Thinking about becoming a construction worker—what does the job entail?

I'm considering going into construction after high school instead of college. Can anyone share what a typical day looks like for a construction worker and any skills or certifications I'd need?

Sure! Construction is a wide field with numerous roles and responsibilities. As a construction worker, you would be involved in various aspects of building or repairing structures such as houses, offices, roads, bridges, etc., depending on the sector you work in. The role can be physically demanding as it includes tasks like lifting heavy materials, climbing, bending, and digging.

A typical day can start early in the morning with a safety briefing and overview of tasks for the day. You could be assigned tasks including measuring and cutting materials, assembling or disassembling structures, and operating machinery. The role often involves teamwork, so coordination and communication with other team members are crucial. Weather can also impact your day's schedule as poor conditions can halt work on certain projects.

Now, for the skills required: having a good grasp of math is helpful for understanding blueprint measurements and making accurate cuts and fittings. Dexterity and hand-eye coordination are valuable in handling tools and assembling parts. Stamina and strength are needed to withstand the physical demands of your job, potentially in adverse weather. Basic knowledge of construction techniques, best safety practices, and experience using hand and power tools can also be beneficial in this line of work.

As for certifications: it's usually required to have a high school diploma (or its equivalent) to enter some construction jobs. One great way to gain skills and credibility in this industry is through vocational training programs or apprenticeships which can last from 2-4 years. Here you can earn certifications in specialized areas such as carpentry, concrete finishing, or heavy equipment operation. Additionally, some jobs may require OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety certification to enforce safe and healthy work conditions.

You would also benefit from having some soft skills. Patience, problem-solving, and flexibility are all useful traits because unexpected issues can arise during projects, requiring on-the-spot solutions.

I hope this gives you a glimpse of what to expect in a career as a construction worker!