Last Updated on September 26, 2022
If you want to get a job in construction, but do not know much about the industry, there are certain steps that you need to take. These steps will help you understand the world of construction. They will also help you prepare yourself for this career path.
Get Certified
Construction work is a skilled profession and you need to have some form of certification in order to get a job. The certification or qualification you need will vary depending on how you can get into the industry. It is important to note that all qualifications will include onsite training.
The most common path to enter this industry is through an apprenticeship and a graduate job. There are many certifications you can complete that will help you enter at this level and ensure you can register as a domestic builder. If you are looking for a team leader position, a traineeship may be the best option.
During your certification course, you will learn about building codes and standards, structural principles, costings, and management services. When you get this qualification, learning and skill development will be included. Trained professionals will also work with you on various construction sites giving you the chance to learn a lot and get the foundation for your career.
Choose A Trade
There are a number of trades within the construction that you can choose from. When It comes to choosing your trade, you have to remember the importance of choosing work that you feel you will be able to carry out and want to do for years. Your potential long-term prospects should also be considered as well as the average number of hours you may have to work. If your chosen trade has an average of 10 hours per week, you will need to look for an additional job on the side.
Some of the trades you can look into include tiling, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, bricklaying, and welding. You can consider these skilled trades or something more modern such as 3D software modelers and project managers. If you are unsure about which trade you want to consider, you should get some work experience where you try out a few trades.
Take Notice Of Directions
When you are giving directions by someone, it is best that you listen to them and take notice of what they are saying. You should also ask questions if you are unsure about what they expect you to do. Directions are given as a safety precaution or because there is a specific way that you have to carry out the work.
If you ignore the instruction and do what you think is correct, you could be putting yourself and the entire team in danger. If you believe there is a better way of completing a task, you need to talk to the person in charge first. Asking questions will also validate your work and help you understand what needs to be done. After all, you are there to learn and you should take advantage of the professionals around you.
Have A Positive Attitude
Regardless of the career path you choose, you need to maintain a positive attitude around the other people on site. This is a good character trait and should be combined with punctuality and flexibility to boost your future prospects. If you are late when working in the construction industry, you will be putting yourself at a disadvantage. A lot of the safety training will happen at the start of the day and if you have not attended, you will be sent home.
When you work in construction, you will change location and may need to learn specific trades. Displaying flexibility regarding this will ensure that you are kept on until the job is complete and you have a better chance of getting more work in the future. This will also help you build a reputable reputation in the industry which is important. You should always deliver what you say you will and be prepared to ask for help and raise issues when you need to.
Network With Professionals
One of the best ways to find out about available work in your area is to keep in touch with employers. If you have a strong professional relationship with the businesses, there is a higher chance of getting an early notification of upcoming projects. This will place you at an advantage compares to other recruits.
There are a number of ways that you can get into contact with employers. You could reach out to them directly or you can contact your local official construction association. Industry events are another way to connect with employers or you can get in touch with a recruitment agency to handle this for you. Regardless of your approach to networking, you need to have a professional presentation. You also need to have a friendly and approachable manner.
Being professional will ensure potential employers view you as someone who is reliable. Having a good manner will help you make a positive lasting impression. You do not want to be someone that people remember poorly as this will limit your opportunities.
