7 Common Misconceptions About Working in Construction
When it comes to construction work, stereotypes and misconceptions are common, and these may hold people back from working in this ground-breaking field. Let’s take a look at a few facts about construction work to address these inaccuracies.
Fact: Construction Needs Skilled and Educated Workers
There’s a skill shortage in construction right now, so there are fantastic opportunities for skilled and experienced workers at every level – including college grads. Construction is built on accumulated knowledge and a need for lifelong learning to keep on top of changing technologies. Individuals who want to be leaders can work their way up through a company – or even own their own local construction business one day.
Fact: Construction is a Job You Can Be Proud Of
There is an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment in seeing a road construction project to completion. The safe, flat road you’ve helped to pave will be there for years to come. Many people may think it’s all about working in the heat or cold and getting dirty. Yes, a lot of road construction work is done outside, but that also means you get to enjoy the outdoors and get out from behind a desk if that’s your goal.
Fact: Road Construction is Very Advanced
In a world where many are traveling on the information super-highway, it may seem that construction is low-tech or old-fashioned. This is absolutely incorrect. The construction industry experiences innovation yearly with a focus on technology, productivity, and safety. The latest technology includes computer modeling, virtual reality, drones and more.
Fact: Safety is Top of Mind for Everyone Working in Construction
Jobsite managers and employees are vigilant when it comes to safety and OSHA compliance. Yes, construction can be a risky field, and it’s important to be aware of any potentially dangerous situations, but the construction industry is about building a future. Part of that future is a commitment to keeping people safe doing their jobs from management to the men and women working on the streets.
Fact: Construction is a Job for Women
Women work in all aspects of construction. In 2016, there were 939,000 women working in construction in the US making up about 9% of the industry and about 1% of the entire workforce in the US. According to the National Association of Women in Construction, the gender pay gap is considerably narrower in the construction industry: women earn 95.7% of what men do.
Fact: Construction is a Growth Industry
In July 2016, there were 214,000 construction job openings, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the industry is projected to add 748,000 jobs by 2026 – that’s 11% growth over a decade. Georgia is one of the busiest states for construction and one of the top locations for construction managers. Skills in construction are always in demand and, since credentials can often be transferred nationwide, travel and relocation are career options.
Fact: Road Construction Work Pays Well
The highway, street, and bridge construction industry employed approximately 11,000 workers – or about 3% of the construction industry overall. Entry-level employees earn an average of $31,910 annually.
It’s also a fact that hiring in the construction industry has to be a big focus for all companies. According to the BLS, 11% of construction workers were aged 55 or older – this increased to more than 20% by 2015. Also in 2015, about 7% of construction workers were ages 20-24, down from almost 11% in 2005. The aging workforce and need to attract younger workers to the industry is being felt both across the US and multiple construction sub-sectors. So, if you’ve been considering a career in road construction, we encourage you to consider E.R. Snell and check out our job board here.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119021.htm
https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472061.htm
https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/womens-databook/2016/pdf/home.pdf