If you’re like a lot of people looking for a new job, you might have heard that there are many opportunities in the trades. But what are construction trades, exactly – and how do you get started in a trades career?
Today, the trades offer a very accessible entry point to an exciting and high-paying career. To get started, you’ll need training. But you might be surprised at how readily available you training options are!
Let’s take a look at the construction trades, including what they are, examples of trades careers, and how much they pay. We’ll also look at what it takes to get your foot in the door for a fulfilling trades career.
The construction industry offers a wide range of rewarding careers, from carpentry and electrical to management and design. However, entering the field can seem daunting without construction experience or education. Fortunately, many resources are available to start learning construction basics at any age or stage in your career.
Learning about construction takes a mix of reading, hands-on practice, networking and formal education. By utilizing free and low-cost options, you can gain a solid base of knowledge to determine if a construction career is right for you.
Here are 10 tips to begin mastering construction fundamentals
1. Get an Entry-Level Construction Position
One of the best ways to learn is by doing Look for entry-level jobs such as construction helper, laborer or trade assistant positions with residential or commercial building companies Start by searching job boards, company websites and listings with local contractors associations and unions.
While the work is physically demanding you’ll gain firsthand experience and familiarity with construction site operations equipment, materials and workflows. Observational skills are key. Ask questions when appropriate and follow experienced workers’ leads. Keep safety top priority.
Entry-level positions provide the ideal opportunity to get your foot in the door and decide if you want to pursue a career in a certain construction trade. You’ll also make connections and learn about advancement opportunities.
2. Read About Construction
Consider picking up a couple introductory books or textbooks on building construction. This will give you a sense of the scope, processes and principles involved. Useful topics to read up on include:
- Construction equipment, site planning and preparation
- Building foundations, framing, roofing, siding and finishes
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fire protection systems
- Properties of construction materials like wood, steel, concrete and masonry
- Building codes, regulations, permits and inspections
Reference books with diagrams and illustrations are extremely helpful for visualizing concepts. You can also find free construction primers and guides online to start expanding your core knowledge.
3. Use Video Resources
One excellent way to learn about construction methods is through online video content. Viewing procedures and sequences helps commit them to memory and makes written concepts more tangible.
YouTube has many educational construction channels where licensed pros share their expertise. Useful videos cover topics like:
- Operating equipment and tools
- Step-by-step installation and finishing processes
- Project walkthroughs highlighting key stages
- DIY tutorials related to home building/remodeling
- Tradecraft tips and best practices
- Career advice from construction veterans
Follow channels in your desired trade like carpentry, plumbing or HVAC installation. Streaming services also have construction-themed shows that showcase projects from start to finish.
4. Consider Joining a Mentorship
Hands-on learning opportunities are invaluable for advancing construction skills. A great way to gain experience is through a mentorship program.
Some companies, associations, training centers and nonprofit groups connect those new to the industry with seasoned construction professionals for one-on-one mentoring relationships. Meetings allow mentees to ask questions, observe work sites, receive feedback and build networks.
Mentors take a vested interest in developing promising young talent. Be an engaged, respectful mentee by showing up prepared for meetings and applying advice. Make the most of the mentor’s knowledge.
5. Take Online Courses
Online learning platforms provide affordable and flexible ways to build construction knowledge at your own pace. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer free introductory courses on topics like:
- Construction management
- Construction finance/accounting
- Construction safety
- Construction law
- Green building practices
EdX, Coursera and Udemy have extensive construction course libraries with selections lasting from 1 hour to 8 weeks. Fees for graded assignments/certs range $50-$150 but most content is free.
Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning have thousands of construction classes as well. Their monthly subscriptions start around $15. Target skills specific to your interests like electrical work or cost estimating.
6. Enroll in College Programs
Pursuing an undergraduate degree or certificate in construction management would give you in-depth classroom and lab instruction. Typical courses cover:
- Construction graphics/plan reading
- Materials and methods
- Structural systems and design
- Mechanical and electrical systems
- Estimating and scheduling
- Construction safety
- Project management
- Construction law/contracts
You’ll also gain working knowledge of important industry software programs like Building Information Modeling (BIM).
This path offers solid prep for supervisory and managerial roles. The downsides are time commitment and tuition costs. But scholarships and apprenticeships that “earn while you learn” are options.
7. Attend Conferences
Industry conferences and trade shows provide multi-day immersion into the latest construction practices, technologies, regulations, and career education. There are national events held annually that you can look into attending:
- Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Annual Convention
- Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Annual Conference
- Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) National Conference & Trade Show
- Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Conference
- International Builders’ Show (IBS) – National Association of Home Builders
Check for regional conferences as well. Joining relevant associations as a student member will make these events more affordable. You’ll also expand your professional network.
8. Accomplish Projects
As you gain more knowledge, start taking on DIY or volunteer building projects to apply your skills. Building a backyard shed, helping construct a community playground or assisting with disaster relief housing makes lessons stick. Join groups like Habitat for Humanity for hands-on experience.
If possible, intern or apprentice with an experienced contractor to advance practical abilities. Work on sites helps align classroom learning with real-world construction. You may even discover a particular niche or specialty that interests you.
9. Seek a Mentor
Finding an individual mentor who can offer advice and guidance can provide many benefits as you navigate a construction career. A supportive mentor helps you:
- Learn specialized skills
- Troubleshoot challenges
- Network and make job connections
- Get candid feedback on strengths/weaknesses
- Brainstorm education and career goals
- Improve confidence and leadership abilities
Seek out respected veterans who are engaged teachers and take an interest in your growth. Be proactive by asking specific questions. Schedule jobsite walkthroughs to gain insights. Express your appreciation.
10. Join Associations
Professional construction associations provide a wealth of education, resources and networking opportunities. Memberships offer access to:
- Online learning – webinars/courses
- In-person training, conferences and events
- Job boards and career advancement tools
- Mentorship and apprenticeship programs
- Forums to exchange advice and ideas
- Discounts on certifications, software, products
Leading groups include the AGC, ABC, CMAA, NAHB and construction trade unions. Join student chapters or follow groups on social media. Attend local association meetings to build connections.
Start Learning Today
Don’t wait to take the first steps in boosting your construction acumen. Begin applying these tips to:
- Develop core competencies
- Sharpen your focus on ideal roles
- Make informed education and career choices
- Build your professional network and credentials
The industry needs motivated new talent. With consistent effort and the right resources, you can position yourself for success and satisfaction in construction long into the future.
Have you been asking, “What are construction trades?” Here’s your answer.
The construction trades are careers where workers apply hands-on skills to build or repair physical structures and systems. If you’re indoors right now, construction tradespeople built the building you’re sitting in. Are you outdoors? Look around you. Trades professionals built all of the roads, sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, and structures within your field of vision.
So, the construction trades are jobs where you build things. But do tradespeople know how to build all of those structures?
Yes and no. You see, when you’re a trades professional, you get to specialize.
On a construction site, you’ll see:
- Framers who install the building framing, whether it’s wood or steel
- Plumbers who construct the plumbing systems and install plumbing fixtures
- Carpenters who measure, shape, and install wood structures
- Heavy equipment operators who drive bulldozers, diggers, cranes, and other machines
- Concrete finishers who shape concrete inside and outside the structure
- Electricians who wire up the whole building for power
- HVAC technicians who install and configure the building’s heating and cooling system
And so on! All of these individuals are construction trades professionals. They probably started out in a general capacity, handling small jobs on a construction site or more specific duties under the supervision of an experienced tradesperson. Eventually, they gained enough experience to handle those specific jobs themselves.
In other words, they acquired skills. And when you have skills that others don’t have, you can make a really great living.
How much money do you make in the construction trades?
Wages and salaries in the trades vary widely, but there are three things that are true across the board:
- You start out making less but can quickly start making more if you stick with it and gain experience.
- Experienced specialists can earn a really really good living.
- Employers typically offer great benefits, including health and dental insurance, life and disability coverage, and retirement plans.
How much construction pays really depends on the kind of job you have, how experienced you are, and what part of the country you live in.
At the time of writing (early 2023), a new construction tradesperson with no experience might earn $14 to $20 per hour in his or her first position. That being said, most of these workers will qualify for a wage increase in just 3 to 6 months as they gain experience. Then after 6 to 9 months, it’s common for workers to move into salaried positions.
Salaries in construction vary, but they can range anywhere from $30,000 to $90,000. And they only go up the longer you’re on the job!
As an experienced construction trades professional, you can earn a lot of money. Here are a few average construction job salaries according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER):
- Sheet Metal Worker: $61,776
- Drywall Installer: $54,473
- Commercial Electrician: $65,398
- Electronic Systems Technician: $72,179
- Pipe Welder: $70,482
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic: $66,284
- Plumber: $73,320
- Structural Welder: $62,446
- Heavy equipment operator: $62,910
- HVAC Technician: $65,341
