Choosing a career in the construction line is a rewarding profession because it not only offers valuable experience with every passing project but also allows you to contribute to society. This skilled profession offers a good and usually higher than average salary. The industry is valued at approximately US$112 billion annually, making it one of the most secure sectors to work in. Here are 10 of the best construction jobs that will offer you a valuable and satisfying career.
Construction manager
This is by far the most valuable construction job in the business as it involves bringing the whole project together. Construction managers hire contractors, obtain all the necessary paperwork and permits, and also keep clients in the loop regarding the progress. A manager would also need to handle emergencies as and when they arise. A construction manager is someone with a vast amount of experience in the construction business. It requires immense managerial skills and is ideal for anyone interested in building and designing.
How to become a construction manager?
Although not necessary, an ideal construction manager would hold a college degree. Along with this, you would also need prior experience as an electrician, mason, glazier, carpenter, or some other construction job.
Plumber
Plumbing is a physically challenging job that requires strong problem-solving skills. Plumbers are expected to install water devices and repair pipes, connections, and toilets. With enough experience, they can even take on complete plumbing projects and set up plumbing blueprints. A plumber can choose to work independently or be a part of a bigger team, especially when it comes to larger projects.
How to become a plumber?
To become a plumber, you would need to undergo an apprenticeship, typically anywhere between three and five years of working under the supervision of a registered plumber. You would subsequently need to get certified through a trade school or technical college before registering yourself as a plumber. Following this, you would need more apprenticeships before going on to become a certified, licensed plumber.
Electrician
As an electrician, you would need to understand different lighting systems and solutions, designs, street lighting, and even intercom systems. System repairs and maintenance are also a major part of the job. The good thing about becoming a professional electrician is that you can choose the path you wish to follow.
How to become an electrician?
To become an electrician, you would need to finish a four-year apprenticeship. Following this, you would need certification from a trades school where you will have worked with a trader or company to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Solar photovoltaic installer
As the world continues to switch over to sustainable sources of energy, solar power has been the front-runner. This has led to a huge requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. These are professionals who set up and maintain solar panels that convert solar energy into other forms of energy. However, you would need to be comfortable working at heights, as this would be common when working as a solar photovoltaic installer.
How to become a solar photovoltaic installer?
You can join this trade following a high school diploma and gain valuable on-the-job experience. Additionally, you can sharpen your skills, theoretically, by signing up for a certification program through a technical college. This course will teach you everything you need to know about the basic technical aspects of panels, their installation, and various safety measures.
Glazier
If fitting and repairing glass structures piques your interest, then you ought to consider a career in glazing. A glazier is a skilled craftsman who works on all types of glass projects, be it buildings or houses. They accurately cut and install the glasswork and even carry out necessary repair works. Glazing is a job that requires a lot of concentration, and you would need to be careful with your work, as the materials are relatively expensive. Much of the work is outdoors and at heights, sometimes several stories high. For larger projects, clients prefer candidates with working experience in glass lifting equipment.
How to become a glazier?
Most glaziers learn the trade through apprenticeship programs and do not require anything more than a high school diploma. However, employers prefer professionals familiar with working experience in glass designs.
Construction equipment operator
Every construction project is dependent on equipment operators, making them a vital cog in every project. Equipment operators use machinery to carry and transport materials at a site, dig dirt, and smoothen or level surfaces. They also drive dump trucks and road rollers, operate excavators, handle graders, and much more. Although a high-paying job, it requires a lot of attention and often requires you to work in shifts and irregular hours.
How to become an equipment operator?
Equipment operators need a high school diploma or equivalent and a driver’s license to operate smaller vehicles. However, to operate larger vehicles, you would need a heavy vehicle license and a certification from a technical school.
Painter
Painting is a construction profession that pays well and where you will almost always find a requirement. Painters are imperative to every construction project, as they apply the final touches, be it a house, office space, shop, or even a street. However, painting as a profession requires a lot of patience and commitment. Putting in the hours and gaining vital experience gives you a better chance of landing more jobs.
How to become a painter?
A painting and decorating certificate from a trade school or technical college, along with an apprenticeship, is imperative to gaining employment as a painter. This will give you valuable hands-on experience with paint mixing and application techniques, including wood finishing, and caring for tools and equipment, along with safety measures.
Sheet metal worker
You can always choose a career working with sheet metals if you enjoy metal bending. Sheet metal workers are tasked with the job of fabricating and installing metal components for a variety of structures. You will do this with the help of saws, shears, lasers, and computers. Given the rigorous labor and high risk of injury and illness, you would also need to be well-versed with industry-related safety measures.
How to become a sheet metal worker?
To become a sheet metal worker, you would need to be a strong critical thinker and have a good understanding of metal designs. You can join a trades school or technical college after attaining a high school diploma or its equivalent. Here, you will learn and sharpen the skills that will make you a well-rounded sheet metal worker.
Construction worker
Construction workers are the foot soldiers of a construction project and are tasked with the job of assisting the various tradesmen. It is the perfect opportunity for anyone eager to springboard their career in a particular profession. There is much potential for growth with this role and a steady requirement for any given project. That being said, this job does involve a lot of hard work and usually entails digging, knocking down structures, clearing pathways, among other duties.
How to become a construction worker?
The good thing about becoming a construction worker is that there is no specific qualification or particular skill set requirement. Once employed as a construction worker, you can choose the area you would like to further learn and gain a valuable apprenticeship.
Insulation contractor
Insulation contractors work their magic to keep us warm during winters and cool in summers in our homes and offices. This construction job entails outlining insulation blueprints, repairs, removal, and installation of insulation materials. This includes general wall insulation, pipe insulation, and even sound insulation. An insulation contractor also needs to know which material would best serve its purpose in any given situation.
How to become an insulation contractor?
Insulation contractors are expected to undergo an apprenticeship that will train them in all the aspects mentioned above and various safety measurements. While you do not require any specific qualification to become a certified general insulation contractor, a certified mechanical insulation contractor would need a high school degree. Meanwhile, contractors dealing with asbestos and other harmful substances would require additional certification to ply their trade.
Being a business owner, it is important for you to think about how you can minimize the impact of financial insecurities on your business. Consider getting contractor liability insurance or general liability insurance for contractors to protect yourself from such risks.
