Construction work is everywhere. In every state, there are always at least a handful of towns and cities where major projects are happening, giving those in the industry a steady flow of reliable, well-paying jobs. Due to these perks, many who are looking for a career path find themselves drawn to the idea of being a construction contractor. However, those without much knowledge of the industry often find themselves scratching their heads when wondering how they can begin their career. To help those who’re interested start their journeys, here is a guide on how to prepare for a career in construction contracting:
Experience on a Jobsite
Having experience of any kind on construction job sites will be extremely useful when you go to apply for a career-centric construction job later on. Even if you’re just an apprentice for a carpenter, or helping to keep those on the site up-to-date with instructions, the skills you’ll gain will prove invaluable. The demand for construction workers is making it easier than ever to find entry-level experience on job sites.
Understanding the different foundational tasks that help make up a typical construction site’s day-to-day operations will be essential, and your experience on job sites will help you gain this knowledge. There are frequent opportunities for minor roles that require little-to-no experience on construction sites, so searching for these opportunities in your area will be the first major task you’ll need to undertake if you want a career path in the construction industry. The time you’ll spend on these job sites will also help you decide whether or not a career in this industry is truly right for you.
Relevant Education and Skills
There are a ton of different jobs on construction sites, but there are some basic skills you’ll need to succeed. An understanding of how the job site runs, safety protocols, and basic knowledge of building skills are all a major plus, after all. In addition to these, having strong communication, problem-solving, time management, and interpersonal skills become critical. These basic skills will make you much more hirable, and help you out significantly as you learn more advanced techniques and skills you’ll need.
Many workers in the construction industry do not hold a degree. However, having a relevant, useful degree can both put you ahead of your competitors who’re looking for jobs and make you eligible for higher-paying positions as well. Technical college programs can help give you expertise in specific areas of construction, such as carpentry, or the ability to handle specific types of heavy machinery. Those with skills from these programs are especially sought after, as construction sites are not able to function without qualified individuals that can safely and effectively handle these tasks.
Licenses and Skill-Sets
Depending on what state or locale you’re working in, the number and types of licenses and skill-sets you’ll need can vary wildly. Thankfully, many employers will help fund your efforts to increase your skills if you promise to work for their company, which will help you gain a clear path into the industry where you can begin a lifelong career as a construction contractor.
Many people who work in the construction industry travel between states for work opportunities for either personal or monetary reasons. Knowing which types of licenses and skills you’ll need to gain before taking on interstate work is essential to being fully prepared for a lifelong career as a construction contractor.
Once again, college programs and technical degrees are another major way to ensure you’re ready for a career in construction. As you work on sites, you can slowly build up your licenses, and degrees to a point where you can quickly climb the ladder in the construction industry.
Mentorships
Once you’re on a job site and beginning your career in the construction industry, it can be hyper useful to gain an official mentorship with a higher-up. Not only will this help you develop your skills, but it will ensure you can build a reputation that will give you the ability to continue climbing the ladder in your local construction industry.
Depending on what type of work you’re doing in the construction industry, the type of mentorship you’ll need to look for can vary wildly. However, gaining a quality, intensive mentorship is one of the absolute best ways to ensure you’ll have a high-paying, consistent career in construction contracting.
Begin Your Career in Construction Contracting Today
There is a particularly high demand for construction workers after the passing of the United States’ massive infrastructure spending bill. If you’ve been curious about a career in construction, or are simply ready to finally take the plunge, following this guide can help you get on your feet. Construction is one of the most reliable industries for workers who want stable jobs, so if you’re raising a family, or saving up to buy a home, this career path could be tailor-fit for you.
