How to Become a Construction Worker

Construction workers can specialize in the type of construction they prefer.

Construction is one of the largest industries in the United States, consisting of 7.2 million wage and salary jobs, according to 2008 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 1.2 million of those jobs are labor positions. Workers in this industry are responsible for fixing, remodeling and constructing buildings, roads, bridges and other structures. Although some construction jobs require little experience or training, most require an education or experience in the field. Your best bet to become a construction worker is to look for an apprenticeship program.

Instructions

1. Complete your high school diploma or GED. Most employers and apprenticeships look for this education minimum, according to the BLS.

2. Get in shape. You don't need to look like a bodybuilder, but because construction work is extremely physical, you will need to be fit enough to handle the manual requirements of the job.

3. Contact your local temp agency to find basic, non-skilled construction jobs. These jobs aren't permanent, and you'll likely do work such as fetching tools, but the work provides valuable references for your resume and familiarizes you with the industry on the job.

4. Enroll in a vocational or apprenticeship program for construction. Vocational programs aren't as in-depth as apprenticeships and, therefore, are shorter. With an apprenticeship, you will learn basic skills for the first 200 hours of training. The rest of your work will be directed toward your area of specialty, such as building construction or highway construction. It will take two to four years to finish an apprenticeship, according to the BLS.

5. Join your local construction union. These unions will help you find work and protect you in wage and other negotiations with employers. Membership in a union or other construction organization also looks good to many employers, as it shows you are associated with other experts in your field.

Tips & Warnings

• Construction is a dangerous field. Take every opportunity to review state and federal construction safety regulations, and draw violations to the attention of your employer. You might not like being a whistle-blower, but your life and the life of your coworkers depends on being able to work in a safe environment.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Laborers
• Career Explorer: How to Become a Construction Worker
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction