Finding a career is no easy task, but you don’t need me to tell you that at this point. Whether you’re fresh out of school/college and you’re looking for an apprenticeship, or you’re a bright-faced graduate looking for a shot straight into the business world, it can be hard to find your footing in the construction game.

Knowledge is crucial.

However you acquire it, you need to be trained in some capacity before starting a career in construction. Yes, I know that sounds obvious, and you can’t get the experience you need to start a job in construction until you’ve done some form of job in construction. It’s a never-ending cycle, seemingly, but there are ways to get your break, if you have the determination and interest necessary to work in the industry.

Some careers in construction and design and engineering-based, so you may require some form of educational training – perhaps even a degree. Of course, perhaps you’re not interested in theory-based learning, and you’d rather take up a career in the field, working on-site with direct construction. In that case, options for training whilst working may be available to you; perhaps even an apprenticeship.

Figure out your favoured area.

Once you’ve learnt about the industry, or experienced it first hand, you should have a pretty good idea about what you enjoy and what you do not enjoy. Don’t let this deter you; instead, use what you’ve experienced as guidance in your future career. Figure out a specific role of interest within the construction industry.

Knowing exactly what you want to do is important, because the competition is tough. You have to be focused and aim for specific jobs, because aiming for a vague array of things means that you’ll end up with a generalised CV. This doesn’t impress employers. Focus on one area, put your all into it, and you’ll show a more detailed knowledge or interest in the specific job role for which you’re applying.

Impress in interviews, and impress on your first day.

When you have the skills you need to enter into the industry, you have to be prepared for the fierce competition you will face in interviews. The key is to impress in every way you can. Be ready with the gear you’ll need on the job.

Finding a job might not even be the hard part. Once you find a way into the industry through an entry-level position, it’s where you go from there that determines how successful your career will be. If you want to stand a chance of progressing and advancing above all your colleagues, you have to stand out above the crowd. Prepare well, and get the best gear you can. Invest in some sturdy attire, such as durable clothes for long hours, and tough working boots: https://www.workbootcritic.com/best-construction-work-boots/

Patience.

Understanding the value of patience is helpful in this profession. You have to build a reputation and a name for yourself over time, so learn what you can and grow gradually. Make mistakes, but use them to your advantage. Don’t ever be deterred by the difficulty of the industry, because you’ll improve day by day.