So you’ve decided to have a go at it? And why not? A career in construction can be very rewarding. It’s amazing how little planning some workers put into their careers; in fact many get into construction on a whim. A friend told them they could get a job, and with little or no planning, they end up in a given trade. But today, that’s just not good enough. You need to make sure that the trade you choose has long term value. Some skills are worth more than others and some trades have more work and offer more opportunities. Here’s a list of six rules you should follow to achieve long term success in the construction industry:
Rule #1- Choose Your Trade Wisely
It’s a good idea to pick an activity that will lead to long term success. You’ve got to love what you do, but if you can’t find enough work to get you through the winter, what’s the point? So do a little research, read the papers and ask people on the jobsite what they earn and where they see the trade in five years. You might be surprised.
Rule #2- Join a Trade Union
Trade unions have a long history of teaching workers through the use of apprenticeship training. This valuable training consists of on the job training and in class/in lab study. Here’s the best part; they usually pay for it too. “Earn while you learn”, is their motto. In some cases you can earn up to 60 college credits that are transferable when you attend an accredited apprentice training program. Note: Steer clear of the non-union counterparts; these bogus apprenticeship programs are often little more than scams and are the black eye of the construction industry.
Rule #3- Earn Your High School Diploma
If you think a high school diploma doesn’t have much to do with success in the construction industry, you’re wrong. With a diploma you can be accepted into a variety of accredited apprenticeship programs that will invest tens of thousands of dollars in your training. And studies prove that you will earn around $5000.00 more each year if you have a diploma than if you don’t. That’s a lot of money over the course of a career. Classes are often available in the evenings for working professionals. Sign up today to earn yours.
Rule #4- Be Punctual
Tardiness is a sure fire way to get laid off in construction. Maybe you worked in an office environment and it didn’t seem like it was that big a deal, but in construction, it’s a big deal. Safety meetings are usually conducted at the beginning of a shift, and by not being there, you’re risking the life of every worker on the job. Not to mention it’s just bad business. Construction workers are paid by the hour worked. Do your career, your coworkers and your foreman a favor, show up on time every day. Even a worker with sub par skills who shows up on time will outlast a worker with good skills who has a habit of showing up late.
Rule #5- Be Flexible
By its very nature construction means change; different locations, different conditions and different trades all working for a common cause, completion of the project. This means that even though each trade has a set schedule, that schedule is likely to change when conditions on the project require it. Therefore you need to be flexible too. You may be asked to work overtime to complete a task, maybe there’s wire to be pulled in and you’re only halfway done, or the drywall needs to be completed tonight because the painters are coming in the morning. Whatever the situation is, it’s a good idea to be flexible. Consider working the overtime. Not everyone can, but the people who do are much more likely to remain employed through the end of a project.
Rule #6- Have a Good Attitude
It’s a fact; people will always enjoy working with other people that have a good attitude. Ask yourself, “Would you rather work with a guy who enjoys his work or someone who is constantly complaining and miserable?” Exactly. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your coworkers. Some of them you are going to like and some of them you may not. Have a good attitude, enjoy yourself and leave all your problems at home.
By following these six rules for success in the construction industry, you’ll have gainful employment and have a lot of fun in the process. With a little planning, you can reach your goals, avoid that next layoff and create the life you want.
Copyright Bob Oedy 2007 All Rights Reserved
Bob Oedy helps workers succeed in the electrical construction industry by connecting highly skilled professionals with productive contractors to increase profit and value for both. For free information on how you can receive the best training in the industry, increase your income, secure your family’s future, and retire with dignity contact Bob through his website => www.unionorganizer.com
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
Moving Out of Poverty Into Opportunity
By: John Vespasian | 04/07/2009Various approaches have been tried against poverty, with different levels of success. Living in an environment of deprivation can undermine a man's spirit and this is why he needs to figure out a feasible plan to improve his situation. What we know is that unrealistic expectations do not work.
Metallurgical engineering careers in thermal spray
By: Raj Krishnaswamy | 04/07/2009Get an exciting job in the field of thermal spray coatings if you are considering the field of metallurgy. Read on below.
Find the Right Line of Career: A Career-Oriented Individual’s Guide to a Great and Rewarding Profession
By: David Patullo | 04/07/2009Living in a circa 20th century and finding your way to the top of the corporate ladder simply means you have to do it aggressively or you will end up on the losing end. Which path will you choose?
The World of Accounting as a Lucrative and Challenging Field
By: Elijah James | 04/07/2009If mathematical rational expressions, equations, variables, and arithmetic sequences and series are second nature to you, an accounting course or career may be the perfect field you can get into. Have you ever found yourself enjoying the company of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division?
How Do You Break Into A Journalism Career?
By: Sutiyo Na | 03/07/2009For people who are looking forward to a journalism career, there are so many things that they can do to move an inch higher to their dream. For young people who were already to determine in themselves that a journalism career is really the profession that they would want to pursue, they can start gaining all they need to be qualified for the job.
Steps On How To Get A Career In Journalism
By: Sutiyo Na | 03/07/2009So you want to become a journalist. You want to either write for newspapers or cover events live and have your report broadcasted all across America. Although these industries are basically in the same realm, they are very different from each other. In fact, people who want to get into the each of the industry will need to develop a different set of skills in order to make it. Here are some of the steps that you need to take in order to get a career in journalism.
Opening Up The Doors For A Journalism Career
By: Sutiyo Na | 03/07/2009These days, many people would want to get a journalism career because they feel that it is the easiest way to earn money. Some even think that this could be their gate to fame while others believe that nothing could be easier than this. No matter what your reason is, it would still be best to consider carefully your options so you won't regret it in the end.
Paving The Way For A Journalism Career
By: Sutiyo Na | 03/07/2009Hundreds of people are dreaming to have a journalism career but not every one of them is given the opportunity to realize that dream. This is because not all of them are determined enough to go after that dream while others can no longer wait for that "big break" to come.