“In June 2018, there were 263,000 job openings in the construction industry, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Through 2026, BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth in the industry. What’s more, its median annual wage of $45,820 in 2017 surpassed the $37,690 median wage for all industries,” says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In this article, Kilgore Companies shares different types of jobs in construction. There’s a lot more to it than just people wearing hard hats and swinging hammers.
Construction Management
Ever wondered how those huge buildings get built without chaos? That’s where construction managers come in. They make sure everyone plays their part at the right time. It’s a tough job, but rewarding because one gets to see projects come to life from start to finish.
Construction managers have many responsibilities. They’re the ones who plan the whole project, from deciding what needs to be done to figuring out how long it will take and how much the project will cost. They also hire and manage all the workers and make sure everything stays on schedule.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design stuff like bridges, roads, and even entire cities! It’s all about making sure things are safe, sturdy, and good for the environment. If someone is into math and science, this could be their thing. “The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous civil engineering feats. Spanning over 13,000 miles, this incredible structure showcases the expertise and ingenuity of ancient civil engineers,” according to Facts.net.
One interesting thing about civil engineering is that they get to use all sorts of tools and software to design things. They’ll be doing calculations, creating models, and working with teams to turn their ideas into reality. Plus, they’ll always be learning new things because technology and materials are always changing.
Architecture and Design
Architects and designers get to draw and come up with cool ideas. They create blueprints and plans for buildings, making sure they not only look good but also work perfectly.
Being an architect means thinking about everything — from how people will move around a building to what materials will work best. They’ll get to use their imagination to come up with unique designs that solve real-world problems. And who knows, maybe one day their design will be the next famous skyscraper!
Skilled Trades
Think about all the stuff that makes a building work — electricity, plumbing, heating. Skilled workers, like electricians and plumbers, make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s all about using their hands and their brains to solve problems.
If someone likes working with tools and figuring out how things work, a skilled trade jobs in construction could be perfect for them. They’ll get to learn from experienced professionals, work on different projects every day, and see the results of their hard work right in front of them.
Project Estimation and Cost Control
Ever heard the phrase “money doesn’t grow on trees”? Well, in construction, it’s super important to know how much things cost and how to stick to a budget. That’s where project estimators and cost controllers come in. They’ll be looking at plans, talking to suppliers, and making sure everything stays within the budget. It’s a challenging but essential part of making sure a construction project is successful.
Environmental and Sustainability Management
Everyone wants to protect the planet, right? That’s why environmental managers in construction focus on using eco-friendly materials and practices. They make sure construction projects don’t harm the environment and even find ways to make them better for the Earth. Being an environmental manager means thinking about the bigger picture. They’ll be looking at things like waste management, energy efficiency, and using renewable materials.
Safety and Risk Management
Safety is the number one priority on construction sites. Safety managers make sure everyone follows the rules and stays safe. Safety managers do a lot of things to keep people safe. They’ll inspect sites, make sure everyone has the right safety gear, and train workers on how to stay safe. It’s a job that requires attention to detail and a commitment to keeping people out of harm’s way.
Technology and Innovation
Technology is changing everything, even construction. Imagine using drones to survey a site or virtual reality to see how a building will look before it’s even built! That’s the kind of stuff tech and innovation experts in construction work on.
Being a tech and innovation expert means being at the cutting edge of construction. They’ll be exploring new tools, coming up with creative solutions, and finding ways to make construction faster, safer, and more efficient. It’s a field that’s always evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn.
Bringing It All Together
So, there you have it — a glimpse into the world of jobs in construction. It’s not just about building things; it’s about teamwork, creativity, and making a difference in the world around us. Whether someone’s into design, math, or hands-on work, there’s a place for them in construction. Head to Kilgore Construction’s website for more information.
