There are many careers in construction and if you ask the average guy these days, he wishes he knew more about this field in order to either build a house or make home improvements! With the rising cost of housing, someone in the construction business probably knows how to build a home or find the cheapest resources to do it!
There always seems to be a growing demand for construction workers. These types of jobs are essential to the growth of any economy.
Construction is one of the largest industries in North America, and it has seen a steady increase in demand over the past decade. In fact, there has been a 10% increase in demand for construction workers since 2008, with an estimated 400,000 more jobs needed by 2022.
How Do You Become a Construction Worker?
Construction workers are involved in the building, renovation, and repair of structures. These workers are usually employed by construction companies as contractors or subcontractors.
So, what do you need to become a construction worker?
Job duties for these types of careers vary depending on where you work and your level of experience.
There are many skills required for performing this job well, but the following are some of the most important:
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Building knowledge/skills such as carpentry, electricity/electronics, plumbing, and masonry
- Basic computer skills, such as the use of spreadsheets, word processing, and email
- Physical stamina and the ability to work beyond regular hours
- Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physical labor, workers are often on project sites for extended periods of time, which can be physically demanding
What is Carpentry?
Carpentry is a skill that has been in use for centuries and will continue to be in use for centuries to come. Carpenters are tasked with the responsibility of building, installing, and maintaining structures made from wood.
The carpentry trade is a very popular job choice because it can be done as a full-time profession or as a part-time hobby. No matter how you decide to enter the carpentry trade, there are steps you must take on your journey to becoming an experienced carpenter.
There are many types of carpentry, but in general, the trade is made up of a variety of skills and tools. Depending on your job, you might use carpenter’s squares or saws to cut wood in a variety of ways, including ripping boards with a handsaw, using pruners to remove branches from trees, or cutting metal scrap.
The skill can also be used for building furniture like chairs and cabinets. Carpenters often work with other trades like electrical work and plumbing to complete their projects.
What is the difference between a carpenter’s square and a framing square?
A framing square is exactly what it sounds like, with lines on each side that are used in straightening walls, roofs, and floors. A carpenter’s square has lines on one side and measurements along the other, so it can be used for measuring and marking out workpieces in carpentry or woodworking.
A framing square is typically used to mark out approximate positions on walls or floors, while a carpenter’s square is used to create straight lines.
How to Become a Carpenter With No Experience
The first step to becoming a carpenter with no experience is to find a company that offers an apprenticeship. The next step is to find a trade school or community college that offers carpentry courses.
Once you have found a school, you need to enroll in the carpentry program and complete the necessary courses. When you have completed the courses, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship.
Carpenters can learn their trade by serving an apprenticeship under a master carpenter. They may also learn skills by attending vocational or technical schools, or they may have had on-the-job training. Most carpentry jobs require carpentry experience, so it is important to get some before you apply for work in this field.
What are the best-paying construction jobs?
The demand for skilled labor in construction is high, and the jobs are well-paid. There are plenty of employment opportunities in this industry.
So, what are the best jobs in construction that pay well?
- Those that require a lot of physical labor—The jobs involve working with heavy machinery and tools, and they may also require climbing ladders or scaffolding. These types of work can be difficult, but they also offer some of the best salaries and benefits in the industry.
- General contractors—A general contractor oversees all aspects of a project from start to finish. This includes supervising workers on site to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and within budget, as well as dealing with clients to ensure satisfaction with the project overall.
- Building manager—Building managers are responsible for managing the everyday operations of their company, including hiring and firing workers, coordinating schedules, and making sure that the company has enough funding to sustain itself. As with general contractors, building managers often earn high salaries because they manage so many responsibilities on a daily basis.
- Engineer—Engineers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project from start to finish, as well as designing new construction or remodeling. They are responsible for inspecting, overseeing, and supervising all aspects of a project as well as performing calculations and designing new construction or remodeling.
- Surveyor—Surveyors are responsible for taking field measurements of the terrain to determine where the layout should be built and how space can be maximized while minimizing cost. Surveyors are also in charge of building the layout, including roads and other utilities.
- Civil engineer—Civil engineers develop plans to build roads, tunnels, bridges, and buildings that use the minimum amount of materials and have a low environmental impact. They also monitor existing structures for their structural integrity.
- Project manager—Project managers are responsible for planning and overseeing construction projects. They manage budgets, schedule work, and ensure public safety during the construction process.
- Civil architect—Civil architects work with civil engineers to oversee construction projects. They oversee the design and building of public structures including highways, schools, parks, hospitals, and stadiums.
Qualifications To Be A Successful Construction Worker
Here are some of the qualifications needed to become a successful construction worker:
- A high school diploma or GED certificate
- Some experience in building trades like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work
- Construction workers need to be physically strong and able to lift heavy objects in order to do their job well
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
- No major health issues that would make it difficult for them to be outside in all weather conditions
Top 10 Careers in Construction
We’ve already talked about how construction is one of the most important industries in the world. It is not just about building houses and buildings, it also includes engineering, architecture, and a variety of other roles.
Construction jobs are also among some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. In fact, construction workers have higher rates of injury than any other industry.
The top 10 jobs in construction are:
- Construction manager
- Carpenters
- Heavy equipment operators
- Laborers
- Engineers and architects
- Construction laborers
- Plumbers and pipe fitters
- Electricians and electric power installers-line installers-repairers
- Brick masons, block masons, stonemasons, tile setters, flooring layers and finishers
- Helpers
See this federal apprenticeship website program to help you get started on your construction journey.
