Choosing a place of employment where you will feel comfortable and fulfilled is no easy task because everyone’s needs are very different. But if you enjoy seeing the progress of your efforts, the rewards of hard work, and fair payment for your valuable time, there is an opportunity for everyone in the construction industry.
For some inexplicable reason, the construction industry is often relegated to last place when career plans are being made. This could be due to the many misconceptions or misrepresentations about the exciting construction industry.
If you are interested in a challenging and exciting industry with something for everyone, let’s take a closer look at some things you may not have known about the construction industry.
1. ‘CONSTRUCTION JOBS ARE DEAD-END.’
One of the most desirable qualities in a rewarding career is the opportunity to grow and apply your accumulated skills in greater capacities. According to the numbers, as much as 87% of millennials believe that professional growth and career advancement are essential requisites in their career choices.
The good news is that the construction industry is exactly this type of career. Professionals of all types are given the opportunity to advance their careers in any way they wish. For example, journeyman carpenters can become carpenter foreman within a matter of years. After this many more positions of prestige and greater responsibility are made available.
Any professional with a desire to perfect their craft and increase the excellence of their services are sure to make great advancements through the echelons of this merit-based industry.
2. ‘THERE AREN’T OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN.’
Most people mistakenly assume that the construction industry is dominated by men, probably because construction yards are, for the most part, filled with men. But the construction industry is a skill-focused career and provides equal opportunities to all who wish to invest their time and talents.
Women joining the construction industry will enjoy one of the narrowest pay gaps in any industry and one characterized by great respect for personal capacity above all else. Furthermore, you needn’t assume that you have to bench press 80kg to work in a construction yard. Modern technology and machinery allow for maximum work with minimal human effort. It is more important to have the skills, knowledge, and practice.
3. ‘PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION ARE UNSKILLED.’
This is a completely false notion, but understandable seeing as the construction industry allows unskilled workers to begin getting paid fairly early in their training. To become a fully accredited construction professional, it is necessary to complete eight to twelve years of training.
This may seem like a considerably long time to undergo training, but the good news is that much of the training can be accumulated as part of an apprentice program allowing you to collect a paycheck as you advance.
4. ‘CONSTRUCTION JOBS ARE NOT FOR THE CREATIVE MIND.’
The precision operations that are set in motion to create a well-built edifice may seem to value strict adherence to procedure and planned execution, and they do. But this is only one aspect of the entire construction industry. In other sectors, there are plenty of opportunities for the mathematically inclined and the artists alike.
Architects with creativity are in short supply and greatly needed to provide out-of-the-box solutions to the challenges posed by their projects. Furthermore, the importance of an aesthetically pleasing production should never be underestimated.
5. ‘JOBS IN CONSTRUCTION ARE UNSAFE.’
The construction industry has its share of accidents for sure, and great care and attention are needed to avoid injury. But the same could be said about driving a car or crossing a road. Furthermore, with the advances made in safety equipment, harnesses, gloves, safety helmets, and safety precautions in general the construction industry has also become considerably safer.
6. ‘THERE AREN’T ANY CONSTRUCTION JOBS AROUND ME.’
If it seems construction jobs aren’t too numerous in your area, don’t assume they don’t exist. The construction industry is set to lose as much as half of its workforce by 2030 and this means that they are looking for new professionals to begin practicing and applying their skills and efforts in this field. There has never been a better time to get on board with this exciting industry that has opportunities for all.