Pursuing a career in construction can be one of the most rewarding and exciting paths for those who choose to take it on. This is because more and more people are starting to discover the benefits of construction work, such as the ability to enjoy the outdoors, do excellent physical work that promotes a healthy lifestyle, and top-notch pay.
Those who work in construction can experience many aspects of the industry and be directly responsible for making sure an essential aspect of people’s lives works well — from roads, bridges, and highways to schools, airports, and sports venues.
That’s why, if you’re looking to take your next steps in the construction industry or just wondering how you can start in this exciting profession in today’s economy, here are six simple steps for building a successful career in the construction industry.
Enter the Construction Industry
This is typically done through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, whether formally organized by a contractor or not. Apprenticeships generally are paid positions that provide practical hands-on experience in craft skills, tradesmanship, and safety awareness. On-the-job training is specific to each trade and usually occurs while being employed by the contractor.
However, before entering any construction site to gain experience, you must first secure your green labourer card through the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) test. Once you do, you will be able to work on sites and gain the hands-on experience you need before entering a formal apprenticeship or taking professional classes, if necessary.
Gain Valuable Hands-on Experience
Gaining experience in the construction industry is critical to any successful career. This is because it can provide invaluable knowledge of how things are done in this field, who’s who, what’s hot and not, and where future opportunities exist.
Experienced workers are also necessary to train new employees, which increases the number of available jobs in the field. Plus, it’s how you can develop new skills and know how you are doing on the job. So, don’t be afraid to ask for experience.
Learn New Skills and Techniques
New skills and techniques are constantly being introduced into the construction industry, so staying updated with these advancements is crucial to one’s future as a “well-rounded” employee. These can be obtained through seminars, classes, conferences, workshops, and online training programs.
If you’ve already obtained specific skills, it may be time to take a refresher course to stay updated with the latest developments. Plus, they are one way to gain credibility in your field and enjoy the benefits of being a well-rounded employee.
Keep Up With Industry Trends
As with any industry, it’s essential to stay on top of the latest trends to land new jobs and stay competitive. These advances in technology will ultimately help you to gain knowledge and experience within the industry. Plus, it’s one way for companies to know they can trust your ability to function in this field.
Of course, you can only stay ahead of the curve if you are aware of what’s going on, so following industry news is essential. Luckily, there are many online publications and social media pages dedicated specifically to construction professionals. Just be sure to follow the right ones to learn about advanced technologies, emerging opportunities, and new procedures or techniques.
Grow Your Network and Establish Ties
It’s important to build long-lasting relationships in the industry. The construction field is relatively small compared to most other sectors, which means it can be difficult for newcomers to break into their first jobs.
However, you can get around this by using your network for advice on who to talk to or making friends with fellow employees in the field. These people can give you inside tips on how they got their jobs or even who they know in the industry that may help get your foot in the door.
Seek Opportunities for Career Advancement
Most construction professionals are always looking for ways to advance their careers. While it’s essential to have a steady job with consistent pay, pursuing long-term career advancement is the key to building a successful career in this field. And finding or creating new opportunities is how you can do this.
After all, there are countless ways to advance your career. These include obtaining an advanced degree in construction management, taking on additional responsibilities with your current employer, moving up within the company you work for, and taking leadership roles in professional organizations or associations.
Building a career will take time, which means you must be patient and willing to establish yourself within the industry before expecting any advancement. But remember that it’s not always about immediate results; it’s about the long-term goal of achieving success in the career path you’ve chosen.
