By Kyle English, Resource Manager      

It’s time to take it to the next level. Finding a job in construction is the first step to pave the path for a successful future. What is your plan to get there? Do you know what you have to do to get to the top? The labor shortage in construction offers a great window of opportunity for professional growth and career success. In order to take advantage of the opportunity that lies ahead, you need to carefully carve out your steps. Knowing that this is not an easy project, we provide some advice that will help you develop your construction career and make a difference in the industry.

Keep Knowing
If you expect to develop your construction career without knowing what is going on in your field then you are not going to accomplish much. Having a construction job does not automatically mean that you can ignore change in the industry. How familiar are you with your field? Do you know how to use new machinery and tools? Do you wait for industry news to reach you or do you take action to educate yourself? Do you stay up-to-date with your certifications and licenses or do you wait until the last minute? Building a strong construction career means following the industry trends and keeping your construction skills sharp at all times.

Don’t Be Afraid
Another way to develop your construction career is to take on projects that add more experience to your professional background. It is great to have a permanent construction job but if you want to improve your construction skills you need to be open to short term projects that offer you the chance to learn new things. Remember that to become an expert in your field, you will need to work on tasks that add more value and increase your skills. Working with different foremen and different teammates allows you to be exposed to further opportunities for growth.

Build New Bridges
In construction, the more bridges you build, the more you grow your network, and the stronger foundation you lay to develop your construction career. Keep in mind that the construction industry is a space with high mobility and professionals move on to companies and projects frequently. Get to know your coworkers and superintendents every time you get a new construction job. This allows you to have connections with people who can refer you to new opportunities. Attend networking events, local or regional, to create new relationships and stay ahead of change in your field.

Don’t Go Blind
Putting your construction career on autopilot could end up in a big professional crash. With that said, develop your construction career by setting specific goals and expectations. Where do you want to see yourself in the next 5 years? How do you plan to make that happen? Build a plan that includes the steps you have to take to be successful and stick to it. Since there might be unexpected ups and downs during your career, make sure that you keep updating your goals and expectations according to these changes. No matter what, be prepared for the ride and avoid going in blind.

Talk to the Experts
Construction recruiters are willing to work with you and put in the effort to develop your construction career. They have so much knowledge of the construction industry that they know what it takes to stay current and they are going to ensure that you stay up-to-date. Their strong relationships with their customers enable them to introduce you to new and different opportunities that will grow your construction skills. With their network of contacts, they are able to find the right construction job that matches your strengths. Remember that their job is to look out for you and do whatever is needed to help you meet your career goals.

Key Takeaways to How to Shape Your Construction Career:
1.  Stay up-to-date with the industry trends and changes
2.  Take on projects that allow you to improve your construction skills
3.  Always try to expand your network of contacts
4.  Put in place a career plan with specific goals and expectations
5.  Work with a construction recruiter to develop your construction career

About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com