| So you've decided to have a go at it? And why not? | | | | Rule #4- Be Punctual |
| A career in construction can be very rewarding. It's | | | | Tardiness is a sure fire way to get laid off in |
| amazing how little planning some workers put into | | | | construction. Maybe you worked in an office |
| their careers; in fact many get into construction on a | | | | environment and it didn't seem like it was that big a |
| whim. A friend told them they could get a job, and | | | | deal, but in construction, it's a big deal. Safety |
| with little or no planning, they end up in a given trade. | | | | meetings are usually conducted at the beginning of a |
| But today, that's just not good enough. You need to | | | | shift, and by not being there, you're risking the life of |
| make sure that the trade you choose has long term | | | | every worker on the job. Not to mention it's just bad |
| value. Some skills are worth more than others and | | | | business. Construction workers are paid by the hour |
| some trades have more work and offer more | | | | worked. Do your career, your coworkers and your |
| opportunities. Here's a list of six rules you should | | | | foreman a favor, show up on time every day. Even |
| follow to achieve long term success in the | | | | a worker with sub par skills who shows up on time |
| construction industry: | | | | will outlast a worker with good skills who has a habit |
| Rule #1- Choose Your Trade Wisely | | | | of showing up late. |
| It's a good idea to pick an activity that will lead to | | | | Rule #5- Be Flexible |
| long term success. You've got to love what you do, | | | | By its very nature construction means change; |
| but if you can't find enough work to get you through | | | | different locations, different conditions and different |
| the winter, what's the point? So do a little research, | | | | trades all working for a common cause, completion |
| read the papers and ask people on the jobsite what | | | | of the project. This means that even though each |
| they earn and where they see the trade in five | | | | trade has a set schedule, that schedule is likely to |
| years. You might be surprised. | | | | change when conditions on the project require it. |
| Rule #2- Join a Trade Union | | | | Therefore you need to be flexible too. You may be |
| Trade unions have a long history of teaching workers | | | | asked to work overtime to complete a task, maybe |
| through the use of apprenticeship training. This | | | | there's wire to be pulled in and you're only halfway |
| valuable training consists of on the job training and in | | | | done, or the drywall needs to be completed tonight |
| class/in lab study. Here's the best part; they usually | | | | because the painters are coming in the morning. |
| pay for it too. "Earn while you learn", is their motto. | | | | Whatever the situation is, it's a good idea to be |
| In some cases you can earn up to 60 college credits | | | | flexible. Consider working the overtime. Not everyone |
| that are transferable when you attend an accredited | | | | can, but the people who do are much more likely to |
| apprentice training program. Note: Steer clear of the | | | | remain employed through the end of a project. |
| non-union counterparts; these bogus apprenticeship | | | | Rule #6- Have a Good Attitude |
| programs are often little more than scams and are | | | | It's a fact; people will always enjoy working with |
| the black eye of the construction industry. | | | | other people that have a good attitude. Ask yourself, |
| Rule #3- Earn Your High School Diploma | | | | "Would you rather work with a guy who enjoys his |
| If you think a high school diploma doesn't have much | | | | work or someone who is constantly complaining and |
| to do with success in the construction industry, | | | | miserable?" Exactly. You're going to be spending a lot |
| you're wrong. With a diploma you can be accepted | | | | of time with your coworkers. Some of them you are |
| into a variety of accredited apprenticeship programs | | | | going to like and some of them you may not. Have a |
| that will invest tens of thousands of dollars in your | | | | good attitude, enjoy yourself and leave all your |
| training. And studies prove that you will earn around | | | | problems at home. |
| $5000.00 more each year if you have a diploma than | | | | By following these six rules for success in the |
| if you don't. That's a lot of money over the course | | | | construction industry, you'll have gainful employment |
| of a career. Classes are often available in the | | | | and have a lot of fun in the process. With a little |
| evenings for working professionals. Sign up today to | | | | planning, you can reach your goals, avoid that next |
| earn yours. | | | | layoff and create the life you want. |