June 22, 2018 Working In Construction: A Guide

Entering the world of construction is by no means easy, but if you long to work in a hands-on environment, do you have what it takes?

If you long to work in a hands-on, practical environment, a career in building and construction might just be for you. The construction industry is one of the only sectors across the globe that always has openings for new workers, so if you’re looking to make the switch or begin your career, you might be wondering what it takes to work on a building site.

One reason why a career in construction is so appealing is that it’s not just one job; it encompasses hundreds of unique roles such as bricklaying, scaffolding, tiling, carpentry and much more. What’s more, there are plenty of progression opportunities for those who want to become site managers or run their own construction businesses. As such, entering the industry isn’t as you might think, but there are always architects, building managers and property developers looking for tradespeople. Here are some of the attributes and qualifications you’ll need to work on a building site.

Education

One of the biggest misconceptions about construction workers is that you don’t need a formal education to progress a career. Although it may be true that there are no set education requirements for entry-level construction jobs, companies tend to favor candidates with at least some qualifications – preferably a completed apprenticeship or high school diploma in building and construction skills – and you will need to accrue qualifications if you want to remain in the industry. However, education is not always essential when you’re just starting out.

Skills and Attributes

To work on a construction site, you’ll need to display coordination, strength and physical endurance. Not only will balance and hand-eye coordination prove useful when you’re sawing wood or climbing on high beams, you’ll also be lifting heavy objects and machinery, so you’ll need to possess some muscle strength. It’s important to make sure you are physically up to the task and can do it day after day.

Experience

Although any prior experience will stand you in good stead for a job on a construction site, many building workers learn and train as they go. Depending on where you work, there will probably be a limit to what jobs you can undertake until you are trained (such as operating excavators or using welding machines), but you can start out as an unskilled laborer to learn the basics of the trade, before honing your skills into a specialized construction craft.

Knowledge

Many construction workers start out with little or no experience or knowledge, but there are plenty of ways to expand your education within the industry. Trade School offers plenty of courses for those who want to learn how to select building materials and use different machines for a range of construction projects, while experienced trade workers can continue their education with a college degree. What’s more, when it comes to shopping for tools, most trade suppliers are knowledgeable enough to help you find the right equipment for your project. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of construction tools and applications, trade suppliers will be knowledgeable. If you particularly need to find the right attachments for your construction machines, for example, Rhinox Group can supply the ideal additional parts and attachments that are essential for your project.

Why Work In the Construction Industry?

There are many advantages of working in building and construction, and the industry is always in need of skilled professionals. It’s an excellent, equal opportunities career path with plenty of opportunities to progress and specialize in specific areas. Few industries have the chance to make a real impact on their community, but the construction sector is one of them. Whether you work in residential homes, commercial properties, offices or retail outlets, your building will have a lasting impact on the whole community.

What’s more, building and construction are highly lucrative, and there is a high demand for workers. The industry is currently estimated to have a worth of $78 trillion, and this figure is projected to grow over the next 15 years. Unlike many other fields of employment, the average salary of workers has increased, with skilled construction workers and site managers now earning four times the cost of living in the U.S.

Lastly, most construction workers stay in their jobs for most or all of their working lives or start their own construction companies. Not only does the industry provide on-the-job opportunities for growth and a lucrative income, but it also offers immediate job satisfaction. Working outdoors has many reported benefits, but there is a social aspect of the job, too, that encourages both personal and professional relationships.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to see a project unfold in front of you, or who relishes the ability to showcase your work to the world, working in construction could be the career for you.

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