5 answers
Fernando
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What are the the most important things I'll need to know when I get into construction?
I'm a high school student and I want to work in construction in the future. But I want to know will there be any things I should know or learn before I get out there.
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5 answers
Matthew Yancy
Sales
2
Answers
Brentwood, California
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi Fernando,
I spent many years in the renewable energy industry (Solar PV construction specifically) and the one thing I can say about construction is that its incredibly dynamic. It can be a very rewarding and lucrative field to go into, however I think its also important to understand long-term what you want to do in that career and start putting some building blocks in place ahead of time. Construction is physically demanding, so when you're young its typically something easier to do than when you get older. But we all get older. So building skillsets that will help you advance your career path in the future is important. So enrolling in OSHA compliance certification programs (Being OSHA certified is excellent walking into the market), studying geometry (Lots of measurements in construction), but also pepper in management and business-related courses will help develop skillsets that progress you into leadership roles. I also recommend researching construction industries that are rapidly growing (I.e. Solar PV is a great choice) and taking courses through trade schools that help strengthen your skillset there which will make you more competitive in the job market.
I spent many years in the renewable energy industry (Solar PV construction specifically) and the one thing I can say about construction is that its incredibly dynamic. It can be a very rewarding and lucrative field to go into, however I think its also important to understand long-term what you want to do in that career and start putting some building blocks in place ahead of time. Construction is physically demanding, so when you're young its typically something easier to do than when you get older. But we all get older. So building skillsets that will help you advance your career path in the future is important. So enrolling in OSHA compliance certification programs (Being OSHA certified is excellent walking into the market), studying geometry (Lots of measurements in construction), but also pepper in management and business-related courses will help develop skillsets that progress you into leadership roles. I also recommend researching construction industries that are rapidly growing (I.e. Solar PV is a great choice) and taking courses through trade schools that help strengthen your skillset there which will make you more competitive in the job market.
Christina Ramos
Crisis Response
15
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Construction can be a great opportunity and can make you great money. If you are looking to become a construction worker you will need to look into skills you would like to do while you are there. Do you want to be a mason? Someone who deals with concrete? Electrical? Work with heavy machinery? Once you have narrowed it down you can look for a union that does that particular job and if they are hiring.
Another option is to get an engineering or architecture degree. Both of these will allow you to be in construction and see your work forever displayed, but you will be more on the technical side and can spend most of your time indoors rather than outside in the cold, heat or rain.
Another option is to get an engineering or architecture degree. Both of these will allow you to be in construction and see your work forever displayed, but you will be more on the technical side and can spend most of your time indoors rather than outside in the cold, heat or rain.
Christina Ramos
Crisis Response
15
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Construction can be great and can make you great money. If you are looking to become a construction worker you will need to look into skills you would like to do while you are there. Do you want to be a mason? Someone who deals with concrete? Electrocution? Work with heavy machinery? Once you have narrowed it down you can look for a union that does that particular job.
Another option is to get an engineering or architecture degree. Both of these will allow you to be in construction and see your work forever displayed, but you will be more on the technical side and can spend most of your time indoors rather than outside in the cold, heat or rain.
Another option is to get an engineering or architecture degree. Both of these will allow you to be in construction and see your work forever displayed, but you will be more on the technical side and can spend most of your time indoors rather than outside in the cold, heat or rain.
Jackie Bright
CSR Manager
6
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Being in construction can be a great field to get into, but requires a lot of hard work! You will for sure need people skills, math skills and a general solid educational background, as well as problem solving skills. There may be vocational classes at your high school that you can take to get certain certifications you may need. There are particular areas of construction you may want to focus on or take specific courses on, such as carpentry or masonry. Trade organizations in your state (i.e. state builders or state plumbers associations) are good resources to you, and you should reach out to them to see what they offer students. Explore what local organizations exist in South Carolina that may be a good fit. Also, explore apprenticeship roles at a construction company or one of those state organizations. That would be a great entry point to learn the job, find out what you like and don't like about the field and make connections that could help you land a future job.
Thinking more longer term, if this is the field for you, you may consider starting your own construction or contracting company. One benefit of running your own business is that you can be your own boss and direct your career. To do that is a lot of hard work and you will need to create strong relationships and network to keep generating new business.
Another career to consider is to become a general contractor, which is someone who oversees build projects. Project management is the main responsibility of this role. You can take courses at technical colleges to prepare for a career in owning a business and/or contracting. Lots for you to explore, but agree this may be a very fulfilling career!
(P.S. Here's a link to the technical college system in S.C., in case this is a helpful link for you: https://sctechsystem.edu/)
Thinking more longer term, if this is the field for you, you may consider starting your own construction or contracting company. One benefit of running your own business is that you can be your own boss and direct your career. To do that is a lot of hard work and you will need to create strong relationships and network to keep generating new business.
Another career to consider is to become a general contractor, which is someone who oversees build projects. Project management is the main responsibility of this role. You can take courses at technical colleges to prepare for a career in owning a business and/or contracting. Lots for you to explore, but agree this may be a very fulfilling career!
(P.S. Here's a link to the technical college system in S.C., in case this is a helpful link for you: https://sctechsystem.edu/)
Senthil Ramachandiran
Architect
3
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Senthil’s Answer
I don't know what specifically you are looking for, as construction is a broad field with a variety of opportunities.
The most important things in my view are here, when you enter into the construction field:-
1) You should know the lay of the land very well. Just read enough about where is that you want to play an active role, like a builder, vendor, supplier, or resource owner. Based on that expand your knowledge on what type of areas, products, and resources have demand so you understand the scope of the business.
2) Invest your time and money: If you are a builder and want to start your small business, you should plan for financial support so you can take up projects.
3) Build your network: You must actively look to partner with private and public construction groups, that are experts in this area, to learn the opportunities, new biz development areas, govt projects, etc
4) Star Small: You always have to test run and find projects that are small and easy to build, construct and succeed with.
5) Revise and Churn: The world of construction and techniques changes day by day. So , make sure you learn these as much as possible and validate what's missing to get better.
All the best!
The most important things in my view are here, when you enter into the construction field:-
1) You should know the lay of the land very well. Just read enough about where is that you want to play an active role, like a builder, vendor, supplier, or resource owner. Based on that expand your knowledge on what type of areas, products, and resources have demand so you understand the scope of the business.
2) Invest your time and money: If you are a builder and want to start your small business, you should plan for financial support so you can take up projects.
3) Build your network: You must actively look to partner with private and public construction groups, that are experts in this area, to learn the opportunities, new biz development areas, govt projects, etc
4) Star Small: You always have to test run and find projects that are small and easy to build, construct and succeed with.
5) Revise and Churn: The world of construction and techniques changes day by day. So , make sure you learn these as much as possible and validate what's missing to get better.
All the best!