Construction is always seeking those passionate about working using their hands and becoming an integral part of a vibrant workplace. In many construction companies, it is difficult to find skilled workers. It’s even more difficult to find enthusiastic individuals about construction work.
If you love hands-on work, are satisfied with manual labor, and enjoy working with your hands, then the construction field may be your ideal career choice.
How to become a construction worker
In general terms, anyone can begin working in the field of construction. A construction worker could have a manual job or a trade with an elevated skill level. It is also possible to enter the “office” part of the field, like estimating, project management, or construction management.
The formal education process or a trade school could assist in developing an opportunity in the construction field. It is a matter of obtaining a degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized institution. These degrees usually lead to the field of civil engineering or interior design, architecture, as well as construction management. These are careers that mix workplace and on-site work.
Diplomas and certificates typically take you through professional and ticketed professions like plumbing, electrical carpentry, metal fabrication, and other trades. It is typically the most “hands-on” aspect of construction. When you think of “construction worker,” that’s the job that first comes to mind.
It’s also possible to consider entering the field without prior experience. Dropping resumes off on construction sites is an extremely well-known method of launching your career in construction. It means you must put your feet on the ground and learn at the speed of light.
You’ll get more hands-on experience, but the technical aspects of construction might be more difficult to master since team members will have less time to talk. About how “why’s” or “what’s” behind every task or undertaking. But it’s still possible to learn from knowledgeable team members by asking the right questions.
While it’s still possible to climb the ranks without formal education, certifications, and diplomas can assist in getting past the barriers to promotions. Suppose you are a hard worker and have a track record of success. In that case, construction firms might be willing to enroll you in an institution of trade to help advance your career. It is common to be placed in the “apprenticeship program,” where you will be employed by construction firms and attend classes.
A career change into construction
There’s no time to wait until it’s too late to move to the construction industry. Since it is an integral component of the global economy, construction will always require skilled workers to ensure that projects are moving. It can take years of sitting at a desk until you realize that working in the construction industry is the most suitable job.
A job search website can give you more joy and satisfaction. Therefore, the notion of switching jobs is common. The fact that you already have an education or not plays an impact on your progress within the field. One thing to keep in mind is that your abilities can be transferred, and what you’ve learned from one industry or trade can be used to create a path to a career in construction.
If, for instance, you’ve had experience working in health and safety issues, you could begin a path toward being a Construction Safety Officer (CSO). Suppose you’ve worked on large projects or teams. In that case, you can apply these skills to an assistant site manager project management, project management, or construction management job.
Previous work experience or even general labor can open the way to learning a skilled trade. If you’ve got the right motivations and enthusiasm for your work, transitioning to construction from another industry is feasible.
These are the characteristics of an excellent construction worker:
- like working outdoors
- physically fit and strong
- Safety is always a top priority
- can be taught by doing it on their own
If you do not have any prior experience in the field, becoming a trades assistant (or laborer) is the best option to move to construction. Laborers can collaborate with skilled tradespeople for laboring tasks. Newcomers can glimpse what trades they would like to learn more about by the degree to which they interact with tradespeople.
Laborers, or tradesmen, typically oversee cleaning up the site, moving material in preparation for equipment, and carrying out the demolition, excavation, and abatement tasks.
As I mentioned before, it is still possible to have a successful career without previous experience in construction. While it might take longer for certain people, many prefer to make a name in construction before launching into general labor.
