If you want to get into a construction job but are not sure how to get started, keep in mind that there isn’t just one way in. According to Global Market Insights, the construction equipment market size was over $150 billion in 2022, which means there are jobs to be had. There are three ways into the career, and the path you take will be based on your experience, your education level, and what you’re looking to do with your construction career. Keep reading to determine the best option for you to alleviate some stress and get started right away.
Start With An Entry-Level Position
It isn’t required to have education or even experience to get into construction. Many companies will hire labor workers with no experience for different jobs. This may be temporary full-time employment, but you will have others on site that will help you gain skills and the knowledge you need to get hired for the next job, and maybe some promotions at first. This way can come with stress at first because these jobs aren’t usually permanent, but they can help if you need money in the interim and are willing to learn. Picking up skills in equipment will also help you be successful. For example, knowing that air pressure is another factor to consider; dispensing valves often require a minimum air pressure of 70-80 psi to function properly, which can be something that keeps you safe and stand out on the job site.
Embrace An Apprentice Position
If you want hands-on experience, while also gaining a type of formal education, then you can take on an apprenticeship. With this type of job, you will shadow a mentor in the industry, who will teach you the skills you need to be successful, ranging from general labor positions to more specific needs. This can take on some stress, because you’ll also be studying, preparing for tests, and taking classes outside these long hours with the apprentice. You also may not get the same wage as general labor workers during this time because you’re still learning.
Convicted felons find apprenticeships to be a good option. In Tennessee, Aggravated Assault is a C felony that carries a minimum of a 3-year sentence depending on your criminal history. While serving your time, you could take on this position and do the education so you have a skill set after you’ve been rehabilitated and reintroduced into society.
Take On Additional Training Programs Before Work
Some decide to get into construction by tackling training programs before going onto the field. Depending on what type of position you’re looking to get in the construction industry, you can choose programs at technical schools, or four-year university degrees that give you a specialization and more of an engineering focus in the industry. There will be some hands-on experience, but it won’t be the same as what you’re doing in an apprenticeship or even as a general laborer. These programs will have a more specific focus.
Get Certified
No matter which path you take to get into the construction industry, it’s important that after you’ve gained hands-on experience, education, or both, you get the certifications you need to continue growing and moving up in the industry. Some is studying involved with these certifications, and you may have to have a certain number of hours working on certain types of projects before you can move forward. Once you get your certifications, you can start to do more special work and improve your overall pay.
If you don’t have formal education, you could be sponsored by a contractor that you’ve worked with and can vouch for the hours you’ve spent working in the industry. They may be able to assist and guide you on the certifications you need to move forward so you can compete and make a competitive wage compared to those with education and apprenticeship training. This can have some stress on you, especially when trying to study after working all day, but it’s worth it once you pass the exam.
Find Your Path Into Construction Today
If you want to get into construction, you have options that can help you get started. Make sure you compare the different options and see which one works for you. Based on your current schedule and responsibilities, you may have to start through one path and then pick up another later.