If you’re thinking about a new job or wondering how to begin a lifelong career, you might be wondering how to become a construction worker.
Getting into the construction field isn’t exactly an easy breezy exercise, but it is something you can do if you have the right mindset and motivation. Let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to begin a career in construction.
How to become a construction worker with no experience at all
That’s probably where you are today, right? A non-construction worker with no experience.
Well, guess what? All construction workers started out in your same position, and they all ended up under a hardhat somehow or another! Here’s a basic blueprint for getting going in construction:
- Assess yourself: Are you ready to take on new challenges? Can you commit to a rigorous training program? If the answers to those questions are yes, then you might be ready to take the next steps. Be honest with yourself about whether you’re really able to complete a training course and stick with it.
- Consider your training options: There are three different routes to becoming a construction worker: a dedicated training program, community college, and apprenticeships. We’ll consider all three of them in the next section of this article.
- Begin your training: Depending on your chosen method of training, you might need to commit to a few weeks to several months of instruction.
- Meet employers: Ideally, you will meet and interview with potential employers while you’re still in training. That way, you might have a job offer in hand the moment you graduate.
- Get an entry-level job: In construction, nearly everyone starts at the bottom and works their way up. Find a job with a construction company or skilled trades contractor and start working at the lowest level. In construction, most workers can advance quickly and increase their pay in just a matter of months!
- Specialize: As you gain experience on the job, you can specialize in a trade. That might be plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, concrete finishing, HVAC, or something else. Becoming a specialist lets you focus on work that excites you, work on more projects you enjoy, and earn more money for your efforts.
- Build a fulfilling career: With several years of specialization under your belt, you’re well on your way to an enjoyable, high-earning career with limitless potential for growth and advancement.
How long does it take to become a construction worker?
The length of time it takes to become a construction worker depends on the type of training program you select.
Apprenticeships
These aren’t often available. It’s nice to think you could approach a construction company or contractor and ask them to train you on the job. But most employers in the trades want you to have at least some training before they let you set foot on a job site.
That being said, there may be some construction apprenticeship opportunities out there. Feel free to ask construction companies in your area if they offer on-the-job training. In the rare event you find one that does, you might be able to begin your construction career right away.
Dedicated training programs
If you have a dedicated training program in your area, that’s often the best route for becoming a construction worker.
One example of a dedicated training program in construction is Construction Ready. We offer a rigorous 20-day program for jobseekers who want to begin a career in construction or the trades. During the program, you earn key certifications that credentials that employers are looking for. Not only that, you’ll actually meet employers and interview with them during the training course. 97% of our graduates have construction jobs lined up before they even complete the program!
The best part? Construction Ready is fully funded by government grants and private donations. You don’t have to pay for the training because somebody else already did!
Look for a program like Construction Ready in your area. If there is one, it could be a sure-fire way for you to begin your construction career with a great employer.
Community colleges
Many community colleges, technical colleges, and trade schools offer training programs in the skilled trades. Some of these programs might culminate in an associate’s degree. Others might result in certifications. Typically, community college programs will focus on plumbing, electrical contracting, or HVAC, but your local college might offer additional programs.
Completing a community college program can be a great way to become a construction worker, but there are downsides. Compared to a dedicated training program like Construction Ready, a community college program will last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. Associate’s degree programs tend to last the longest, at two years of study. You will also have to pay tuition, which could be very expensive if you don’t qualify for aid. You might even have to take out loans.
Take the first step toward a career in construction
Now that you know how to become a construction worker, why not take the first step? Construction Ready is looking for motivated people just like you to complete our 20-day training program.
To learn more about Construction Ready and decide whether it’s the best fit for you, sign up for an info session today!
