How to Get Your First Construction Job

If you're ready to build a career from the ground up, literally, construction offers hands-on work, strong job security, and real opportunities for advancement. But before you show up on a job site, you'll need to prove you're ready to work safely. Many employers prefer or even require OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training, which you can complete online at your own pace.

In this article, we’ll show you how to land your first construction job and start laying the foundation for a long-term career.

What Kind of Construction Jobs Are There?

The construction industry offers a wide variety of career paths, each with its own skill requirements and growth opportunities. You can pursue roles in project oversight and planning, such as construction managers and superintendents, or build a career in the skilled trades as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or equipment operator. For those just starting out, entry-level positions like general laborer or helper provide a solid introduction to the field and valuable on-the-job experience. Below are a few more examples of the many construction roles available.

Administrative Positions

If you're thinking about joining the industry, you need to grasp construction administration and its responsibilities. It's not like it is in offices; the stakes are much higher here. Contract management, project scheduling, budget control, and client communication are examples of operational and management responsibilities in construction administration.

As an administrator, it is your responsibility to ensure that the project runs smoothly and stays on target. The administrator organizes construction paperwork to meet client requirements and guarantees the team meets deadlines. Your duties will, of course, change with each project, depending on the company and team size.

Skill Trades

The term "trade skills" refers to a variety of specialized jobs in the construction industry, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, welding, and roofing, all of which call for specific knowledge and education. 

Because skilled trade careers are in high demand, there are always openings, and you don’t need a four-year degree to get started. To become a skilled tradesperson in construction, you generally need a high school education or equivalent, related training such as an apprenticeship or vocational program, and safety training like an OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction course, which helps workers identify hazards and meet industry expectations for jobsite safety.

Entry-Level

These are probably the jobs that immediately spring to mind when someone brings up construction. Jobs like laborer, apprentice plumber, roofer, and construction worker are typical starting points for many.

As an entry-level worker, you’ll be expected to help more experienced workers, carrying out basic construction tasks, all while learning the profession in and out. Completing OSHA 10 training before applying shows initiative and may be required by employers hiring for entry-level roles like laborer or flagger. Construction is one of those industries where experience is worth its weight in gold. We'll go into more detail about the best entry-level positions to consider if you're looking to break into the industry.

Best Entry-level Construction Jobs

There is the old saying that says, “everyone needs to start somewhere”, and that is especially true for the construction industry. When it comes to construction, experience is everything. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t entry-level jobs that are waiting for worthy candidates.

With such a wide variety of jobs to choose from, you can easily find a position that matches your passions and skills. We have collected a few entry-level construction jobs for you to consider.

• General Laborer: A general laborer helps construction crew members by cleaning sites, unloading materials, setting up and removing structures, digging trenches, and prepping the site, among other responsibilities.
• Flagger: A flagger manages traffic around construction sites, maintaining the safety of workers with safety cones, flagging and reporting non-compliant cars, reducing traffic congestion, and encouraging compliance.
• Framer: A framer is responsible for framing commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. They assess the necessary framing materials, measure the area, then cut the materials to fit properly. Framers also install structural elements such as doors, windows, and moulding.
• Project Coordinator: A project coordinator collaborates with a project manager to ensure timely and budget-friendly project completion, scheduling meetings, communicating with stakeholders, delegating tasks, and providing necessary resources.
• Masonry Worker: Masonry workers work with stones and bricks, constructing walls, installing pathways, and replacing patios. They learn necessary procedures and techniques, lay out bricks and stones, and carry items around the job site as part of their initial responsibilities.
• Safety Coordinator: Safety coordinators supervise on-site staff and visitors to ensure that safety standards and industry rules are followed. The responsibilities of a safety manager include training, carrying out safety programs, and conducting accident investigations on construction and other job sites.
• Roofer: A roofer installs, repairs, maintains, and inspects roofs using materials like shingles, metal, slate, and tile. They also source materials, manage inventory, add insulation, and complete quote requests from customers and businesses.

Construction Job Requirements

The requirements you’ll need will depend on the kind of construction job you're after. In addition to experience and physical strength, construction jobs typically call for strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. You’ll most likely need at least a high school diploma or GED, and safety training is typically needed. We’ll go further into safety training later.

Both look and attitude have a significant impact. Additionally, confirm that your OSHA Construction certification is recorded along with the date of your acquisition.

Construction sites are dangerous places and it is OSHA's responsibility to keep you safe. To help you recognize main hazards and prevent accidents, the administration provides crucial outreach training.

Employers can see that you have mastered the fundamentals of site safety by looking at your OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 card. Some states or employers may even require a job before you can get one. Supported by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and OSHA, these programs are crucial for those who want to work as skilled tradespeople or construction workers.

There may be stricter standards in your local area. Be sure to stay informed if there are any further requirements. 

What Experience Do I Need to Work in Construction?

It can be frustrating when you want to enter an industry but you are barred due to a lack of experience. However, in construction, experience is vital for acquiring practical skills, knowing safety procedures, and learning to use tools and machinery effectively. On a construction site, your experience can be the difference between life and death.

All that being said, you can still find a good job in the construction industry with little to no prior experience. But don't misunderstand us. When we say no experience, that doesn't mean you don't have any training. Before ever hiring you for an entry-level position, construction companies usually require some sort of training.

Training is essential if you ever want to be a construction worker. It not only ensures your safety, but it signals to employers that you are serious and disciplined. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates to demonstrate their ability to work on a job site and their ability to start difficult courses and persevere through them.

Completing a training program demonstrates understanding of construction jobs, demonstrates safety, and demonstrates the ability to handle difficult tasks. To find a good job in construction, one that can easily turn into a career, you need training.

Get Started With OSHA Training

Getting the right training is a great way to get your construction career started. That way, when you are applying for different openings, employers can see you are already certified for the job and prepared for its responsibilities. Your next question might be: “Where can I go for training?”. That’s where OSHA.com can help. 

We offer fully online OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses, including options in Spanish and SST training for New York City workers. Need to train your whole team? We also provide bulk enrollment options for companies. Sign up today and take the first step toward a safe and successful construction career!