6 Signs that a Career in the Construction Trades Might Be Right for You
Find out if a construction job is your perfect match.
If you are a student unsure which career path to pursue after high school or are just looking to change careers, consider joining the 9 million people who have a construction job. The construction trades can provide an engaging, challenging, and hands-on work experience that incorporates many different types of skills. Not sure if a role like this will suit you? Discover these six signs that a career in the construction trades may be right for you:
1. You prefer hands-on learning
2. You are practical and detail-oriented
3. You like solving problems
4. You enjoy a variety of tasks
5. You don’t want to be desk-bound
6. You like working with others
Keep reading to learn more about each of these signs below.
1. You prefer hands-on learning
People learn in different ways. If you like learning through hands-on experience instead of a classroom environment, you might enjoy a construction career. In the skilled trades, you will build your resume with apprenticeships that allow you to work on real-life projects while earning certifications.
Several Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) members participate in career fairs and offer job shadowing experiences for students interested in the trades. Some of our members also have apprenticeship programs to provide this hands-on learning experience. Reach out to your local builders association to learn more.
2. You are practical and detail-oriented
If you consider yourself a practical person who pays attention to detail, you would be well-suited to the trades. Whether you’d prefer working outdoors on a construction site or indoors at a construction consultancy during the design phase of a project, there are many options available for those who like to keep tabs on the finer points.
3. You like solving problems
A career in the skilled trades requires proficient problem-solving skills. As challenges naturally arise on the job, supervisors may not always be available to step in. Being equipped with knowledge and skills to provide efficient and reliable solutions will help set the foundation for success.
4. You enjoy a variety of tasks
Working in a construction consultancy or on a job site requires you to handle different types of jobs and work projects. If you are likely to feel bored in an office setting with repetitive tasks, you may find a construction career that continually moves and changes more appealing.
5. You don’t want to be desk-bound
The 9-to-5 cubicle workday isn’t for everyone. While some construction professionals have steady desk jobs, many other construction jobs are done outside an office. Careers in the construction trades are often very active and involve consistent movement, an attractive alternative to the traditional sedentary work environment.
6. You like working with others
The construction trades require a lot of time working with others. No matter which job you take, you’ll communicate and collaborate with fellow workers, as well as contractors and supervisors. If you enjoy working well with others, construction jobs may be your ideal fit.
These six signs may prove to be indicators that you – or someone you know – is well-suited to pursue a construction career. With median salaries up to $80,000 a year for certain jobs and the industry expected to add more than 700,000 new jobs by 2026, now is a great time to learn a trade. Find more helpful tips for the construction trades on our blog.
Do you know someone who could benefit from our network of 4,000+ home building industry professionals? Encourage them to join the WBA today!