“Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 646,100 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently,” says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We wanted to talk about jobs in construction at Kilgore Companies. There’s a lot more to it than just people wearing hard hats and swinging hammers. We’re excited to share some insights into the different types of jobs you can find in the construction industry.
1. Construction Management
Ever wondered how those huge buildings get built without chaos? That’s where construction managers come in. They’re like the conductors of a big orchestra, making sure everyone plays their part at the right time. It’s a tough job and it takes a long time, but it’s very rewarding because you get to see projects come to life from start to finish.
Construction managers have a wide variety of responsibilities. We’re the ones who plan the whole project, from deciding what needs to be done to figuring out how long it will take and how much it will cost. We also hire and manage all the workers and make sure everything stays on schedule. This position is the boss of the construction site.
2. Civil Engineering
Civil engineers do most of the behind-the-scenes work at a construction site. They design stuff like bridges, roads, and even entire cities! It’s all about making sure things are safe, sturdy, and good for the environment. If you’re into math and science, this could be perfect for you.
One interesting thing about civil engineering is that we get to use all sorts of tools and software to design things. You’ll be doing calculations, creating models, and working with teams to turn your ideas into reality. Plus, you’ll always be learning new things because technology and materials are always changing, and improving.
3. Architecture and Design
Do you love drawing and coming up with cool ideas? Architects and designers get to do just that but on a bigger scale. They create blueprints and plans for buildings, making sure they not only look good on the outside but also work perfectly.
Being an architect means thinking about everything—from how people will move around a building to what materials will work best. You’ll get to use your imagination to come up with unique designs that solve real-world problems. And who knows, maybe one day your design will be the next iconic skyscraper!
According to Britannica Kids, “The first step to becoming an architect is to earn a university degree from an architecture school approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Architecture school graduates must then complete an internship. Interns usually train at an architectural firm, where they assist in design, build models, or help prepare drawings. After the internship, the Architect Registration Examination must be taken and passed. At that point, graduates can apply for a license. Most states require architects to continue their education in some way to maintain their licenses. They may do this by taking university courses or by attending workshops or conferences.”
4. Skilled Trades
Think about all the stuff that makes a building work—electricity, plumbing, heating. Skilled tradespeople, like electricians and plumbers, make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s all about using your hands and your brain to solve problems.
If you’re someone who likes working with tools and figuring out how things work, a skilled trade could be perfect for you. You’ll get to learn from experienced professionals, work on different projects daily, and see the results of your hard work right in front of you.
5. Project Estimation and Cost Control
Ever heard the phrase “money doesn’t grow on trees”? Well, in construction and jobs in construction, it’s very important to know how much things cost and how to stick to a budget. That’s where project estimators and cost controllers come in.
Estimating costs and controlling budgets is a bit like solving a puzzle. You’ll be looking at plans, talking to suppliers, and making sure everything stays within the budget. It’s a challenging but essential part of making sure a construction project is successful.
6. Environmental and Sustainability Management
We all want to protect our planet, right? That’s why environmental managers in construction focus on using eco-friendly materials and practices. They make sure construction projects don’t harm the environment and even find ways to make them better for the Earth.
Being an environmental manager means thinking about the bigger picture. You’ll be looking at things like waste management, energy efficiency, and using renewable materials. It’s all about finding ways to build things that don’t destroy the planet.
7. Safety and Risk Management
Safety is the number one priority on construction sites. Safety managers make sure everyone follows the rules and stays safe. Safety managers do a lot of things to keep people safe. They’ll inspect sites, make sure everyone has the right safety gear, and train workers on how to stay safe. It’s a job that requires attention to detail and a commitment to keeping people out of harm’s way.
8. Technology and Innovation
Technology is changing everything, even construction. Imagine using drones to survey a site or virtual reality to see how a building will look before it’s even built! That’s the kind of stuff tech and innovation experts in construction work on.
Being a tech and innovation expert means being at the cutting edge of construction. You’ll be exploring new tools, coming up with creative solutions, and finding ways to make construction faster, safer, and more efficient. It’s a field that’s always evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into the world of construction and jobs in construction. It’s not just about building things; it’s about teamwork, creativity, and making a difference in the world around us. Whether you’re into design, math, or hands-on work, there’s a place for you in construction. Who knows, you might just be the next big thing in the industry! Head to Kilgore Companies’ website to learn more.