6 Entry-Level Construction Jobs And How to Get Hired Today

If you’re thinking of entering the construction field, now is the perfect time to act. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates job growth of 11% from 2018 to 2028. Since buildings, roads, and infrastructures are in constant demand, this is also an overwhelmingly recession-proof job.

What’s more, there are many opportunities for growth in the field. Once you’ve gained some experience, you might consider furthering your education to advance to more senior roles, like a construction manager. Construction managers earn nearly six figures, with a median pay of $95,260 reported in 2019.

Construction offers promising career prospects. The question is, where do you start? The great news is that it’s not too complicated to break into the field. This guide breaks down six entry-level construction jobs and explains what steps you can take to get hired.

All entry-level construction work shares some key traits. Regardless of the workplace, type of project, or employer, the job will demand hands-on manual labor. You will be working on construction sites and most likely be outdoors. Expect to get your hands dirty.

With a career in construction, your hours are probably not going to be the standard 9 to 5. For example, road construction is often done early in the morning, at night, or on the weekend to avoid clogging roadways during peak usage hours. In short, if you are looking for a non-corporate job that gets you out of the confines of an office, construction is a great pick for you.

The construction field offers a wide range of specialty areas. As a newbie in any of these fields, you’ll be assisting and learning from more experienced workers. Basic tasks might include preparing worksites, removing debris, loading and unloading materials, maintaining tools, and cleaning up after the job is done. Over time, your responsibilities will grow, and you may be taught to use specialized equipment and tools to perform more technical tasks.

This is the most common type of entry-level construction work. Often called “construction laborers” or “general laborers,” these individuals perform basic manual labor, like unloading work trucks. You don’t need any specific skills for a laborer job, making it a good starting point for a construction career.

Carpenters handle the framing and finishing of buildings. So-called “rough carpenters” specifically work on large construction projects. They read blueprints, select the materials and tools needed, and use high-tech tools to erect structures.

Masonry involves erecting walls, walkways, and more using materials like brick, marble, granite, and limestone. Professionals must have a solid understanding of the different materials and their appropriate uses in order to master installation techniques.

Pipes transport water, fuel, and other liquids to and from buildings, roadways, factories, and more. Plumbers and pipefitters make sure any pipes installed are secure and safe so that these materials don’t leak, make a mess, and cause a potential health hazard. They work with heavy-duty machinery, such as blowtorches.

Flooring professionals work with tile, wood, vinyl, and other materials to install even floors. They must know what tools are needed to work with diverse materials and put floors in place based on blueprints.

A roofer’s job might include tearing off old roofing and installing new roofing. There are commercial and residential roofing positions, which vary in terms of requirements and scale. For example, a small home doesn’t need to meet the same requirements as a large factory.

In most cases, formal education isn’t needed to score an entry-level role in the above concentrations. Employers may require a GED or high school diploma. If you want to advance to more senior positions, you may need additional certifications or education. However, when starting, there are just a few personal characteristics that employers look for.

Regardless of the specialty, construction is a physical job. Workers are active on job sites, lifting and carrying heavy loads, pushing wheelbarrows, manning heavy machinery, and more. You must be physically capable of performing such tasks. Employers may ask that you lift a minimum amount of weight to qualify, for example.

In any entry-level construction job, you’ll have to be open to “learning by doing.” You may start by shadowing a more experienced worker, who will show you how specific processes are done or tools are used. You must be able to pick up these skills and perform these tasks yourself.

Construction requires collaboration. If people fail to work well together, the work becomes less efficient — and may even prove dangerous. People need to collaborate and communicate when they are undertaking a multi-person task, whether it’s installing scaffolding or paving a road.

Construction requires you to pay attention to immediate details while also keeping the big picture in mind. For example, a bricklayer must have excellent organization and planning abilities to measure or map out projects. When building a staircase, project planning ensures that all the steps come out the same height.

Most construction jobs require high school-level reading and writing. Some roles require administrative work, like keeping project logs. What’s more, reading comprehension is imperative for job safety, as it allows workers to understand information like safety data sheets explaining how to handle chemicals properly used on the job.

If you have the skills needed for entry-level construction work, you can start looking for local jobs. As you apply, there are certain steps you can take to improve your odds of success.

Here are some tips to help you get an entry-level construction job:

• Prepare a resume. Look for ways to demonstrate you have the characteristics described above. For example, a high school diploma shows you can read and write, while taking part in team sports shows you are a team player. This guide to crafting a resume with no experience may help.
• Provide references. Include two to three references with your resume. These are people who can attest to your dependability and trustworthiness, such as a former employer, a teacher, or a sports coach. Even if your work experience is limited, such individuals can speak to your reliability, punctuality, and overall attitude.
• Prepare for an interview. You will likely be asked to at least attend a brief face-to-face interview. Even though construction requires work gear, opt for business casual for the interview. Slacks plus a button-down is perfect. Khakis are OK, too. Be prepared to answer some basic questions about your resume and the time commitment you can give to the job.
• Prepare for a screening. Beware that some construction jobs may require workers to undergo a drug screening. Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, involving heights, heavy machinery, chemicals, and other risks. Having workers show up on a job site even slightly intoxicated would exacerbate such threats.

Construction is practical work that allows you to play a part in creating the infrastructure that people use every day. Breaking into the field isn’t too complicated, with entry-level positions requiring minimal education. If you continue in construction, you can look forward to higher-paying, more senior roles as you gain experience and educational credentials.

Joblist can help you find entry-level construction work. Additionally, our platform offers handy information to support you in landing your dream job, with practical guides covering everything from how to get a summer job to using social media without jeopardizing your career.

You can also use the Joblist database to start looking for entry-level construction jobs in your area. The sooner you start looking, the sooner you’ll be able to score a new opportunity!