.

Career-Starter Labourer

Motivated school leaver seeking a labouring position in the construction industry, bringing a strong interest in building, excellent physical fitness, and a recently completed Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment certificate. Holds a valid CSCS green card and is eager to gain on-site experience while working towards a trade apprenticeship.

Write a brief three-sentence profile covering your experience level, your CSCS card status, and your strongest personal quality. Mention any additional certifications and the types of sites you have worked on. Keep it direct and honest.

Key Skills for Your Labourer CV

Manual Handling

Safely lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy building materials in accordance with manual handling regulations.

Site Preparation

Clearing and preparing work areas, setting up barriers, and ensuring materials are distributed to the correct locations.

Material Transport

Moving building materials around site using barrows, dumpers, and manual carrying methods to support trade teams.

Health & Safety Awareness

Following site safety rules, attending toolbox talks, and wearing correct PPE to maintain a safe working environment.

CSCS Card Holder

Holding a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme card confirming health and safety awareness for site access.

Team Collaboration

Working effectively alongside tradespeople and other labourers, following instructions and supporting the team's productivity.

Basic Plant Operation

Operating small plant equipment including dumpers, compactors, and cement mixers under appropriate supervision.

Physical Fitness

Maintaining the physical stamina required to perform demanding manual tasks throughout a full working day in all weather.

Work Experience Examples

Describe the tasks you carried out in each role, even if they seem basic. Mention the types of trades you supported and the site environments you worked in. Include achievements related to attendance, safety, or being trusted with additional responsibilities such as plant operation. Any evidence of progression or initiative strengthens your application.

Construction Labourer

Balfour Construction Ltd

Provided labouring support across a portfolio of residential new-build and refurbishment projects valued between £2M and £15M.

Responsibilities

  • Prepared work areas by clearing debris, setting up temporary barriers, and distributing materials to the correct locations on site.
  • Mixed and transported mortar, concrete, and plaster for bricklayers, plasterers, and groundworkers throughout the working day.
  • Operated basic plant including dumpers, compactors, and cement mixers under supervision.
  • Assisted with scaffolding erection and dismantling, working at height in accordance with site safety procedures.
  • Maintained clean and organised site conditions, removing waste materials to designated skip areas and recycling points.

Achievements

  • Completed twelve months without a single absence, earning a reliability commendation from the site manager.
  • Progressed to operating a forward tipping dumper after completing CPCS training funded by the employer.
  • Received positive feedback from trade teams for consistent material supply that kept bricklaying production on programme.

Warehouse Operative / Labourer

Apex Building Supplies

Combined warehouse duties with delivery driving and on-site labouring for a regional building materials supplier.

Responsibilities

  • Loaded and unloaded building materials including bricks, blocks, timber, and plasterboard using forklifts and manual handling techniques.
  • Delivered materials to construction sites, assisting with off-loading and placement as directed by the site foreman.
  • Maintained stock accuracy through regular inventory checks and reported low stock levels to the purchasing team.
  • Ensured the warehouse and yard areas were kept clean, safe, and well-organised at all times.

Achievements

  • Achieved zero delivery errors over a six-month period, handling an average of fifteen site deliveries per week.
  • Obtained a counterbalance forklift licence within the first month, increasing operational flexibility for the team.

Education & Qualifications

List your CSCS card and any construction-related short courses first. Include your school qualifications, highlighting maths and English grades. If you have completed any trade tasters or college courses in construction, mention these to show your interest in the industry.

CSCS Green Card (Labourer)

Construction Skills Certification Scheme card confirming you have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.

Asbestos Awareness

Short course covering identification and avoidance of asbestos-containing materials, required on many construction sites.

Manual Handling Certificate

Training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, reducing the risk of injury when handling heavy materials.

Abrasive Wheels Certificate

Qualification confirming safe operation of angle grinders and cutting discs in a construction environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a labourer CV with no construction experience?
Focus on transferable skills from any physical or manual roles you have held, such as warehouse work, removals, landscaping, or factory jobs. Highlight your physical fitness, reliability, and willingness to work hard. Obtain your CSCS green card before applying — most agencies will not register you without one. Any additional certificates such as manual handling or asbestos awareness will strengthen your application.
Do I need a CSCS card for a labourer CV?
Yes, a CSCS card is effectively essential for labouring roles. Most construction sites require one for access. The green labourer card is obtained by passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and holding a Level 1 qualification in construction. Having your card demonstrates basic safety awareness and shows employers you are ready to work on site immediately.
What skills should a labourer highlight on their CV?
Emphasise physical fitness, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to follow instructions. Mention any plant operation experience, even basic machines like dumpers or compactors. List safety awareness, manual handling competence, and team working ability. If you have picked up any trade skills on site — such as basic bricklaying or carpentry — mention these as they add value.
How long should a labourer CV be?
One page is ideal for a labourer CV. Most labouring roles do not require extensive detail, and agencies appreciate concise documents that confirm your availability, CSCS card status, and experience level quickly. Focus on quality over quantity — a well-structured single page is more effective than a padded two-page document.

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