Self-employed in construction without experience
Are you ready for more freedom and would like to be your own boss? Then ZZP in construction might be a good option for you. But can it be done without experience and how do you go about it?
Can you work in construction as a ZZP without experience?
To get right to the point, the short answer is no. The meaning of ZZP is self-employed without staff. A person without experience cannot work independently, which makes it very difficult to do your job well as a ZZP without experience. So you will have to get experience as a ZZP so that you can work independently.
And self-employed in construction without a degree?
That is easier, because there are many construction professionals who started without a diploma and learned the trade by doing it. You often do this at an apprenticeship company where you learn the tricks of the trade from an experienced craftsman. A diploma is therefore necessary to start as a self-employed construction worker.
Self-employed without experience and you want to work in construction
You would like to be your own boss and take your own assignments, then there are options to start in construction as a ZZP without experience. We put before you 2 options that can help you.
1. Provide experience
This may not be what you want, but think of it as an investment in your self-employment. Let’s say you choose to work for 1 year at a construction company where you can gain experience. In one year you can learn many different things, especially at an all-round construction company. After that, your start as a ZZP will be easier and you will immediately have a good reference from the company where you worked. Even without experience you can get started in construction.
Gaining experience can be done in a variety of ways. It can be in your job at a construction company, but usually it starts with chores in your own home/neighborhood. You can also stop by a construction company and ask if you can join them as an internship on Saturdays or in the evenings.
Say you are 29 and after a year of experience you are 30, then you can work as a self-employed person for at least 35 years after that. Investing in experience is a good option.
2. Start as a self-employed construction cleanup contractor
There are many different jobs for self-employed construction workers, but if you want to start as a construction cleanup worker, you can do so without experience. You will then take care of a tidy construction site. This may not be your dream job, but again, you should look at this as an investment. After a while, you get to do some other small jobs, you meet other professionals and before you know it, you’ll be rolling on into another position. Starting as a ZZP construction cleanup contractor is a great opportunity to get started as an independent contractor.
Upgrade yourself as a ZZP without construction experience
You are ZZP’er or you want to start as ZZP without experience in construction. Also, you don’t have a degree, but you witl start making it in construction. Then make sure it becomes more attractive for a construction company to hire you. The following are easy things to arrange that will make you market yourself better.
- KVK: perhaps an open door, but you need to be registered with the KVK so you can keep records properly.
- Driving license: indispensable for a self-employed person and you can get a bus from the client with you.
- Own transportation: own car or bus may be a plus.
- Own tools: if you have your own stuff, it saves again for the client.
- VCA (VOL): this safety certificate is always required.
- Teach yourself skills: on youtube there are many DIY tips that will make you more handy
- Find a free training: google for free training provided by employment agencies, for example.
What does a self-employed construction worker earn?
An important question for craftsmen who want to work in construction as self-employed. What you earn depends heavily on your experience. Generally, the hourly rate of a freelance construction worker is between €30 and €50 gross. A self-employed person with no experience working in construction will be on the lower end of these amounts.
This hourly wage seems pretty good at first glance, but keep in mind that as a self-employed person, you have to pay for your own expenses, such as your insurance, and taxes will also be deducted.
Tips for getting started as a ZZP
A few more tips for when you want to get started as a self-employed construction worker.
- Choose projects that suit you.
- Build a network, this is going to help you find new assignments and get recommendations.
- Invest in yourself by doing courses, training and practical education. This will increase your hourly wage.
- Start with a financial cushion in place so that you have time to grow and keep it going when things slow down.
- Start with small projects to gain experience and slowly build your portfolio.
Regulations surrounding ZZP
The rules around ZZP have changed, this makes it more difficult to start as a ZZP. We also do not currently have any projects for ZZP’ers. If you want to work in construction, there are other employment opportunities available.
ZZP with no experience in construction, but now you're going to make it!
Hopefully this blog has inspired you to get started as a self-employed construction worker, even if you have no experience yet. There is plenty of work in the construction industry, so opportunities abound for skilled workers who know how to work.