How to Get a Job in Construction

Construction is one of the fastest-growing industries in Canada and Edmonton is no exception. It’s also an industry that experiences a lot of turnover, with workers often switching from one construction company to another. That means there are almost always job openings in construction companies and general contractors at any given time. If you’re interested in becoming a construction worker or are looking for a job opportunity in this field, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a job in construction. From types of construction jobs to how to get hired as a carpenter, excavator operator, welder, or any other type of skilled laborer in the field, this guide has everything you need to know about working in construction.

What is Construction?

Construction is the process of building new structures, such as buildings and roads, or the process of renovating, repairing, or refurbishing existing structures. Construction workers build everything that we interact with on a daily basis, including the buildings we live and work in, the cars we drive, the machinery we use on a farm, and many other structures and systems necessary for modern life. Construction workers use a variety of tools and machinery, including cranes and bulldozers, to do their jobs, and they work in a variety of different conditions, ranging from freezing cold to sweltering hot. Construction workers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks on a project, from digging foundations to designing the electrical wiring for a building. Construction is a very diverse field, and the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a construction worker vary widely from job to job.

How to Get a Job in Construction

First, the are a lot of construction jobs in Edmonton – but it’s seasonal. The best way to find a job in construction is to network with people in the industry. Many people who work in construction stay in touch with their coworkers, supervisors, and employers even after they leave the industry. These people can be a great source of information on open jobs and hiring managers at different construction companies. Taking advantage of these relationships can be the difference between getting hired and being left out in the cold. There are also a wide variety of job boards and career fairs where construction companies recruit new employees. These events are a great way to network with potential employers and learn about open positions that you might not have heard about otherwise. When you’re at these events, you should make sure to have a resume and cover letter ready to go so that you can quickly distribute them to potential employers.

Types of Construction Jobs

• Apprentice – Apprentice programs are designed to train construction workers for specific types of construction work and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become journeymen in their chosen fields. These programs vary widely from one state to another, but they often require construction workers to be licensed and certified in order to participate. Earning a license through an apprentice-training program can be a great way to get started in the construction industry and build a wide network of contacts in the process.
• Carpenter – Carpenters build and repair wooden structures, such as houses, barns, and furniture. They use a wide variety of different tools and techniques to do their jobs, ranging from power tools like saws and nail guns to hand-operated tools like hammers and chisels. Carpenters can work in many different industries, from residential construction to manufacturing and even the shipbuilding industry. Typically, carpenters are responsible for the design and layout of wooden structures, as well as the actual construction of those structures.
• Cement Finisher – Cement finishers are responsible for the finishing and polishing of the surfaces of cement walls, floors, and ceilings. The bulk of the work of a cement finisher is finishing the surface of a wall or floor, including adding the necessary decorative design elements, such as a trowel pattern, and then applying a sealer or other type of finish to protect the cement. This work is typically done on construction sites, and cement finishers generally work in a team setting with other construction workers.
• Construction Laborer – Construction laborers are general construction workers who are not licensed or trained to do specific tasks, such as laying bricks or installing electrical wiring. Construction laborers are, by far, the most common type of construction worker and often make up the bulk of the workforce on a construction site.
• Crane Operator – Crane operators drive and operate construction cranes, which are massive pieces of equipment used to lift heavy objects and move them around a construction site. Crane operators must have a thorough knowledge of the construction site they are operating on and must be able to coordinate their movements with other workers and equipment on the site.
• Electrical Engineer – Electrical engineers are responsible for the design and construction of electrical systems, such as wiring, lighting systems, and power grids. Electrical engineers must have a thorough knowledge of a wide variety of electrical systems and must have a detailed understanding of building codes and regulations regarding electrical systems.
• Excavator Operator – Excavator operators use large pieces of heavy construction equipment known as backhoes to dig holes and trenches for a wide variety of different projects, from the foundations of buildings to the installation of water and sewer pipes. Excavator operators must have a thorough knowledge of their equipment, must be able to work with a team and safely coordinate their movements with other workers, and must have the physical strength and stamina to operate the equipment for hours on end.
• General Contractor – General contractors are responsible for the management of a construction project from beginning to end. They hire construction workers to do specific tasks, such as laying bricks or installing electrical wiring, and manage the construction process of the project as a whole. Becoming a general contractor requires significant capital, as contractors must be able to buy materials and hire workers before they are paid for their work.
• Heavy Equipment Operator – Heavy equipment operators drive and operate construction machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and forklifts. These machines are used to move heavy materials and earth around a construction site and are often used to grade land and dig holes for the foundations of buildings. Heavy equipment operators must have a thorough knowledge of their machines and must be able to work with a team of other construction workers to get their jobs done.
• Inspectors – Inspectors are responsible for inspecting a wide variety of construction projects, from individual buildings to large pieces of infrastructure like bridges, dams, and highways. Inspectors must have a thorough knowledge of building codes and regulations and must be able to identify potential safety hazards and other issues with a construction project.
• Pipefitter – Pipefitters install and repair pipes used for a variety of purposes, such as water and sewer pipes and gas pipelines. They may also install valves and other fixtures in pipes. This work requires a thorough understanding of a wide variety of pipe systems.
• Plumber – Plumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures used to transport water and sewage. Their work often requires them to make precise measurements and calculations to ensure that their work is accurate.
• Structural Engineer – Structural engineers design and analyze the structure of bridges, dams, buildings, and other large-scale infrastructure projects. They must have a detailed understanding of the engineering principles behind these structures, including the strength of different materials used in construction.
• Surveyor – Surveyors are responsible for measuring the location of different points on a construction site. They use a variety of tools, including GPS devices and visual landmarks, to determine the position of a construction project.
• Welder – Welders use special tools called welding torches to join pieces of metal together. Welders must understand the properties of different types of metals, such as steel and copper, and must know how to properly use a welding torch to join these pieces together without causing damage to the metals.
• Any Other Job in Construction – There are a wide variety of other types of construction jobs available, such as electrical work, plumbing, and roofing. These jobs all have unique challenges and require specialized skills and knowledge.

Apprenticeship Program

Many construction companies offer apprenticeship programs, which allow you to earn a salary while learning the skills needed to do a job in construction. These programs often last between two and four years, during which time you will earn a regular salary, receive full benefits, and get paid time off, as well as have the ability to earn college credits. Apprenticeship programs are a great way to get your foot in the door in the construction industry, earn money while you’re training, and build up a wide network of contacts and references in the process. Many construction companies have apprenticeship programs for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Click here for a listing of Construction Jobs in Edmonton.