Over the last few weeks, we have been taking you behind the build, sharing all that goes into construction projects from the ground-up. We laid the foundation with Aggregates and explored big-picture thinking with Engineering. Today, we dive into the many skilled trades that bring hands-on expertise, day in and day out.
The term “skilled trades” is an umbrella statement that covers the range of specialties that come together for all types of projects. As the name gives away, these careers require thorough training. But this training doesn’t necessarily have to happen over hours in the classroom. In reality, the best training for a skilled trade is through hands-on learning. Real-world experience, learning alongside more seasoned professionals and practicing make for the best skilled workers.
While it’s true that individual skills ensure safe and successful projects from start to finish, it’s how everyone comes together that leads to the best results. Skilled tradespeople are the true team players. They coordinate with other experts to take care of any task, whether that be in the original creation phase or ongoing maintenance. With too many trades to cover in just one post, we’d like to share three in-demand skilled trades we trust to keep construction projects going.
Skilled Trade Feature 1: Carpenter
Carpentry is one of the oldest construction careers. It requires an exceptional eye for detail and adeptness in working with hands. Today’s carpenters fabricate anything from building framework to interior trim, so they’re a part of every stage of a project. Depending on the job, a carpenter may work indoors or outdoors, sometimes pre-fabricating in shops or factories, other times installing structural elements on construction sites. Learn more about a carpentry career here.
Skilled Trade Feature 2: Electrician
A career as an electrician is a newer line of work when compared to carpentry, but equally as important in the modern world. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical components, wiring and controls for lights, industrial equipment and more. Inside wiremen focus more on the wiring of buildings, while outside linemen work on things like power lines. Learn more about what it takes to become an electrician here.
Skilled Trade Feature 3: Laborer
A laborer is a diversely skilled worker who can pick up wherever a team needs. With this title, people can do anything from prepare the construction site to operate equipment, and everything between. We recommend new-to-the-industry individuals kick off their career as a laborer as it’s the best way to learn while working alongside more seasoned professionals. No matter when in a person’s career they become a laborer, every day is interesting with an opportunity to take on a variety of tasks. Learn more about working as a laborer here.
There are many more skilled trades we depend on. Explore additional career options on our website. No matter what capacity they work in, it’s clear skilled tradesmen and women are important in every construction project. And, the future is looking bright for skilled workers. There’s no better time than now to explore a career in the skilled trades. Keep in mind, all skilled trades require proper training. Explore your education options on our website as well as earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship programs here.
Next time in our Behind the Build series, we’ll move away from the jobsite and into the office to see how administrative professionals positively impact our industry from behind the scenes.
