5 answers
Noah
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
382 views
what do i need to do to work in construction?
Do i need any extra schooling.
Login to comment
5 answers
Nawal Dwivedi
Assistant Engineer - Civil
3
Answers
Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India
Updated
Nawal’s Answer
Your question is very broad. Construction sector is large. You can work as a construction worker or an engineer or a manger. So what education you require is completely dependent on what you are eying for. If you can be a bit specific, I can help.
Best wishes !!
Best wishes !!
Gabriel Farfan
Supervisor
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
The answer to your question depends on something, what would you like to do in the construction sector?
Do you want to be a contractor?
Perhaps you like carpentry? Would you like to be a plumber? Or maybe you want to manage construction projects?
Those are some examples of what kind of job is required in the construction area, you could go to a trade school, start working as you learn as an apprentice and get paid, it takes a couple years to complete and you have several trades to choose from: plumbing, hvac, electricity, painting to name some. This is a good option if you prefer working with your hands.
If you are interested in the project management area, then you are looking at college level education, although in some cases experienced candidates in construction can make it into the area.
Lastly you could start as a labor, the work is very physical and is more oriented towards unskilled individuals but can still pay decently and doesn't require any preparation or education.
My advice is find out what you enjoy doing most, are you more of a thinker? Or do you like using your hands to complete tasks? Do you like to build things? Do you enjoy painting your room? Once you have a good grasp on what you enjoy find out what goes better in the construction sector.
Good luck!
Do you want to be a contractor?
Perhaps you like carpentry? Would you like to be a plumber? Or maybe you want to manage construction projects?
Those are some examples of what kind of job is required in the construction area, you could go to a trade school, start working as you learn as an apprentice and get paid, it takes a couple years to complete and you have several trades to choose from: plumbing, hvac, electricity, painting to name some. This is a good option if you prefer working with your hands.
If you are interested in the project management area, then you are looking at college level education, although in some cases experienced candidates in construction can make it into the area.
Lastly you could start as a labor, the work is very physical and is more oriented towards unskilled individuals but can still pay decently and doesn't require any preparation or education.
My advice is find out what you enjoy doing most, are you more of a thinker? Or do you like using your hands to complete tasks? Do you like to build things? Do you enjoy painting your room? Once you have a good grasp on what you enjoy find out what goes better in the construction sector.
Good luck!
Kris Cousino
Construction management
41
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Kris’s Answer
Construction is a broad but very exciting field. Construction can refer to new construction of large buildings, complexes, and roadways. It can also include renovations inside factories, water and wastewater facilities. It can also be adding a roof to a residential home or pouring a new driveway. Most construction trades do not require any formal education past high school. All of the trades have apprenticeship programs which vary slightly from state to state. Do you see a construction site that you find interesting? What part do you want to participate in? Do you want to run the large equipment? Do you want to measure and survey the land? Do you want to assemble the reinforcing steel or form walls? Do you want to finish the concrete? There is also plumbing and pipe fitting, bricklaying, sheet metal. Just google the building trades. To get started, sometimes its just as easy to walk on to a construction site and ask if they need an additional laborer. Sometimes you need to call the particular labor union hall several times to find an entry level position.
There are degrees associated with construction as well. there is a bachelors and masters degree in construction management at some universities. But this degree is not mandatory. If you are willing to start at the ground level and work your way up, you can be very successful without a degree. There is also the civil engineering degree route, which is what I did. I now manage the construction projects from planning, budget, design, to install. Civil engineering does require higher math (Calculus), physics and chemistry, so that does scare some people away.
There are degrees associated with construction as well. there is a bachelors and masters degree in construction management at some universities. But this degree is not mandatory. If you are willing to start at the ground level and work your way up, you can be very successful without a degree. There is also the civil engineering degree route, which is what I did. I now manage the construction projects from planning, budget, design, to install. Civil engineering does require higher math (Calculus), physics and chemistry, so that does scare some people away.
Donald Knapik
VP/ Founding Member at DO iT, LLC
77
Answers
Paoli, Pennsylvania
Updated
Donald’s Answer
Hi Noah,
I would suggest that a solid knowledge of basic math is essential to any construction job. The ability to do addition, subtraction, and fractions (as most construction will use measurements that include them) is very important as is knowing how to use common measuring tools, . The ability to read construction plans will give you an advantage on the work site as will an understanding of common terms used in construction to understand what tasks are to be done. Listening skills are also very important. With this very basic knowledge, you can be useful in some capacity on a construction site. As indicated by the other answers, the more you know, the better the possibilities for getting better and higher paying jobs.
I would also mention, that in any construction job, working safely is a condition of employment. Having awareness of the many things that are going on around you, the potential risks and the proper procedures are essential things to know and practice on the job site. Wearing the proper personal protection equipment (hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves), having proper clothing and receiving and understanding instructions before operating equipment will keep you and your co-workers safe on the job.
Good Luck,
Don Knapik
Talk with people in the construction industry. the more the better, to get an idea of where you might fit best.
when you decide what you want to do, explore specific requirements of those jobs.
I would suggest that a solid knowledge of basic math is essential to any construction job. The ability to do addition, subtraction, and fractions (as most construction will use measurements that include them) is very important as is knowing how to use common measuring tools, . The ability to read construction plans will give you an advantage on the work site as will an understanding of common terms used in construction to understand what tasks are to be done. Listening skills are also very important. With this very basic knowledge, you can be useful in some capacity on a construction site. As indicated by the other answers, the more you know, the better the possibilities for getting better and higher paying jobs.
I would also mention, that in any construction job, working safely is a condition of employment. Having awareness of the many things that are going on around you, the potential risks and the proper procedures are essential things to know and practice on the job site. Wearing the proper personal protection equipment (hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves), having proper clothing and receiving and understanding instructions before operating equipment will keep you and your co-workers safe on the job.
Good Luck,
Don Knapik
Donald recommends the following next steps:
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
156
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Hey Noah!
You may work as a construction technician or engineer.
Technical trades in construction with associate of science / certificates / diploma / apprenticeship training are:
Masonry & Concreting
Carpentry and Joinery
Welding and Fabrication
Painting and Decorations
Plumbing and Piping
Electrical Installation
Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Main career options in construction after college foundation degree / diploma of higher education / higher diploma or equivalent are:
Architectural Technology / Architecture
Construction and the Built Environment
Building Technology
Construction Technology
Construction Project Management
Civil Engineering
Building Services
Building Surveying
Land Surveying / Geoinformatics
Quantity Surveying
Urban and Regional Planning
Real Estate / Property Management
You may register with professional practice body to get practice licence in due course or you may go for graduate studies for deeper specialize more.
You may work as a construction technician or engineer.
Technical trades in construction with associate of science / certificates / diploma / apprenticeship training are:
Masonry & Concreting
Carpentry and Joinery
Welding and Fabrication
Painting and Decorations
Plumbing and Piping
Electrical Installation
Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Main career options in construction after college foundation degree / diploma of higher education / higher diploma or equivalent are:
Architectural Technology / Architecture
Construction and the Built Environment
Building Technology
Construction Technology
Construction Project Management
Civil Engineering
Building Services
Building Surveying
Land Surveying / Geoinformatics
Quantity Surveying
Urban and Regional Planning
Real Estate / Property Management
You may register with professional practice body to get practice licence in due course or you may go for graduate studies for deeper specialize more.