How to Get a Construction Job

Construction is one of the biggest and fastest-growing sectors of any developed economy. It represents a vast and multidisciplinary field, requiring cooperation between laborers, skilled trades people, project managers, engineers, designers, municipal authorities, and others. If you are interested in getting a construction job, you should start by determining which position you'd like to fulfill. From there, you can explore the education and work-related opportunities for entering the field.

Steps

1. Determine which position in the construction industry you'd like to enter. There are many positions available, each requiring different amounts of experience.
   
   • Construction laborers, sometimes referred to as unskilled laborers, perform work that requires little training. Common tasks include clearing debris, positioning road cones and signs, digging trenches, and loading and unloading materials. Pay is relatively low, but little formal training is required.
   • Skilled trades people perform tasks that require specific training, such as carpentry, masonry, electrical work, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) work. These jobs offer more pay than unskilled labor positions.
   • Supervisory positions include foremen and site superintendents. While these positions are often filled by those with little formal training or education, work experience is highly valued in this positions. Seek these jobs only if you have prior construction experience.
   • Finally, the project management team includes those who work on and off the site to manage the budget, schedule, workflow, and other major aspects of the construction project. These jobs typically require a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field.
2. Pursue the necessary training and education for your ideal position. Each job within the construction industry is best filled by someone with relevant training. The cost, duration, and intensity of the training will depend on the position desired.
   
   • Aspiring construction laborers should look into relevant courses at local community colleges or trade schools. Many of these schools have 3-month to 1-year programs designed to prepare you for construction labor. Training focuses on areas like basic construction safety and directing traffic around obstructed areas.
   • Aspiring skilled trades people should consider either an associate's degree or an apprenticeship. Many community colleges offer 2-year degree programs in certain trades - both in-classroom and on-site work will be undertaken. An apprenticeship is much more competitive to get; they are usually offered by local trade unions, and apprentices will be paid while they train.
   • To gain employment as a foreman or superintendent, you will need to have accumulated years of experience as a laborer or tradesperson. It will be helpful to take courses in management (especially construction management) at a university or community college.
   • Jobs in project management are almost exclusively held by people with bachelor's degrees or higher in construction management. If you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree, make sure to take advantage of all the school's career-building resources to find a construction job.
3. Seek additional training and accreditations that will make you a more appealing candidate. In addition to pursuing classes to prepare you for the construction field, you may want to seek additional training.
   
   • In the U.S., the safety of all construction sites is overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. OSHA offers both 10 and 30-hour certifications in construction safety. Obtaining one of these certifications will make you a more attractive hire for any construction company.
   • If you are attempting to secure employment in project management, you may want to seek LEED accreditation. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a program in the U.S. for evaluating the sustainability of construction projects. Getting LEED-accredited can be a major boost to your resume.
4. Find and apply for construction jobs using all of your available resources. Finding job openings can be challenging in itself, so you should rely on your full complement of resources when job hunting.
   
   • The Internet is rapidly becoming the backbone of the job application process. Most construction firms post job openings on their company website - check out the websites of major contractors in your area. In addition, browse popular classifieds sites for construction jobs.
   • If you attend a school (or if you're an alum), employ the school's resources. Career fairs, resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking events are all helpful tools that colleges offer in helping you find a construction job.
   • Consider joining a professional organization. Organizations like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the American Society of Construction Professionals and Engineers (ASCPE) host networking events and other tools to help you meet potential employers.

Tips

• Remember that most national and local governments employ construction professionals as well. In the U.S., the General Services Administration (GSA) handles all publicly funded construction projects and employs many construction professionals.

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