Steps to Become a Construction Worker

Written by Michael Purser

Qualified workers are in high demand on any building site. Whether you want to construct homes, renovate office buildings or work on skyscrapers, aspiring tradespersons will find an almost endless supply of construction job opportunities.

This article will outline the training and education needed for a career in construction.

What Kinds of Jobs Are Available?

Any building or jobsite might require the cooperation of professionals with a hundred different job titles across dozens of trades. That includes everyone from laborers and helpers to site supervisors, masons, tile layers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, concrete finishers, roofers, insulators, carpet installers, safety specialists and about a million other professionals.

To get a job in the industry, you first need to figure out which of all these options interests you. Fortunately, you don't have to choose right away. Most of these careers start with the same basic steps.

Basic Requirements

For most construction jobs, the bare essentials are pretty straightforward. Workers typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. Holding a driver's license usually helps, too.

Laws in your area may require additional training or certification before you set foot on jobsite, but there are no formal federal requirements to work in this field.

You can start a career with a diploma (or GED certificate) and a willingness to learn. But that will only take you so far. You might need to do more to achieve your goals.

Necessary Qualifications

Construction sites are hazardous environments, and it's OSHA's mission to keep you safe. That's why the administration offers important Outreach Training designed to help you understand major hazards and avoid accidents.

An OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 card shows employers that you have mastered basic site safety skills. Some states or companies might even require one before you can get a job. These programs, backed by OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), are essential for aspiring construction laborers or specialized tradespersons.

Local jurisdictions might have more strict standards. Any worker in the five boroughs of New York City who wants to work on a major building site must earn a Site Safety Training (SST) card. Local Law 196 made this a hard requirement administrated through the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB). Check with your employer or local government to see if your area has a similar requirement.

Optional Training

Even if there aren't any mandatory licenses, cards or certifications to worry about, every worker should take a basic construction safety orientation course and learn how to use common personal protective equipment (PPE) devices. General hazard training explores the most common threats on building sites, no matter what the job description looks like.

You can always brush up on more specific hazards with a quick online certificate course. Be proactive by learning how to manage fire risks, Focus Four hazards, silica dust or confined spaces. Discover what to look out for when dealing with asbestos in older homes or master storing tools and other materials.

Apprenticeship

Experience is the number one way to stand out to managers and forepersons. Get ahead of your peers by signing up for an apprenticeship with a union or other trade organization.

Groups like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Laborers' International Union of North America and others take on promising talent and offer students a way to learn while getting paid and gathering experience.

Applying for an apprenticeship, whether through a union or not, gives you a head start. A mentor will pass on valuable skills, important tricks and hard-earned insights over hundreds of hours of supervised work.

Find programs in your area by contacting a local union, branch or lodge. Or look for help through a larger trade association like North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

Remember, an apprenticeship isn't your only option. It is just one way to acquire the skills needed for success.

Specialized Construction Skills

A strong back and a diploma might be all you need to get started in the industry. But specialization pays, literally.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general construction laborers and helpers earned an average wage of $23.69 per hour in May 2023. In contrast, an electrician or a crane operator made $32.60 or $32.71 per hour, respectively.

Anything you can do to increase your skills and acquire new qualifications will help you earn more on the job. Consider a few of these online learning opportunities:

Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Certification

Learn how to move materials with a forklift or work far above the ground on an aerial lift. These lifters will help you get more done with less effort. Become a certified PIT operator and let the machines do the heavy lifting.

Competent Person Training

OSHA requires many worksites to designate a competent person to look out for specific hazards. Become indispensable by mastering the dangers of scaffolding, excavation operations or even workplace falls. You'll earn more and keep your coworkers safer by correcting common hazards.

Flagging

Keep workers, machine operators, drivers and pedestrians safe as a certified flagger. Direct traffic and regulate the flow of people and vehicles. Whether working on a roadside highway crew or keeping things moving on a large building site, flaggers are essential on many projects.

Start Today

There's no time like the present! It's easy to get started in the construction industry. For many roles, you can learn on the job. But a strong foundation of valuable skills can make it even easier. Train online with OSHA Education Center to build a better career.

Whether you're a fresh graduate trying to get your first gig or an old hand looking to jump-start a promotion, sign up for one of our online construction training programs today.

Our courses are all available 100% online from any internet-connected device. Pick the expert-taught, student-led program that best matches your professional goals and start learning now!