Construction workers are in high demand, and the new infrastructure bill has increased funding for the industry. This legislation, along with other initiatives, will increase the number of construction jobs available. Construction workers should be educated about the skills necessary for these jobs and look for ways to find employers who are willing to hire them.
The job outlook for construction workers in the USA
There is an increased need for construction workers across the country. The growth in construction has created new opportunities for workers, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of construction jobs will grow by 4% by 2029. Many construction jobs pay more than the national median wage, and some require only a high school diploma and training from trade school programs.
The construction industry is experiencing a severe labor shortage. Low-interest rates and low inventory levels have fueled a demand for new homes, and construction workers have been in short supply. In addition, the shortage of building materials has been compounded by a pause in overseas manufacturing. Moreover, the pipeline into the job market has dried up, and many recent high school graduates are opting for jobs in the IT sector instead.
As with many industries, job opportunities vary by location. Construction jobs are concentrated in certain metropolitan areas, including New York, Texas, and California. According to the BLS, there are 344,000 construction job openings by the end of 2021, a 38% increase over the last year.
Skills required for construction jobs
The construction industry requires workers to have a variety of technical skills in addition to hard skills. These skills include physical strength, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, plumbing, electrical, drywall, sheet metal work, demolition, HVAC, and more. Other important skills include familiarity with the Uniform Building Code, OSHA regulations, and hazardous materials management. Furthermore, workers must have the necessary skills to operate heavy machinery.
Communication skills are also essential for a successful career in construction. Whether you’re working on a new building or renovating an existing building, you’ll need to work with other people to achieve your goals. If you have good leadership skills, you can effectively coordinate with others on a team.
Basic math skills are important for construction workers. You’ll need to know how to measure materials and calculate their weight. Additionally, you’ll need to know how to document changes and measurements. You’ll also need to be able to read blueprints and other documents. In addition to these, you should be able to work well as a team.
Recruitment strategies for hiring construction workers
In the past few decades, the employment options for Americans without a college degree have steadily decreased. While most jobs still provide a certain sense of financial security, they often require education beyond high school. Fortunately, construction jobs have long been an oasis of opportunity for non-college-educated people, thanks to high wages and strong benefits packages. As a result, construction companies have become more creative in their recruitment strategies in order to attract new employees.
In addition to posting available construction jobs on job sites, businesses can use social media to reach potential workers. Statistics show that two-thirds of Americans use social media. You can use these platforms to advertise open positions and identify the most qualified candidates. You can also use current employees’ social media accounts to post job openings.
