A background in construction has the potential to lead down a path where you’d be required to wear a hard hat (ha, ha).
While jobs requiring manual labor are collectively an important aspect of the construction world, said jobs are not the only long-term career options out there for millennials with experience in the field. Your expertise can also lead to administration-related positions and even entrepreneurship. Sure, you’ll have to start at the bottom with an apprenticeship or as a laborer – as you would need to start with an entry-level position in any field – but education coupled with experience at lower-level jobs can pave the way to a promising career. Here are ten construction career options for you to direct your goals toward.
Carpenter
One of the many options with the potential to lead toward entrepreneurship – but also toward a multitude of other in-demand job opportunities, carpenters are highly valued and come in at #5 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of construction careers. Of course, construction companies look for carpenters – but hotel chains, government offices, hospitals and theatre companies do, too.
Electrician
According to the job search website Career Overview, 75% of electricians are employed in the construction industry – and once you’ve put in the extensive training and apprenticeship work, “prospects for electricians are projected to be excellent.” Current electricians are also reaching retirement age – paving the way for millennials to enter the field.
Brick Mason
Career Overview reports “high job growth” for brick masons. A high school education is required – and self-employed, freelance work is a realistic option as over one quarter of brick masons work for themselves. Ranking #7 on U.S. News and World Report’s list (sharing the spot with block masons), a career as a brick mason is ideal for someone who wants to enter the construction industry, wants to work in a residential environment and possesses an eye for aesthetics.
Glazier
Coming in at #9 on U.S. News and World Report’s list, glaziers are math-oriented – but their work requires more physical stamina than other construction jobs (i.e. an electrician). They are “benefiting from an increasing demand for environmentally conscious construction, which often features energy-efficient glass products.” Check out our list of energy industry career options – some of which can benefit from glazier experience.
Plumber
Another career option with potential for entrepreneurship, Career Overview indicates that plumbers take in one of the highest incomes in the construction industry. There is always demand for plumbers – both in terms of installation systems and servicing old systems. Plumbers hold one of the higher ranks on the U.S. News and World Report list, coming in at #2. “All it takes is one lousy morning with no running water to remind us how dependent we are on the expertise of plumbers.”
Estimator
Estimating is another construction industry option for all those with strong mathematical skills. Careers in Construction also indicates that key factors of estimators include possessing a strong analytical mind, making allowances for errors and reviewing plans for material requirements. Construction companies – with specializations in both residential and commercial construction – are likely to employ in-house estimators.
Safety Officer
Careers in Construction cite individuals who are “interested in making sure that workers are working safely” and in “maintaining a safe working environment” as candidates for a position as a safety officer. Experience in science-related jobs – some of which can be found on our list – offer skills which you can apply toward a position as a safety officer.
Heavy Equipment Operator
When you’re starting your career path toward the position of heavy equipment operator – Careers in Construction says you can start as a crane operator. Another physically demanding position, “heavy equipment operators use four main types of equipment: back-hoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders and graders.” All four machines are used to move heavy loads, including rock, concrete, gravel and even snow. And hard hats are most definitely required.
Administrator
As in any type of company, administrative tasks are essential to business upkeep. Careers in Construction highlights finance, human resources, marketing, labor relations and quality control as business administrative expertise areas that can be applied to any construction company.
Construction Management
At the pinnacle of your experience – you can position yourself to earn the title of Construction Manager, Foreman or Project Manager. According to Careers in Construction, managers are analytical, organized and possess an understanding of the industry in its entirety. They plan the projects, delegate tasks, complete budgets and work with subcontractors. Also featured on U.S. News and World Report’s list as their #1 pick of construction jobs, construction managers also work on administrative tasks including obtaining permits and combating emergencies on the job.
Although it is necessary for you to start in a small capacity, on-the-job training is invaluable to your construction industry resume. The possibilities – whether entrepreneurship, freelance, in-house or administrative – are then open to you.
