Becoming a Construction Worker

If you consider yourself to be a ‘jack of all trades’ or someone who is the first to break out the toolbox when something goes wrong at home, then you may be missing your true calling in life. If you see potential on planks of wood, want to do your best in DIY, or love helping others, then becoming a construction worker could be the perfect change in jobs. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a construction worker.

Why Be a Construction Worker?

If you’re someone who enjoys manual labour, prefers being outdoors or loves learning new things, then becoming a construction worker could be perfect for you. Plus, the variety in the jobs on offer means that you’ll never be bored. No matter whether you prefer building things from the ground up, or knocking things down with a bulldozer, there’s sure to be a job that suits your needs and requirements.

What’s more, depending on your physical condition and skill levels, there are a number of different options for the work you undertake; with unique working circumstances. From working at great heights to being exposed to hazardous materials, you’d have to be prepared for everything if you took a job as a construction worker.

Of course, this also means there may be some negatives to being a construction worker, including working in inclement weather. From rain to sleet to snow to wind, there’s a chance you’ll have to work through it, so be prepared for this. However, the rewards for this kind of job are great, so it’s worth weighing up.

Job Requirements

Many people who go into construction work start at entry level, learning on the job as an apprentice. However, there are qualifications that are expected in order to prove competence. The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) for example demonstrates proof that anyone working on a construction site has the appropriate training and qualifications for their work. You can read more about the CSCS in Touch Financial’s blog post, which will tell you everything you need to know. In addition to this, as you’d expect, there’s a lot of health and safety information you’ll need to be trained in and be aware of.

At entry level, there’s no need for formal academic qualifications such as a degree or A-Levels. However, practical school subjects are still advisable, such as design technology, maths, physics and English.

From a personal perspective, you’ll be expected to have a relatively high level of fitness if you apply to be a construction worker. You’ll be expected to carry heavy or large objects regularly and you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. There’s no need to be super fit, but you’ll be expected to be physically up to the task. In addition, you’ll be expected to have good coordination, balance and sight.

Where Can a Construction Job Take Me?

If you have little or no experience in construction, then it’s likely that you’ll have to start at the base level. However, one of the many great things about construction work is that climbing the ladder (no pun intended) can be simple when you have the right qualifications, and you can even be working for yourself or own your own company in only a couple of years.

If you want to specialise, you can go down a variety of paths, becoming:

• An electrician
• A plumber
• A builder
• A maintenance worker
• A forklift truck driver
• A site manager

Become a construction worker and the world becomes your oyster. So, if you’re interested, why not take the plunge? It could be the best decision you’ve ever made.