Construction Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma combined with Construction; instruction based On the Job Training (OJT) programs, Apprenticeships, Construction Labor Workforce Job Training or Experience; they can further upskill themselves or become a jack of all trades by learning unique skills and crafts like carpenters, welders, woodshop craftsman, masons, glaziers, etc.

AVERAGE HOURLY PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Construction Laborer is a sustainable career, in which employment is projected to grow at a steady 5 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides good hand-eye coordination, physical strength, endurance, good reaction time, and dexterity, construction laborers must be self-motivated, follow safe work practices with extreme focus, and attention to detail; ensuring timely work completion of their tasks in hand. They also must be collaborative, professional, ethical, proactive, agile, and alert with a high degree of patience, perseverance, and be self-organized, have great grip, vision, memory, willingness to learn and adapt, besides listening communication, and interpersonal skills. Understanding the building, construction codes, and engineering, plant, and machinery processes knowledge would be a strong plus. They must be physically strong since their work is extremely physically demanding; and may involve standing for prolonged periods, working in all types of weather, climbing ladders, and lifting heavy objects, etc. If they are not well built to withstand these heavy-duty activities, they may become prone to injuries and accidents.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Laborers work mostly on construction sites and similar projects, performing physical tasks such as loading and unloading materials, cleaning, removing debris, digging trenches, compacting earth, assembling and disassembling temporary structures, reading and following construction plans and blueprints, and assisting skilled tradespersons and journeypersons with work; collaborating & coordinating in tool use, lifting, carrying and managing equipment and machinery and provide support in their duties, follow safety protocols and standards to avoid accidents and injuries. They may be needed to work in shifts.