Over the years, the construction industry has had its ups and downs. During the Great Recession, opportunities in the industry dipped as a result of a drop in demand for new housing. As new construction rebounded, so did the number of jobs available[1]. By 2029, the field is likely to grow by about 4%, adding just under 300,000 new jobs[2].
The construction industry has more opportunities and higher-paying jobs than many other industries. But it’s not the right fit for everyone. Read on to see if you have what it takes to work in construction and what you can do to get started in the industry.
What Types of Construction Jobs Are Available?
When you think of a construction worker, what comes to mind? You might picture a carpenter or a person in a hard hat, working on a building site. But the field is much more varied than that. Examples of jobs in construction include:
- Electricians
- HVAC installers and repairers
- Carpenters
- Architects
- Roofers
- Masonry workers
- Construction managers
- Equipment operators
- Maintenance workers
Skills Needed for Construction Jobs
The skills you need to succeed in a construction job can vary slightly from occupation to occupation. But there is some overlap among the skillsets.
For example, most careers in the construction industry require attention to detail. If you work as a carpenter or builder, for example, you’ll need to make precise measurements and cuts. If you’re an architect or construction manager, you’ll need to know exactly how everything works together to ensure that a building is stable or that a project gets completed on time.
Manual dexterity is also a must-have skill for a wide range of construction careers. Electricians need good hand-eye coordination to make sure the right wires go in the right places. Masonry workers should be able to apply mortar evenly and to space out the bricks so that they are level.
Many construction jobs are also relatively physically demanding. If you want to pursue a career in the industry, it’s important that you have a decent amount of physical strength and endurance. You can work on your physical stamina by working out and might be able to build it up during a training program.
It’s also important to have a good head for business and math if you want to succeed in the construction industry, particularly if you’re interested in pursuing a career in management or plan on working as a freelancer, taking on projects s they come instead of working for a larger company.
Career Certificate and Apprenticeship Programs in Construction
While you can get started in the construction industry and learn on the job, earning a career certificate first can give you the training you need to succeed right from the start. Another option to consider is an apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job experience and training.
Often, apprenticeships are offered directly through an employer. The programs are usually approved by the Florida Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor. Some examples of apprenticeship programs include:
- Plumbing
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Pipefitting
- HVAC
Alternatively, you can enroll in a career certificate program for certain occupations. Once you complete the program, you’ll be ready to earn certification in your chosen field.
Examples of career certificate programs in construction include:
- HVAC
- Electrician
- Computer-aided drawing and modeling
- Construction technology
Get Started on the Path Toward a Construction Career Today
If you think you have what it takes to start a career in construction, Orange Technical College can help you. We have career certificate programs at our campuses across Central Florida and can also connect you to an apprenticeship program in the occupation that interests you the most.
To learn more about our career certificate programs or for more details about becoming an apprentice, request more information and an admissions representative will get in touch.
Sources:
- “Careers in Construction: Building Opportunity”, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/article/careers-in-construction.htm
- “Construction and Extraction Occupations”, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/home.htm