How To Get Into Construction
Quick Summary
The world of construction is a diverse place, offering many opportunities for people with a variety of skillsets. For those who are wanting to get into the construction industry, there are a few avenues. Entry level construction jobs are an easy access point for those who have no experience, they can then work their way up.
These construction jobs include assistant and apprentice roles, laborers, and more. Another way into the construction industry is by starting your own business. This can be done by partnering with the right team who can fill in the gaps.
How To Get A Construction Job With No Experience
Getting into construction with no experience can be a challenge, but it’s certainly possible and can lead to great success, with the right approach and a whole lot of determination. Here are some steps to follow, to begin your journey in the construction field and find a construction job, without any experience.
1 – Do your research
The first step towards a successful construction career is to familiarize yourself with the construction industry. This means doing detailed research to learn as much as you can about topics like the construction project types (residential, commercial and industrial). It’s important to get to know construction terminology and practices, so that you can recognize what they all mean before you enter the industry.
2 – Educate yourself
While formal education isn’t necessarily a requirement in the construction industry, getting educated in some way about construction can be very beneficial. There are certificates or short courses available from trade schools and other online platforms that can easily be done to supplement your construction knowledge.
Safety training is an important aspect of construction, so make sure that you’re up to date on the construction safety regulations and practices. Many construction jobs require safety training and certifications, so having these can make you a more attractive candidate.
3 – Network
Creating a network in the construction industry is a vital part of forming the connections needed for a successful construction career. You can attend industry events, join construction-related forums or groups online, and reach out to professionals for advice and guidance. These connections can be useful for opening doors and providing valuable insights into getting a construction job.
As business leader Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Building relationships and working well with a construction team can be as crucial as your skills in this industry.
4 – Look for entry level construction jobs
Entry level construction jobs don’t require prior experience and may give you the opportunity to learn as you go. Working in these positions is a good way to start learning more and getting hands-on experience. We’ll outline more about entry level construction jobs later on.
5 – Learn from experienced workers
Experienced construction workers can be a valuable source of inside information, training and insights. Spend some time with construction workers who have a large knowledge base and vast experience in the construction industry. They will be able to provide beneficial insights that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.
6 – Set goals
While starting with no experience, it’s essential to have long-term goals in mind. Consider the specific area of construction that interests you the most and work towards developing expertise in that area over time.
Success in construction often comes from hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. It may take time to progress in your career, but with perseverance and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful career in the construction industry.
Entry Level Construction Jobs
An entry level construction job can be a great way to enter the construction industry without any experience. These jobs typically require little to no previous experience and allow people to get a foot in the door and work their way up in their construction career.
General laborers: Laborers are the backbone of many construction teams. They perform a variety of physical labor tasks that include digging, carrying materials, and assisting tradespeople. Becoming a general laborer results in gaining valuable all-around experience for beginners. Those roles require physical labor and applicants should bear this in mind.
Cleanup crew: The cleanup crew are in charge of making sure that the job site is safe. This means cleaning away debris and materials, inspecting tools and equipment to ensure that they are safe to use, setting up signage and more.
Flaggers: Flaggers control the flow of traffic in and around the job site. This is to help motorists and heavy machinery pass through the site. Flaggers would typically put up signage and barricades to control the flow of traffic, and communicate with crew members about any changes to the flow of traffic.
Apprentice: Some trades, like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, offer formal apprenticeships. As an apprentice, you’ll receive on the job training and classroom instruction while working alongside experienced professionals on construction sites.
Assistants: There are a variety of jobs done on construction sites that will need assistance. This allows workers with no experience to assist a tradesperson and gain some experience in that field. An assistant construction job would be a painter’s helper, a carpenter’s assistant, a mason’s assistant and more.
Materials delivery driver: Delivering construction materials to job sites is another entry level option that allows you to become familiar with different construction projects and only requires the applicable driver’s license.
Heavy equipment operator trainee: If heavy machinery is something you’re interested in learning how to operate and manage, you can start as a trainee in this area. Some construction companies even offer training programs for this.
Highest Paying Construction Jobs
The construction industry offers a wide range of employment opportunities, from entry level construction jobs to highly skilled positions that come with a high salary. While salaries depend largely on location, experience and specialization, let’s take a brief look at some of the highest paying construction jobs that may require more than a high school diploma.
Architect: An architect is one of the highest paid jobs in construction. While architects aren’t directly involved with construction labor, they play a crucial role in designing and planning a construction project. Architects are licensed professionals who are instrumental in the selection of the property or site, cost analysis, budgeting and making sure the project is successfully planned and communicated between the construction crew and other parties involved.
Structural engineer: A structural engineer specializes in designing and analyzing the structural components of buildings and infrastructure. This is a highly skilled position that requires the necessary education and experience. A structural engineer’s role ensures that the structure is secure and stable, and that it conforms to all the regulations and required standards.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design and supervise infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and airports. Their expertise is highly valued, and experienced civil engineers can therefore earn significant salaries.
Construction estimator: A construction estimator analyzes project costs, so that construction companies can prepare accurate bids for projects. They will analyze materials, labor, and equipment to work out an accurate estimate of the profit margin that a project is likely to generate.
Construction director: A construction manager or director oversees and coordinates construction projects. They are responsible for planning, budgeting, and ensuring the project is completed on time and within budget. Their salaries can be substantial due to the high level of responsibility involved.
Land development manager: A land development manager oversees and manages the development of land for various purposes. Whether it be residential, commercial or industrial projects. A land development project may take several years, so land development managers may need to oversee several projects at once. They are a critical part of making sure that the project meets all of the regulatory requirements.
Stress engineer: Stress engineers create models that employ a range of materials and subject them to stress in order to assess the structural capacity for enduring strain. A stress engineer’s tasks encompass conducting comprehensive analyses of test scenarios and communicating these findings to fellow engineers, architects, and facility managers.
Alternative Pathways To The Construction Industry
Aside from starting a business or getting an entry level job, there are a few alternative pathways to enter the construction industry. These may or may not require a high school diploma.
A) Trade apprenticeships: These programs offer hands-on training in specific construction jobs such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or masonry. You’ll receive on the job training while earning a wage. On the job training is an invaluable skill for those who don’t have any experience yet.
B) Construction trade unions: By joining a construction trade union or trade association, you can get access to training programs and apprenticeships that can create the path to your career in construction.
C) Construction sales and marketing: Another avenue to consider, if you have strong communication and sales skills, is working in construction sales or marketing. These roles involve promoting construction companies services and products to clients and contractors.
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