Looking for a fulfilling career in construction? An estimated 1.9 million workers are set to retire in 2024 alone, making room for a new generation of talent. You will work on projects that will last a century or more, earn a competitive wage and get steady work for the foreseeable future. The industry is planning a 3.9% raise for the current year to compete with inflation as employees incorporate new skills into their scope of requirements.
You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid U.S. driver’s license and to be able to lift at least 50 lbs. However, not everyone is cut out for this line of work. Here are five essential construction skills every aspiring builder needs to learn.
Vehicle Maintenance
Breaking ground requires a combination of pullers, loaders and levelers, which all need regular repairs. Learn about the different types of construction vehicles to perform essential maintenance tasks onsite. Firms carefully monitor acceleration, fuel consumption and payloads according to the specifications to schedule inspections.
Most vehicles on the job use diesel engines, which provide low-end torque for cumbersome loads from rest. The engine compresses air and fuel to produce significant mechanical energy without accelerating.
A standard inspection includes noting oil, fuel and coolant levels; changing fluids regularly and checking the supply for contamination. Oil and fuel can spread debris through various passageways. Soot, carbon deposits and metal shavings can clog valves, pumps and fuel injectors, reducing power and putting additional strain on components. You’ll need to replace the injector pump and injectors if efficiency decreases or the oil and fuel appear cloudy after changing it out.
The battery and all electrical components should be cleaned and tested. Tire pressure needs to be adjusted according to the terrain to prevent flats. Emissions reduction technology can also malfunction, overheating the engine and releasing dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere. Learn when to replace these diesel parts and how they function under the hood.
Technology Troubleshooting
Workers use any number of digital sensors and devices to inform their decision-making. Your employer will teach you how to use these tools, but being familiar with them ahead of time will increase your value as a job candidate. At the very least, you should be able to navigate digital menus and translate readings into actionable steps. You may need to use digital levelers, stud finders, power tools with advanced diagnostics, 3-D blueprints and portable gas detectors to assess air quality and safety conditions. These devices often need to be recalibrated and tested to ensure accuracy.
The industry will continue to innovate to increase efficiency and safety. It won’t be long before construction workers use virtual reality and exoskeletons to implement designs, so you should feel comfortable using technology with a willingness to learn.
Memorization
Construction all comes down to numbers and dimensions. Even the slightest deviation could impact the structural integrity of the project. You’ll need to process thousands of stats throughout your career. It’s common for beginners to double- if not triple-check the instructions for fear of making mistakes, but doubting yourself reduces efficiency. You should be able to memorize the next few steps with a look.
Worker Safety
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the construction industry has a high worker fatality rate, second only to transportation and material handling. You can’t earn a living if you’re injured. Your employer is responsible for providing a safe work environment, but you should also be aware of your rights and the risks associated with various construction activities. Bring attention to safety issues and ensure you have access to the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Time Management
A crucial skill for any job, time management governs your ability to get things done. You should be able to look at the bigger picture and prioritize tasks based on their importance. Someone could easily give you an assignment or ask you to do something while you’re already working on a task, leaving you sidetracked. Understand the chain of command, and don’t be afraid to communicate your needs when fielding requests from coworkers.
Endurance
In addition to being in reasonably good shape, you also need the endurance and resilience to work up to 12 hours a day, often outdoors, which can put your health and mental acuity at risk as the day goes by. Some newbies like to be heroes, never slowing down or taking a break, to prove their worth to the rest of the team, but running yourself down could put others at risk. Drink water, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and spend your break off your feet and out of the sun. Avoid partying too hard after work to stay alert the next day.
Working in construction is one of the only ways to earn a middle-class wage without a college degree. It’s an essential, meaningful job that teaches you skills that apply to other areas of life. Research the equipment and vehicles you’ll be asked to use to set yourself up for a successful career.