The job of a construction worker or laborer is to work at a construction site. It forms a vital part of any society since construction work, from building houses to repairing roads, occurs in almost every city and country.
In 2022, Australia saw steady employment of construction workers and about 1.18 million people engaged in the job. So if you wish to know the steps required to become an accomplished worker, then here are some tips for you!
Get more information
Before you hop on any career train, it’s important to know more about how your life is going to be and whether you’re the right fit at all.
If you’ve really decided to be a construction worker, then the next step is to research more about this field. You can consider attending a trade school to learn about the basics of construction training.
Depending on what your preferences are, you can enroll in one such class. A school will typically contain various courses on different types of construction, such as traffic control courses or commercial property construction courses.
Complete your education
Most construction workers around the world have some sort of degree.
So if you’re still in college, it’s best to finish your degree and then pursue a course in construction planning. About 50.6% of construction workers have a high school diploma, while 19.3% have only a bachelor’s degree, and only 1.4% have a master’s degree.
So no matter which level of education you’re pursuing now, you need to complete it and then move on to the construction course. For example, if you’re studying for your bachelor’s, complete that degree, and it will easily help you land a construction worker’s job.
Gain experience
After all your studies are done, it’s time to gain some experience. Now, this can be done by studying the theory portion first and then doing the practicals or by starting with the practical aspects.
In theory classes, you learn how to build different things using raw materials, read blueprints, and figure out building codes.
In the practical part of gaining experience, you’ll work under an expert through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. In job training, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to maintain safety regulations.
Earn your certificates
After your training, a professional certificate will show companies that you are good enough to be hired for a major construction project.
They can also give you an edge over other candidates who have directly applied right after school. In addition, various institutions offer specialized courses in cutting, welding, building, and many other construction-related sectors.
Some of the most sought-after certificates are the Certified Construction Professional (CCP) and the Certified Construction Manager (CCM). Reach out to online resources and see which courses you are eligible for.
Keep yourself healthy
Any construction worker knows the importance of keeping their body and mind healthy. Since you’ll have to lift heavy equipment and work with different kinds of materials, you’ll need to keep up your strength for hours a day.
Make sure to exercise as frequently as possible and eat a diet rich in proteins and other essential nutrients. Along with this, it’s also important to have clear eyesight, as construction work requires excellent visual depth and perception.
If you face any trouble focusing on objects, be sure to visit an ophthalmologist immediately.
Practice math and measurements
Another important part of being good at construction is the ability to measure things. Construction workers use basic mathematical skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to complete their work, along with a little knowledge about geometry and mensuration.
For example, you might need to determine the proportion between a pillar’s length and height or construct a door with certain measurements. Your work will become much easier if you’re quick at mental math.
This is why you must practice basic calculations and formulae every day to keep yourself sharp.
Over to you…
Once you are ready with all these tips, make a good resume, and apply to your dream construction companies. You can either consult your professional network or search online for job openings. Eventually, your career will take off for the best!