Over the next 10 years, the construction workforce is anticipated to lose a mind-boggling 40% of employees. However, despite this overwhelming demand for qualified construction workers, potential candidates often don’t know where to begin. As a society, we’ve undersold the value and viability of a career in the construction industry in favor of a collegiate trajectory that’s becoming increasingly expensive. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a craftsman, follow these actionable tips to get the skills you need to land a great career.
1. Learn about different construction positions.
There are well over 10 million people currently employed in the construction industry spread across a broad spectrum of specialties and sub-sectors. If you’re genuinely interested in construction, you should start out by learning as much as possible about all the various positions within the field. You don’t have to delve deep into researching every possible career path. The goal is to simply expose yourself to the variety of opportunities available.
2. Pick a specialty that piques your interest.
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the varying roles in construction, you can start pinpointing the careers that speak to you the most. Generally, the ideal position would be something that piques your interest, matches your strong suits, and sounds genuinely enjoyable as an extensive career. Speaking with craftsmen currently working in the position you’re considering is a great way to gain real insights into the demands, responsibilities, and dynamics of the job.
3. Get a high school diploma or GED.
The skyrocketing costs of higher education tuition have many people considering the advantages of the trades over college. The most obvious perk is the lower barrier of entry. You only need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to pursue a rewarding career in the construction industry. That means little to no student debt, a quicker start in the workforce, and four years of your life freed up. If you already have a college education, don’t worry! It can only help when pursuing a career as a craftsman.
4. Receive an apprenticeship.
There are relevant courses you can take in high school to gain foundational skills for a career in the construction industry. However, you’ll need to undergo an apprenticeship to receive the kind of specialized training necessary to succeed as a craftsman. During an apprenticeship, you develop highly specific capabilities, expertise, and knowledge in the construction field. It’s important to note that not all apprenticeships are made the same. That’s why it’s important to select a reputable, experienced, and widely recognized program.
5. Work with a hiring specialist.
After choosing a construction specialty, receiving a high school diploma or GED, and completing an apprenticeship, most craftsmen jump right into the workforce. There’s nothing wrong with this trajectory, but there’s one more essential step that can make your transition to the workforce much smoother and more successful. Working with a construction staffing specialist can cut out the time-consuming job search so you can find a perfect position without the hassle.
Meet Madden Craftsmen
Madden Craftsmen is the perfect resource for aspiring craftsmen. With decades of experience in the industry and a local focus in the Pacific Northwest, we know exactly what employers are looking for in candidates. As a staffing specialist with a committed apprenticeship program, we have the resources, tools, and insights to help craftsmen develop essential skills and land the job of their dreams. Check out our employee resources for helpful advice and tools or contact us to learn more about what we offer.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s path into the construction industry will look different. There are multiple ways to become a craftsman. We’ve simply provided the best trajectory given our experience and expertise in the market.
