9 minute read
Careers in Construction
Construction
CAREERS
With unemployment rates at near-record lows, and a tightening job market where the demand for talent has become increasingly competitive, many construction firms are deeply concerned about the number of job openings that remain unfilled. In the short term, this unmet need continues to create operational difficulties, including schedule delays, decreased productivity, and employee burnout – just to name a few. Experts predict that over the next decade, employers will face more significant structural challenges if they are unable to replace the knowledge and leadership provided by their most experienced employees as they eventually retire.
At the same time, there are many people in our community who are looking for good-paying jobs, or who may want to transition to a different profession where they have the potential to earn higher wages and create an upward career track. This can be a significant challenge for many people based on their finances, family obligations, and the rising costs often associated with advanced training, certifications, and educational programs. The American workforce is facing a shortage in vocationally trained workers across all industries. Estimates place the shortage at as many as 2 million workers needed, and indicate this number shows no signs of shrinking in the future. In fact, through attrition, retirement, and the expansion of our economy, this shortage is expected to grow over the next two to three decades and beyond, if our current pace of skilled worker development is not addressed.
ROBEX — Quarter 1 • 2020 Construction jobs have long been stereotyped. For instance, good old manual labor, dirt and mandated work attire of boots, jeans, hard hats and possibly flannel shirts come to mind when you think of a standard construction worker. And although the flannel shirts might still be seen on jobsites, some construction workers might swap their denim for a suit and tie and their hardhats for a smart helmet that mines data. Here are five reasons for someone to consider a career in construction:
Job stability – no more job hopping Despite the massive labor shortage, construction needs are on the rise around the world. In an article recently published by Investopedia, seven of the 10 fastest-growing industries in the country are related to construction.
Salaries are on the rise A large reason many millennials aren’t entering the construction workforce is due to the idea that it involves extremely hard work for very little pay. Contrary to this myth, construction salaries are on the rise. And as a whole, construction salaries are expected to continue to steadily rise in future years.
The industry is getting technical Even if construction salaries are appealing, you might be concerned with the tools of the trade. For instance,
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Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 435
Daniel Kuntz / Business Manager & Secretary-Treasurer CarmenSerrettJr. / President EricWaters / Vice President SalvatoreVictoriousJr / Recording Secretary Michael Gay / E-Board Member YvonneAgosto-Washburn / E-Board Member
if you’re thinking massive reels of blueprints or hammers and nails aren’t items that you’d like to deal with on a day-to-day basis, you’d be surprised. The manual construction tools and processes of yesterday are very different from the highlytechnical applications and devices emerging on jobsites today. As construction projects get more advanced and more stakeholders are involved, technology has become a necessity on jobsites and gives workers the opportunity to learn and apply new skills.
It’s not your grandfather’s workforce – A changing labor market D ue to the influx of technology and career opportunities that construction offers, the workforce is evolving. As a result, more women and minorities are choosing to take jobs in construction. The industry currently has a large Hispanic representation and companies are already rethinking their strategies to recruit and retain more women. Although the industry still has ways to go to make significant improvements in training and recruiting to create a more balanced workplace, things are surely changing for the better.
No desk required: nontraditional jobs with higher worker satisfaction Let’s face it, the 9-to-5 work cubicle environment simply isn’t for everyone – but the idea of it might be so ingrained in your mind (or your parents’) that it’s hard to think about a career where a desk isn’t your main station. Although some construction professionals still have a steady desk job, many construction jobs are done outside the office and trailer. Whether you’re in the field or meeting with other project stakeholders, careers in construction are more often than not very active and involve engaging in many face-to-face conversations to solve problems.
In an effort to provide information to those who want to learn more while simultaneously helping to support our local employers, the Builders Exchange of Rochester is hosting our second annual Construction Career Day. This event brings together students, parents, job seekers, educators, and employers to explore the vast array of career opportunities available within our local construction community. We focus on current job openings that are immediately available with employers right here
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in our area, as well as the long-term earning potential and overall career possibilities for interested students, parents, and job seekers. During last year’s free event, we had more than 450 attendees tour an active jobsite, listen to a panel discussion, and talk with representatives from more than 60 companies that were actively hiring at our vendor fair. Students and job seekers engaged with vendors to learn more about their companies and the employment opportunities that exist. Various training organizations and educational institutions also attended to discuss their programs and explain how they can benefit those who may be looking to enhance their current knowledge and skills as they strive to advance in their careers. We always hear about the challenges of either connecting with great job candidates, or successfully landing a job interview with an exciting potential employer. Our Construction Career Day event is the ideal opportunity for everyone in our construction community to take action and get involved. If you are an employer looking to expand, don’t wait for potential candidates to read your job postings and then send you their resumes – come meet with them face-to-face, promote your organization, and encourage more people to become a part of our growing and dynamic industry. If you are a student or a job seeker, don’t wait for a potential employer to seek you out – you can make the first move by showing up, learning about all the opportunities that exist right now, and meeting one-on-one with interested companies who are looking for motivated, career-focused people just like you. We’re looking forward to an exciting day of education, opportunity, and coming together as we strengthen and promote our local construction community. We hope to see you there! BUILDING YOUR FUTURE.
TITLE SPONSORS SPONSORSHIP RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE TOUR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION LUNCH PROVIDED CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAREER FAIR SAVE THE DATE WHO SHOULD ATTEND STUDENTS JOB SEEKERS PARENTS TEACHERS & GUIDANCE COUNSELORS BUILDING YOUR FUTURE.
PLATINUM SPONSOR | $1,500 Includes logo on all marketing materials, featured in our event video, item placed in goodie bag, social media shout outs, (1) vendor table & event signage (Only 10 Available) GOLD SPONSOR | $1,000 Includes logo on all marketing materials, item placed in goodie bag, social media shout outs, (1) vendor table & event signage SILVER SPONSOR | $500 Includes logo on all marketing materials, item placed in goodie bag, (1) vendor table & event signage VENDOR TABLE | $250 Includes (1) vendor table NON-MEMBERS $650 Includes (1) vendor table & Builders Exchange Membership for (1) year TITLE SPONSORS SPONSORSHIP RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE TOUR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION LUNCH PROVIDED CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAREER FAIR SAVE THE DATE WHO SHOULD ATTEND STUDENTS JOB SEEKERS PARENTS TEACHERS & GUIDANCE COUNSELORS SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
*Vendor Table includes (1) 6' Table. Additional table/space subject to additional charge.
CONTACT JENNA@ROBEX.COM OR CALL 585.586.5460 TO REGISTER PLATINUM SPONSOR | $1,500 Includes logo on all marketing materials, featured in our event video, item placed in goodie bag, social media shout outs, (1) vendor table & event signage (Only 10 Available)
