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WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION

What’s it like working in Construction?

Construction workers and laborers work on almost every construction site and perform a wide range of complex tasks from very simple to extremely difficult and dangerous. They do many jobs that require manual labour on construction sites, such as building roads, bridges, buildings, roadsides and other infrastructure.

Although many of the tasks they perform require training and experience, some of these tasks can be learned in a few weeks or even months, but some take years and y...

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WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION

What’s it like working in Construction?

Construction workers and laborers work on almost every construction site and perform a wide range of complex tasks from very simple to extremely difficult and dangerous. They do many jobs that require manual labour on construction sites, such as building roads, bridges, buildings, roadsides and other infrastructure.

Although many of the tasks they perform require training and experience, some of these tasks can be learned in a few weeks or even months, but some take years and years to master. Construction workers, also known as construction craftsmen, carry out a variety of construction and related activities during the construction phase. Many of these workers spend their time preparing construction sites and cleaning them with tools such as shovels and brooms.

With special training and licences, these workers can use hydraulic drilling machines to dig tunnels and help transport and use explosives. Other workers, such as road transport, specialise in controlling and learning traffic patterns. They can learn to place pipes with lasers and computer-controlled robotic pipe cutters. Some can be certified to remove asbestos, lead and chemicals, as well as clean pipes and other materials.

Helpers support construction tradesmen such as electricians and carpenters with a wide range of tasks. For example, many helpers work with cement masons to move and define the shapes that determine the shape of concrete castings, for example. They can transport tools and materials, help build equipment and work in a variety of roles.

How to work in Construction

Construction workers learn their trade through vocational training in the OYD, the duration of which, however, depends on the specialisation of the employer.

To continue their education, workers attend business schools or community colleges. Although formal training is not usually required, it can be helpful to read building plans, especially for large construction projects. 

Some construction workers opt for school programs, but the majority learn on apprenticeship programs with the support of experienced workers. These programs typically include a variety of skills such as welding, electrical, plumbing and construction management.  Apprentices must attend school and be able to provide evidence of a school leaving certificate or equivalent.  Also, several organisations, including trade unions and private organisations, can sponsor training programs for individuals who want to get into the industry.

Depending on the work carried out, workers need certain certifications, which can be obtained through the licensing body. Rigs and scaffolding are generally certified, and workers removing hazardous substances (hazardous mats) must meet high standards before being allowed to remove them.

With experience and training, construction workers can advance into positions that involve more complex tasks and certifications can help workers prove that they have the knowledge to carry those tasks out. For example, workers can obtain a certificate in the fields of welding, scaffolding and concrete finishing and then spend more time on these activities.  Furthermore experience as an assistant electrician can lead to becoming a qualified electrician.

Working in construction is physically taxing, construction workers must operate and maintain equipment such as pneumatic hammers, and they must have the stamina to do strenuous work throughout the day.  Motorway workers often have to stay on their feet often for hours at a time and  a cement worker must move blocks, which normally weigh more than 40 pounds, from one side of the building to the other. Construction workers and helpers also have to lift heavy materials and equipment with their hands and feet over long periods of time.  It's certainly hard work, but can also be rewarding when you are able to see what you have accomplished!

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