Beyond any shadow of a doubt, it is an excellent time to start a career in construction. The development rate in Australia has increased over the past few years, and it is only going up in the future. In fact, in Victoria alone, over 42,000 houses are built every year. Construction specialists are in high demand, so pursuing a career in this field promises plenty of work offers. Here are a few tips on starting a career in construction:
1. Choose your trade
The construction industry leverages a wide array of trades. You can specialize in roofing, welding, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, bricklaying, and many others. From there, you can work your way up to 3D software modeling, project management, or even site management. Your first step should be finding the trades you enjoy the most.
To help you make your choice, you have to get work experience on a few sites and try your hand at each of these trades. Then, you can make an informed decision about the ones you want to pursue further. This will also help you get a good start in the workforce and build some connections in the field.
2. Get certified
To thrive in the construction industry, you must have the required certifications to perform your chosen trades. You should start by getting your Construction Certificate (CC), which ensures that “the work you intend to carry out complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Once you know the part of the industry you want to specialize in, you can get more specific certifications. For instance, if you want to work in building development, you should start by seeking working at heights training in your area. This type of course is an invaluable asset and it will serve you in the long run because it addresses the needs of personnel working on the construction site, but also of those overseeing staff who work at heights.
3. Be passionate, patient, and positive
Working in construction is a very rewarding career, but it is also very demanding. To deal with the stressful environment in a construction site, you have to always maintain a positive attitude. Even when others might be tired and aggravated, it’s up to you if you want to share their mood or if you want to respond with a positive attitude instead.
This might be difficult to do all the time, but you can make it your goal to remain patient even when you get tired, and to keep in mind what you are working for. Being physically involved in your work will actually help your mind stay engaged as well. A career in construction will help you actively prevent depression in the long run.
4. Emphasize on good communication
Communication is a key element of construction work, regardless of your chosen trade. As you begin your career, it is essential that you learn the craft from experienced constructors. You will get directions and explanations, as well as feedback on your work. Always remember that it is in your best interest to learn as much as possible. Don’t take criticism personally, and try to learn from the mistakes you make. It is the only way to get your start.
Ask questions, ask as many as you can, and you will get a deeper understanding of your craft. Never learn things mechanically. Instead, try to see the process involved in each trade and how it is connected to the entire operation. This will help you on your path to finding your preferred trade and later on, building your set of trades.
Each job you have in construction is an opportunity for networking. There is a high chance that you will get to work with some of your peers on several projects over the years. So, start building your professional network early on. You can even start your own team by finding people you work well with.
As you can see, seeking a career in the construction industry is a job for the future. Get to know the field, experiment with several trades, then choose those that you are best at and that you enjoy the most. Get certified and never stop learning and you will be an expert in your field. Always keep a positive attitude and you will help unwind the mood on the sites you work on. Lastly, emphasize on communication on the site and build connections for the future!