5 Tips to Help You Find Construction Jobs
Do you love working outdoors? Have you always been interested in operating heavy machinery? Do you want a job that allows you to really build something? As well as a job that both pays well and consistently allows for upward mobility? If so, a job in the construction industry would be perfect for you. But deciding you want to work in the industry is just the first step. Landing a job, as you may expect, can be a difficult endeavor. Read on below to find our expert tips to help you find construction jobs.
1. Learn as Much About the Construction Industry as Possible
To start, you don’t want to jump into a career path only to realize too late that it’s not actually what you want to do. Make sure you do some research to understand everything construction jobs entail. Look into the different roles and specialties to see if there are any aspects of construction you want to focus on. If you know anyone in the industry, reach out to them to get a firsthand experience. Being extra knowledgeable from the start helps you to find jobs later on.
2. Get the Right Education and Consider Entering a Training Program
To find and be considered for a construction job, you usually only need a high school diploma. If you do not have one, it doesn’t mean you won’t get a construction job. But it will likely be worth your time to get your GED.
A high school diploma is one thing, but being trained and certified will undoubtedly help you actually land the job. And it will typically lead you to find better, higher-paying construction jobs. Studies have consistently shown that the more education you have, the more money you will likely earn.
Certain training programs are also great if you know you want to focus on one specific field. For instance, if you know you want to be a crane operator, at West Coast Training we have both an extensive, hands-on training program and are a testing facility for students to receive their NCCCO certification. We also have programs that give students hands-on training on many different pieces of heavy equipment. And we make sure our students learn all of the necessary safety measures. This range of experience can also be very helpful in finding construction jobs. Our training programs last from four to eight weeks.
3. Join a Trade Union
A job in any industry requires some amount of networking and connections. Applying for an apprenticeship with a trade union can help you make these connections, as well as help you really polish your training and skills. A training program is great, but the extra experience you get afterward helps you to find even more construction jobs, and better ones at that. When you have an apprenticeship, you spend quite a lot of time in the field learning the ins and outs of the industry. The more skills and experience you have on your resume, the better luck you will have finding construction jobs. As an extra bonus, apprenticeships can have good stipends as well.
These apprenticeships can last from months to years. No matter how long they are, they’re certainly worth your time and will pay off in the years to come. The extended time period of these apprenticeships opens up more learning opportunities. It also helps you go beyond networking to build long-term relationships within the industry.
4. Search Wisely on Job Boards
Believe it or not, there are numerous websites that can help you find a construction job. But all these listings can sometimes be overwhelming. Be sure to search for certain key terms and descriptors to narrow down which ones to apply for. For instance, if you’re certified, you can search for jobs that require that credential. Or if you’re interested in certain areas of construction or specific types of jobs, search for those to narrow it down to what you really want.
Don’t just stick to one type of job board either. You should also consider looking into construction jobs in the government sector. This can be one of the most consistent avenues for finding construction jobs.
5. Have a Great, Professional Resume and Solid Interview Skills
Finding construction jobs isn’t just about having the qualifications and connections. Your resume and how you perform in an interview can make all the difference. When applying for a construction job, you want to be sure you understand what it will require and are thoroughly prepared for any questions you may get during an interview.
You’ll also want to use your resume to demonstrate that you have certain qualifications that help land construction jobs. For instance, you can try to emphasize that you’re punctual, flexible, and work great with others. These are three qualities that employers are always looking for, but especially in the construction industry. Also, make sure to keep your resume up-to-date, adding new experience and skills as soon as you can.
At West Coast Training, we also have employment services to help our graduates. When you graduate, you take with you a polished resume. And we offer helpful tips for job searches, as well as for developing your interview skills. These are also lifetime services, so if you ever feel like you need to brush up on these skills later on, you can take advantage of them.
As you can see, our training programs at West Coast Training will really help you find construction jobs for years to come. Between the skills you learn, the wide range of training, the certifications, and the connections you can make, it will definitely pay off. You can find out more information on the West Coast Training website. You’ll find information about different types of financial assistance, housing and transportation options, and a guide to the application process. There are also testimonials from graduates who can tell you how our programs help people find construction jobs in numerous different ways.