The Best Part-Time Construction Jobs For You to Consider

If you’re looking for the best part-time construction jobs, it can help to review the different kinds of roles available, then search for construction projects in your area. Keep reading for a breakdown of the various types of construction jobs and projects, as well as how to find the best part-time roles near you.

There are many reasons you may seek part-time work, such as scheduling around other obligations or a lack of availability for full-time employment. Students pursuing degrees in construction management or civil engineering may wish to take on a part-time construction job to gain hands-on experience. Starting as a part-time construction worker is a great way to get your foot in the door and discover which job type in construction is best suited for you.

The construction industry is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the industry provides employment for over seven million people and has over 680,000 employers. Part-time construction work can be a launching pad to start in a booming industry with little experience and progress to a full-time career with vast opportunities as an estimator, specialty installer, construction project manager, construction superintendent, and more.

Even with the impact of COVID-19, Industry-wide employment growth of 4% is expected by 2029, creating an estimated 296,300 new job postings in the United States. Within the construction industry, there are numerous career pathways and types to consider.

As one of the most popular jobs in the industry, this is likely what you think of when you hear about construction jobs. General labor is the driving force behind most construction projects. General laborers are responsible for carrying out a wide range of basic tasks, such as roofing repairs, hanging drywall, construction site clean-up, or simple carpentry work. No prior experience is typically needed for construction labor, and starting in this type of role provides an opportunity to get your feet wet while shadowing more experienced employees.

Although plumbing jobs typically require some relevant experience, you may be able to find a plumber role on a part-time basis. An option in the construction field that requires little to no experience may be a plumber’s helper or assistant, which could offer the chance to learn firsthand from an experienced technician.

Plumbers play a critical role in many construction projects since everything involving pipework requires the expert knowledge of a trained plumber. Some examples include the installation of cold and hot water systems or sanitation systems. Becoming a plumber often involves apprenticeship, and some unions may require up to 2,000 hours of practical application with a trained supervisor.

A masonry role often offers on-the-job-training and apprenticeship programs. You can typically pursue masonry with a high school education. The construction and polishing of walls, interior structures, patios, and decorative trim work fall within this category and apply to both residential and commercial work locations.

Specifically, a masonry worker breaks and cuts stone into specific sizes, mixes and applies grout and mortar, and finishes the construction. Construction materials that masonry workers use may include block, glass, brick, stone, and synthetic materials.

Another important role at a construction site is a glazier. These individuals are responsible for the installation of glass in windows, storefronts, skylights, and display cases. While Connecticut and Florida require a state license to become a glazier, the majority of states use apprenticeships as the main source of training. Working as a glazier poses some risk of injury from glass cuts or falling, so proper training is critical to learn how to handle, cut, measure, and install glass.

A large variety of equipment is used at any construction site — whether residential or commercial — and operating specialized equipment requires a certain skill set. Learning how to operate heavy equipment is often done primarily through on-the-job-training and some technical classroom training. Bulldozers, a variety of tractors, excavators, and loaders are some of the common equipment used at a construction job site.

A carpenter has a versatile role involving constructing or repairing building structures and frameworks. On a construction site, this may mean installing wooden concrete as a foundation for pillars or constructing door frames and stairways. A beginning role in this division of construction work could be a carpenter’s helper or an apprentice carpenter. For most sponsored apprenticeships through unions or contractor associations, applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school education or GED, and be a legal United States resident.

A construction painter paints walls, buildings, and other structural surfaces at a construction site. In addition to painting, these individuals may also be responsible for removing old paint, mixing colors, applying sealants, and preparing a surface to paint. While specific education is not a requirement, a high school education is typically expected.

Iron elements needed for structures like bridges and buildings are erected and installed by ironworkers. These individuals are responsible for reading blueprints to see where a structural piece of iron can be placed, and then they work closely with equipment operators to attach iron. An apprenticeship program typically lasts three to four years to become an ironworker.

Gaining an understanding of the various types of construction projects can help you determine where you want to work and the type of employer you want. Different types of projects based on the facility being constructed are listed below.

• Residential construction. This could include the construction or renovation of houses, apartment buildings, townhomes, condos, and dormitories.
• Institutional and commercial construction. Skyscrapers, shopping centers, sports arenas, stadiums, and hospitals all fall within the category of commercial construction.
• Specialized industrial construction. This type of construction is often associated with factories, refineries, power plants, and warehouses. Typically, this type is carried out by for-profit industrial corporations and requires a high level of specialization and technical skills.
• Infrastructure and heavy construction. These projects are often executed by government agencies and include the renovation and new construction of bridges, tunnels, highways, and railways.

Another way to categorize the separate construction types is based on who owns the project, since different laws apply to various projects, depending on ownership. Based on this approach, construction types can be broken down to the following:

• Private. Private parties could include homeowners, businesses, private schools, and hospitals, for example. Within this category, you may find residential, commercial, or industrial work.
• State. An example of state construction work may include public schools, highways, or government buildings.
• Federal. While similar to state construction, the difference is who controls the project. An example could be a federal courthouse.

The skills and training needed to be a part-time construction worker vary greatly. If you have past construction experience in any of the above fields, you can highlight these on your resume to improve your chances of landing one of these jobs. Hours worked in any type of apprenticeship will likely be viewed as a plus with construction companies, and a high school diploma will open up a greater number of pathways within the industry.

Here are some of the skills and training that will be beneficial to help you land a part-time construction job:

• Physical strength and stamina
• Hand-eye coordination
• Knowledge or experience in any of the types of construction jobs
• Reading and math skills
• Ability to interpret blueprints
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with technology
• Problem-solving skills
• Decision-making skills
• Organization skills
• Ability to work well on a team
• Customer service experience
• Knowledge of building codes

Deciding which type of part-time construction job will be a great fit can start with narrowing down what you have experience in or what you have a passion for doing. Since many of the pathways are entry-level construction jobs and require little to no years of experience, consider picking something you think you would do well and apply to be an apprentice.

Beginning as a part-time general construction worker can be a great route to gain insight, become familiar with construction sites, and learn which career path could be the best fit for you.

Start with a search for part-time construction jobs in your area using Joblist. Our platform offers a vast database of opportunities and job descriptions, along with tools to help you prepare for your dream job. We will show you how to polish your resume to highlight your skills, provide tips for nailing an interview — including virtual interviews — and explain how to stand out as an ideal candidate in a crowded market. Joblist can guide your part-time construction job search and connect you with the positions you want today!