Whether you are a high school senior looking to make a choice between going to college or entering the workforce, or a young adult looking to change direction and find a career that can sustain you and a family for a lifetime, the construction industry can be just what you’re looking for!
A career in the construction industry can be rewarding and steady – not to mention lucrative! Due to a shortage of skilled workers, construction salaries – even starting salaries – have risen significantly over the past few years. You can make good money right from the start and, as you build your skills, you can advance into higher roles – and higher salaries.
But money isn’t everything. There are plenty of other reasons to make construction your career destination. Here are a few of the perks of working in construction:
There will always be a job for you. The demand for construction workers has increased over the past decade, even during periods of economic uncertainty. In addition, thousands of baby boomers are readying for retirement, leaving the industry wide open for new talent. There are a variety of jobs available to you.
Once you have a job, it’s yours to keep. Job security is a big issue these days. Workers in many fields are finding it tough to build a lifelong career in one field. American jobs are being outsourced overseas, machines and technology are replacing humans, and many other factors are contributing to a lack of job security. But not in construction. Even as technology advances, there will always be a need for skilled workers, so will have the opportunity to work as long as you want.
You can control your own destiny. Hard work and dedication can really pay off in the construction industry. Many of today’s foremen, superintendents and project managers started out as general laborers right out of high school. Through mentorship programs and training, you can rise through the ranks – it’s all up to you!
You’ll never be bored. In construction, no two days are exactly alike. Each day offers new challenges and new opportunities to learn and grown. That is the nature of construction – things are always changing. No sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5 staring at a computer screen. You’ll have the opportunity to change things up with each new project!
You’ll be making a lasting impact on your friend, your neighbors, and your community. In construction, you’re making your mark on your community, building the things that affect the quality of life of the people in your community each and every day. Whether you’re building homes, retail spaces, or infrastructure likes roads and bridges, you’re making something that will last for generations – something you can be proud of.
You’ll love the people you work with. A big factor in job satisfaction has to do with those working side-by-side with you. Many construction workers report that their work teams are like a second family. In construction, you rely on your co-workers day-in and day-out to not only help solve daily challenges, but to also keep you safe. In other words, your co-workers will “have your back.” The bonds formed on the job are strong and many last a lifetime.
Did we mention that the pay is great? And the benefits too! I know we said it isn’t all about the money, but when it comes right down to it, money is an important factor when considering a career. So too are benefits. You want to make sure that the career you choose can sustain your lifestyle and, in most cases, support a family – now or in the future. Today’s construction jobs are year-round jobs with higher-than-average starting salaries. And in most cases, your salary will grow as your skill level grows. You’ll have the opportunity to earn a great living if you are willing to put in the work.
What it all comes down to is opportunity. The construction industry is wide open and there is tremendous opportunity out there – if you’re willing to put in the work. So when you’re thinking about your future and looking for a meaningful career that can sustain you throughout your lifetime, take a look at the construction industry. You won’t be sorry!
