3 answers
Abbigail
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
2113 views
What skills do you need to become a construction worker?
What skills do you need to become a construction worker? How do you start your career?
3 answers
Robert Kohn
remodeling general contractor
43
Answers
Methuen, Massachusetts
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Debbie answered your question very well.
You can start as a laborer to get training.
You must like to work physically hard and get dirty.
I you like to visually see things become reality then this industry is for you. If you would rather wear nice clothes and stay clean, it is not unless you want to do an office job like estimating, scheduling etc.
I hope this helps and good luck.
Bob
You can start as a laborer to get training.
You must like to work physically hard and get dirty.
I you like to visually see things become reality then this industry is for you. If you would rather wear nice clothes and stay clean, it is not unless you want to do an office job like estimating, scheduling etc.
I hope this helps and good luck.
Bob
John Dann
Union Carpenter
10
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
John’s Answer
None. You can learn everything on the job or through an apprenticeship program. Being able to read a tape measure and swing a hammer are helpful, but not prerequisites. What is important, is showing up on time, every day, and be willing to learn, and do physically hard work. There’s a million unique jobs in construction. Everything you see in your world, was built by someone. So whether you want to change lightbulbs on cell phone towers, or construct aquariums for whales, there’s a job you’ll like!
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hi Abbigail! Great Profession and Question!
Construction laborers and helpers learn their trade through on-the-job training (OJT). The length of training depends on the employer and the specialization. Formal education is not typically required.
Education
Although formal education is not typically required for most positions, helpers of electricians and helpers of pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters typically need a high school diploma. High school classes in mathematics, blueprint reading, welding, and other vocational subjects can be helpful.
Training
Construction laborers and helpers typically learn through OJT after being hired by a construction contractor. Workers usually learn by performing tasks under the guidance of experienced workers.
Although the majority of construction laborers and helpers learn by assisting experienced workers, some construction laborers may opt for apprenticeship programs. These programs generally include 2 to 4 years of technical instruction and OJT. The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) requires a combination of OJT and related classroom instruction in such areas as signaling, blueprint reading, using proper tools and equipment, and following health and safety procedures. The remainder of the curriculum consists of specialized training in one of these eight areas:
Building construction
Demolition and deconstruction
Environmental remediation
Road and utility construction
Tunneling
Masonry
Landscaping
Pipeline construction
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Laborers who remove hazardous materials (hazmat) must meet the federal and state requirements for hazardous materials removal workers.
Depending on the work they do, laborers may need specific certifications, which may be attained through LIUNA. Rigging and scaffold building are commonly attained certifications. Certification can help workers prove that they have the knowledge to perform more complex tasks.
Advancement
Through experience and training, construction laborers and helpers can advance into positions that involve more complex tasks. For example, laborers may earn certifications in welding, erecting scaffolding, or finishing concrete, and then spend more time performing those activities. Similarly, helpers sometimes move into construction craft occupations after gaining experience in the field. For example, experience as an electrician’s helper may lead someone to becoming an apprentice electrician.
Construction laborers and helpers learn their trade through on-the-job training (OJT). The length of training depends on the employer and the specialization. Formal education is not typically required.
Education
Although formal education is not typically required for most positions, helpers of electricians and helpers of pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters typically need a high school diploma. High school classes in mathematics, blueprint reading, welding, and other vocational subjects can be helpful.
Training
Construction laborers and helpers typically learn through OJT after being hired by a construction contractor. Workers usually learn by performing tasks under the guidance of experienced workers.
Although the majority of construction laborers and helpers learn by assisting experienced workers, some construction laborers may opt for apprenticeship programs. These programs generally include 2 to 4 years of technical instruction and OJT. The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) requires a combination of OJT and related classroom instruction in such areas as signaling, blueprint reading, using proper tools and equipment, and following health and safety procedures. The remainder of the curriculum consists of specialized training in one of these eight areas:
Building construction
Demolition and deconstruction
Environmental remediation
Road and utility construction
Tunneling
Masonry
Landscaping
Pipeline construction
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Laborers who remove hazardous materials (hazmat) must meet the federal and state requirements for hazardous materials removal workers.
Depending on the work they do, laborers may need specific certifications, which may be attained through LIUNA. Rigging and scaffold building are commonly attained certifications. Certification can help workers prove that they have the knowledge to perform more complex tasks.
Advancement
Through experience and training, construction laborers and helpers can advance into positions that involve more complex tasks. For example, laborers may earn certifications in welding, erecting scaffolding, or finishing concrete, and then spend more time performing those activities. Similarly, helpers sometimes move into construction craft occupations after gaining experience in the field. For example, experience as an electrician’s helper may lead someone to becoming an apprentice electrician.
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