Working in construction can be a great career. It pays well, it’s super varied, and the work is pretty solid. However, you’ll need a certain set of skills to be successful. This article will cover the must-have skills for a successful career in construction.
Physical strength and endurance
You’ll be doing a lot of physical work. Whether you’re lifting and shifting heavy pieces, crawling through tight spaces, or climbing up and down ladders all day long, if your body can’t keep up with the demands of the job you probably won’t make it very far in construction. You’ll also need to bring your A-game every day you go into work – what someone considers “normal” might be a workout for somebody else.
Dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Construction is a hands-on job. You’ll need to be able to use tools and your body to build and repair everything from houses and roads to skyscrapers and power plants. If you aren’t comfortable using your hands or don’t have good hand-eye coordination, construction probably isn’t for you.
Math, science, and problem-solving skills
In construction, you’ll need to have a good knowledge of math, science, and problem-solving. You’ll be constantly doing calculations on the spot or reading blueprints to understand what needs to be done in each job. If you struggle with this sort of thing, it’s time to start brushing up or learning what you need to know. It’ll make your life a whole lot easier!
Building and engineering knowledge
To get ahead in construction, you’ll need some general knowledge of building and engineering principles. This is one of the most helpful skills to have because it often comes with experience on the job. When you’re working for design build companies, you’ll need to understand blueprints and what you’re building so that you can build it right. This will help you to get an apprenticeship and become a journeyman in the future, too!
Communication
Construction work is almost always done as a team. If you don’t know how to work well with others, you’re going to have a hard time getting very far in construction. You need to be able to speak clearly and listen attentively so that you can communicate your needs, the needs of your team, what needs to be done on the job, and how it should be done.
Experience with technology
Construction technology is advancing more than ever before. If you don’t know how to use any kind of technology, construction might not be for you. You’ll need the right tools to do your job well and on time so it’s important to always stay up-to-date with new technologies that can help you do your job better.
Reliability and punctuality
You’ll never be able to please your boss or impress your co-workers if you’re not reliable and/or punctual. Showing up late is disrespectful and doing so on a regular basis will make people think you don’t take the job seriously. Being unreliable means that things won’t get done on time, which means you’ll get in trouble and so will others. Be on time for everything, show up to work ready to do your job well every day, and don’t ever cut corners when it comes to being professional.
