What is a construction worker? Learn to be professional. Read slowly this article. For those who love to work with their hands and dream of an unrelated job behind their desks, a construction worker job can be a good option. It includes a wide range of professions such as Barbers and Painters with different options to choose from.
Understanding some of the common responsibilities and skills required of construction workers will help prepare them to work in the industry. In this article, we will explore what a builder is and walk you through the steps to becoming one.
What is a construction laborer?
A construction worker or construction worker is a person who performs work on a construction site. Residential construction focuses on residential construction such as condominiums, while commercial construction focuses on commercial construction such as shops and offices.
What does a construction laborer do?
Construction workers complete parts of construction projects that tradesmen, such as electricians, do not handle. They provide support at all stages of a construction project, from start to finish.
- Material handling
- Test construction equipment to make sure it is working properly
- Clean up hazardous material construction sites
- Driving heavy machinery on construction site
- Maintain knowledge of safe work practices
How to become a construction laborer
Just follow these steps to become a construction worker be easy:
Learn about the career for construction
First, let’s get acquainted with the construction industry. Consider attending a trade school to learn the basics of the construction trade. Trade schools teach students how to install building materials using electricity and proper hand tools, as well as how to read and interpret blueprints and building codes. The minimum education requirement for construction workers is a high school diploma or GED, with most learning taking place in the workplace.
Gain experience
Start working on-site through an internship or on-the-job internship. Basically, internships typically last two to five years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. During your internship at a particular construction company, you can learn relevant information such as reading blueprints, health and safety procedures, and how to use construction equipment.
Become certified worker
Consider expanding your understanding of construction by obtaining a specialized certification. Special certificates make your personal branding easier when you offer to become a construction worker.
The American Welding Society (AWS) offers certification in welding, with no performance requirements. To be certified by AWS, you must demonstrate that you can avoid acoustic soldering. This certification is valid as long as you provide written documentation signed by your employer proving that you are still doing welding work.
Another certification to consider is the Flat Concrete Technician/Finisher certification offered by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). To get this certification, you must gain the necessary work experience and pass the exam.
The concrete finishing certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed after passing a written exam. Learning skills can be done anywhere and to anyone. Learn special skills in the field of construction to have bargaining power.
Do some research online or ask people who work in the industry to see if there is a certification program for the construction field you are interested in. Also, consider taking the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training program to learn the basics of construction safety.
Create a strong resume
As you prepare to apply for a job, create a resume that highlights your experience and skills. This can make HR or your service customers interested.
Try to include general construction skills that the company has listed in the job description to demonstrate that you will be an asset to the employer. Once your profile is complete, start looking for related jobs.
Essential skills for construction workers
Here are some of the top skills for successful construction workers:
- Stamina and Endurance: Construction workers use physical force, Workers in this field sometimes need to lift and move equipment. They also last all day long, so they should have a long shelf life.
- Excellent visibility and depth: Because construction work requires precision and accuracy, construction workers need excellent visibility and depth to move equipment properly. So that measurement accuracy is needed.
- Proficient in math and measurement: Construction workers use basic math skills. Basic math is needed to calculate measurements and find the ratio of an object’s length to its height. The ability of the constructors in this case is needed for accurate measurements.
- Manual coordination and dexterity: When working on projects, these construction professionals use their hand-eye coordination. It aims to assemble spare parts and operate machines.
- Detail-oriented: To follow instructions effectively, builders must pay attention to details. The details will really impress the customer. As well as a reminder of the maker.
- Construction and Mechanical Knowledge: Construction workers understand construction tools and equipment to help them get the job done. This can shorten processing time.
- Teamwork: Because construction professionals work with large teams, they know how to work together to get the job done. The team on construction must have chemistry with each other.
Read also: Top 5 Business Management Software for Contractors
What is the average salary and job outlook for construction workers?
A construction worker earns an average salary of $73,885 per year, but the exact amount still depends on the experience and geographic location of the worker over the years.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 5% growth for construction workers and domestic helpers from 2019 to 2029. This is a slightly faster increase than the average career growth. The average is 4% for other occupations.
The BLS expects job growth for construction workers to reflect an increase in overall construction activity, as workers improve road and bridge infrastructure in the countries where managers work. An increase in prefabricated components, such as modular bays and panels, that are fabricated off-site and assembled on-site can also support job growth for construction workers.