Find out what it takes to work as a construction worker.

What is a construction worker’s job description?

A construction worker is a skilled laborer responsible for setting up machines, running machinery, and dismantling and reassembling structures. Using blueprints that specify the form of building, appropriate rooms and spaces, correct measurements, and other design elements, construction workers follow their clients’ orders.

Other responsibilities that construction workers may have include:

  • Equipment and machinery are put through their paces to ensure they are in good working order.
  • Getting supplies and equipment to the worksite from vendors and vehicles
  • To maintain the project’s and team’s reputation, strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures is required.
  • Measuring and cutting timber, plaster, and other construction materials to precise measurements
  • Hammers, saws, screwdrivers, drills, and a variety of other hand and mechanical equipment are used.
  • To develop job site skills, learn electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.

Worker specifications for construction

Before applying, construction workers must have the required training and skills.

Education

Construction employees must have a high school diploma, according to most employers. While still in high school, they will develop their skills by taking welding, woodshop, and mathematics courses. Employers train these professionals on the job, so no additional education is needed.

Training

Their employers typically train construction employees once they start working. New hires are always supervised by an experienced team leader or manager, who teaches them how to operate the equipment and complete the necessary tasks. They also learn about safety precautions and put their general handyman skills to the test.

Apprenticeships are a way for certain people to further their education and learn more advanced skills. Apprenticeships typically last two to four years and include both classroom and on-the-job training. Students are taught a range of skills, such as how to obey safety precautions, use the equipment correctly, and read blueprints. These programs are also needed for those who wish to work in the construction industry, such as building construction, highway construction, or environmental remediation. They can help prepare applicants to feel comfortable working with little supervision.

Certifications

Employees may be required to pass an industry-specific qualification to demonstrate their general knowledge of the sector by certain employers such as CoreTrade.

Skills

To do their job, a construction worker would require a variety of skills, including:

  • Math skills: Most construction workers perform calculations while on the job, such as translating measurements and calculating material costs.
  • Communication skills: To complete a project, construction workers often collaborate with others on a team. They can use verbal communication to solicit assistance from others or to assist a coworker. They also use written correspondence to convey orders and active listening to fully comprehend how to complete tasks.
  • Construction workers spend the majority of their shift standing, performing several physical activities. They may be required to squat, crawl, or stand for extended periods, and they often lift heavy materials. Keeping in shape can help these construction workers remain productive on the job.
  • Self-starter: Many construction crews work on the job with little to no supervision. This means they should be able to obey their employer’s instructions independently. Staff in the construction industry must also push themselves to finish projects on time.
  • Time management: These professionals must frequently set and adhere to reasonable deadlines to ensure that each phase of a project is completed before moving on to the next. Time management enables these practitioners to work effectively and on budget, allowing them to make the most of their clients’ time and money.