Training and Advancement in the Construction Industry

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Training and Advancement in the Construction Industry - By: Kris Koonar, Posted on: 2007-12-18

Construction industry is such that it lets people from various educational backgrounds, and different training to enter the industry. This industry lays more emphasis on experience. For people entering the industry right after high school, they can expect to begin their careers as laborers, helpers, or apprentices. While some of these can learn their jobs in few days, for jobs that are highly specialized in nature, it can take several years to master the skills. Such jobs are usually mastered with the combination of on-site exercises and classroom training.

While it is possible to completely gain expertise on the job, higher education leads to the recognition of highly skilled personnel. Skilled workers like carpenters, bricklayers etc. usually receive formal education through a technical school, and then work with experienced workers to learn the real intricacies of the business. A worker's job will require know-how in reading, math, local language skills (preferably both English and Spanish), as well as safety training.

As the labors and the helpers acquire experience and skills, they can advance to more skilled occupations. As they get better at executing the tasks that they are assigned, they are given work that is more challenging in nature. With broader and advanced skills, they are then allowed to work independently with increased responsibilities. Climbing the ladder brings increased earnings and a chance to work in highly skilled occupational jobs.

Joining an apprenticeship program is probably the best way to enter the industry, as it gives a lot of exposure and experience, setting the stage for future growth and development. Local employers, trade associations, and trade unions usually offer such apprenticeships, which provide thorough training. Apprenticeship can last for 3 to 5 years, and can be a combination of on-job training, as well as classroom instructions of up to 150 hours a year, or even more. However, an increasing number of apprenticeship programs are now judging the apprentices based on their competency, rather than going for a time bound approach. Thus, it is now possible to complete the apprenticeship much earlier than the usual time frame.

A person enrolling for the apprenticeship program should at least be 18 years old, and in a good physical health. Those coming from a technical or a vocational school can also undergo the training; however their progress is bound to be faster as they are already well versed with subjects like math, engineering drawing, wood work, etc. After the apprenticeship, they can work on different projects to improve their skills further. People well versed with the skills of the trade, as well as showing leadership qualities are then promoted to supervisor and managerial positions.

At this stage, a person also has the option of going into the business himself by becoming a contractor. This is highly lucrative, as there is usually minimal investment required, and the business can usually be run from home. Additional workers can be hired for larger projects. While there is a lot of competition in this field, chances of success are higher as the turnover is usually very high. Taking some formal training in business helps a lot for setting up a successful business.

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