Construction companies are classified based on the type of work they engage in, whether large- or small-scale projects and whether they work on their own. Take a look.

General contractors

General contractors are employed by clients, usually architects, to oversee a construction site and manage trade with vendors. They usually work with companies and landowners. They evaluate plans, draw up estimates and manage the execution of projects.

Construction managers

Construction managers work in almost the same capacity of a general contractor. They oversee a project from start to finish by planning, coordinating, budgeting and supervising work. They also work in a mediating capacity by developing communication mechanisms to resolve conflicts.

Design-builders

Design-builders not only oversee construction but also design and engineer structural components. They work alone by combining the design and construction phase of a project, the opposite of the design-bid-build process.

Trade contractors

Trade contractors are sub-contractors who specialize in a field of work like plumbing, painting, masonry and electrical work. They work for prime contractors and property owners.

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Residential

Residential projects consist of dwellings for people. These could be houses, apartment buildings, condos, townhouses, farmhouses, cottages etc. The plan for the structure is generally designed by architects and engineers who in turn employ other workers to do the job. Aside from merely building a structure, there are the electrical, plumbing and mechanical aspects to be factored in.

Institutional and commercial

Structures like hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, clinics and the like fall under institutional projects while others like hotels, stadiums, restaurants and malls are clubbed under commercial. The scale of work is huge, with a lot of money, planning, execution, manpower and effort put in.

Industrial

Industrial projects are the most expensive as the structures are massive with plants, factories and industries making up the sector. The structures are for-profit and on a much larger scale than commercial construction projects.

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Backhoes

Backhoes are diggers that excavate earth using an articulated arm at the end of which sits a bucket-like component. Using hydraulics, the arm is able to dig up large amounts of earth rapidly to make way for trenches, cable lines, water lines and other components that need to be laid underground.

Forklifts

Forklifts are usually employed in warehouses but can also be seen on construction sites. Since they bear huge weights, untrained hands can cause disasters that may prove to be fatal. As such, training is required.

Cranes

A crane is a heavy equipment vehicle with a very long boom on which is attached wire ropes, hoists and sheaves.
Unlike forklifts, cranes have a very long reach and can lift and transport heavier materials.

Graders

Graders are equipped with a long blade to build flat surfaces like dirt and gravel roads. Some countries use them for snow removal. Like other heavy equipment, graders need skilled people to operate them as they function differently from ordinary vehicles.

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Primary duties

• Construction project managers plan a project in phases or steps and add deadlines to each stage.

• They hire workers, mediate and trade with vendors for materials and equipment and coordinate between the two and clients.

• They inspect every phase of the project to ensure that it complies with building codes and other safety standards.

• They make necessary changes to plans based on input from clients, architects, technicians and engineers.

• They obtain permits and licenses pertaining to construction projects.

• They also need to stay within the budget by overseeing costs on a daily/weekly basis.

What with so much on their plate project managers need to have certain traits. Problem-solving skills are at the top of the list as no project is without hindrances during the construction phase. Adherence to deadlines is second as time wasted is money wasted, not just for the manager but for the workers, vendors and the clients as well.

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All construction companies require that potential employees have experience working in their related fields. Be it structural or civil engineering, architecture or project management, there’s a vital need to have real-life experience as you’ll be tasked with ensuring that infrastructural components adhere to guidelines for safety, environmental and comfort reasons.

An apprenticeship involves students or new workers gaining practical experience in the fields of carpentry, ironwork, welding, mechanics, technology and any area related to the industry. It opens doors for people unable to complete higher education as on-job training is considered at par and sometimes superior to mere academics.

A very attractive feature of an apprenticeship is that you get to earn while being trained. Not only does this work in your favor but it benefits your employer too. He gets to harness and hone new talent for a lower cost while you become proficient in your field and build opportunities to further your career.

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Labor or managerial?

What position are you looking for? Is it managerial or labor? The first requires a degree in a related field and the latter doesn’t. A managerial post will require you to oversee phases of construction while labor work will require you to perform physical work.

What are you skilled at?

Choose a job that’s relevant to your skills. It could be something to do with carpentry, masonry, architecture or structural engineering. Unless you have knowledge in several fields, stick to what you’re qualified or skilled to do.

Apprentice

Apprentice with a construction company by staying informed about which companies offer apprenticeships. Keep your
eyes peeled about jobs by reading the newspapers which is the main medium through which you can learn who’s hiring.

Get in touch with contractors

Speak to local contractors and leave your resume with them. Even if they aren’t hiring at the moment, they’re likely to consider your application when it’s time to hire.

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Accreditation

Check to see if the agency is accredited with a national and professional body. Such a body will set standards and regulations that agencies need to follow.

Reputation

A sure-fire way to check a firm’s reputation is by going online and comparing lists. A noted agency will have contacts with construction companies of global or national repute.

Updated jobs

Successful agencies will have a list of jobs that are updated frequently. This is because they’re in contact with many construction companies in need of personnel.

Types of jobs

Look for recruitment firms that have a myriad of job profiles suited to your expertise. Recheck your resume and update it periodically with information relevant to the profile you’re looking for.

Stay informed

Sign up with several firms at once and subscribe to their newsletters. Keep checking your inbox for updates. If it seems that the firm isn’t sending you anything relevant ditch it and hunt for a new one.

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It’s an exciting time for the industry which is witnessing a growing boom (once again) as the world slowly comes out of the last recession. There’s a constant demand for residential establishments, companies are expanding and people go in search of jobs. Maybe you have an interest in technology or design and you’d like to make money out of your skills. Or perhaps you favor hard work and working with heavy equipments. Whatever it is, there’s a very high chance that you’ll find it in the construction industry.

However you choose to go about entering the sector, you’ll likely to find satisfaction. Once you’ve gained the necessary qualifications and/or skills, you can register with a recruitment agency or play it by ear. Based on what you have to offer and how good you are at your job, you’ll be employed by a construction company and can further your career.

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Project managers

Project managers are tasked with planning and executing a project. They generally work on behalf of clients, using their expertise to realize their clients’ visions. Many specialize in one or more fields although almost all hold a bachelor’s degree as minimum academic qualification.

Architects

Architects are the more visible and well-known types of construction workers. Tasked with designing buildings and overseeing their construction, they need to have at least 2 years of experience working in the industry in addition to a degree in architecture.

Civil engineers

Civil engineers don’t simply design and construct a building; they also need to take public health and the environment into consideration. They need to have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.

Structural engineers

Structural engineers shoulder the responsibility of designing and constructing systems that are safe and comfortable to use. Unlike architects, they focus more on the technical aspects of construction rather than aesthetics.

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Eye gear

Eye protection will consist of welding, chemical splash and protective goggles. The lens and the frame are made of shatter-resistant plastic with efforts being made to ensure ideal optics.

Hand protection

Hand protection gear are gloves that protect hands from chemicals, aggressive liquids, extreme heat and cold, abrasive surfaces and for performing precision work. The gloves are generally made of rubber and latex.

Ear protection

Ear protection doesn’t only imply protecting the ears but more so the hearing. These will consist of ear plugs and muffs, some electronic in design to increase ambient hearing but decrease very loud noise.
Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection wear are those that guard the respiratory tract against pollutants hazardous to health. Think respirator masks and filter cartridges.

Head protection

Head protection will include face shield visors, hard hats and welding masks.

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