Working in construction can be challenging, requiring you to have various skills in order to find success. Construction workers need to be able to work well in all kinds of conditions, as weather could be unpredictable and affect work. Construction workers should also be comfortable with crawling into tight spaces and shouldn’t feel claustrophobic. As a construction worker, you may also need to bear with heights as you work on different projects.
You should be able to handle heavy equipment as well as machinery in all kinds of weather conditions. By developing the skills you need to succeed as a construction worker, you can ensure that you can eventually go on to manage a team for yourself. Construction workers also need to have strong technical knowledge, stamina, and great communication skills.
There are several skills that can help you to boost your career as a construction worker. These include:
1. Physical strength
Being a construction worker can be a physically demanding job. More than half the work you’ll need to do will involve some form of physical activity. For this reason, you need to have strong endurance.
You may be required to do the heavy lifting and use your physical strength to get the job done. You should also consider maintaining your physical posture and form, as this can help you to get the job done.
2. Dexterity and eyesight
Construction workers may need to maintain the same posture for long periods of time. You can find yourself needing to lie down, sit, or even stand for long periods of time. You’ll also need to operate machinery that requires you to move your hands and feet quickly.
As a construction worker, you also need to have great eyesight. This is as you should be able to read documents and pay careful attention to the details written in them. You’ll also need to be adept at both seeing and understanding what the gauges and dials in your machinery are indicating. You should both be able to operate your machinery, as well as equip it, where necessary.
3. Knowledge of engineering
Having knowledge of engineering, as well as how buildings are developed, can help you to find success as a construction worker. You should be familiar with the tools you use, as well as the materials you’ll find yourself working with. Gaining additional knowledge to boost your career can enable you to find greater success as a construction worker.
Knowledge in relevant fields, such as survey work, masonry, plumbing, demolition, and others, can help you to gain a competitive advantage in your field. You should also both be able to distinguish as well as use heavy machinery and equipment.
4. Math and reading skills
Construction workers need to be good at maths, algebra, and geometry. This is necessary in order to calculate building materials, keep track of measurements, as well as make adjustments as and when necessary. A construction worker should also be able to read blueprints and then turn them into workable designs.
5. Memory
A construction worker needs to have strong memory skills. They need to be able to work independently, as well as self-sufficiently. These are essential skills that hiring managers in the construction industry look for. Much of the work a construction worker does, requires precision as well as accuracy. For this reason, having a good memory becomes essential.
6. Communication skills
A construction worker needs to have strong communication skills. They need to be able to understand and follow the directions that are given to them. They should also be able to ask relevant questions, write mails where necessary, and communicate decisions to other team members.
7. Experience in technology
The construction industry is evolving, and a part of that evolution involves using and adopting innovative technology. Construction workers who want a competitive edge should proactively try to learn about these innovations, as well as how to use them. They include but aren’t limited to construction management software, mobile apps, drones, AR and VR, and more.
8. Problem-solving skills
Problems will appear in the construction site from to time. This could stem from inaccurate measurements or project delays. An essential skill in the construction industry is learning how to deal with these problems by making on-the-spot decisions.
9. Teamwork
Construction projects are worked on by groups of workers, who need to collaborate to find success in the project. There isn’t any time to waste on disagreements when a construction project is going on, so having people skills can be important.
10. Learning on the job
Construction workers need to be able to learn ok the job. They should be capable of being proactive in seeking new knowledge and adapting to new trends in the industry. By actively learning on the job, you can ensure that you evolve to more senior positions.
11. Project organization
There are many moving parts associated with the construction process. That is why having organizational skills can be essential to knowing what you need to do and getting the job done. You should be capable of making the most effective use of your time in order to ensure that all work gets done in a timely manner.
12. Customer service
Showing patience, professionalism, and providing useful knowledge to customers, is important. You should know enough about the project, as well as the construction industry, to answer any questions that a customer might have.
13. Understanding the building codes
There are codes, aside from building codes, that construction workers need to be aware of. These include:
- Safety codes
- Labor agreements
- Green building codes
- Environments regulations
All construction projects must adhere to the rules set by these codes. Knowing what the building codes in your area are, and having a firm grasp of them, can enable you to gain an advantage in your career.
14. Leadership skills
Finally, in order to evolve in their career, construction workers should also have good leadership skills. You should be able to perform quality control, manage tools and equipment on-site, negotiate prices, direct teams, and more.
Conclusion
These are the essential skills required to find success in the construction industry. As a construction worker, you can consider taking active steps to ensure that you’re progressing in your industry. This will ensure that with time, you can lead teams of your own and reach a senior position.
As a construction worker, you should also be aware of certain career risks that you can encounter. A client who is unsatisfied with your job may decide to sue you. This could lead to a legal case where you may have to spend exorbitant amounts to defend yourself. There are other career risks that a construction worker could experience as well, such as business interruptions and more. Insurance for contractors can help you protect yourself in such circumstances.
With contractor liability insurance, you can obtain financial coverage that enables you to protect your finances.
