By Todd Bush, Resource Manager
You see it. Technology is continuously evolving and there is no way to stop that. The construction industry, like other industries, is feeling this change with new technologies, methods and tools that are being introduced and more that are on the way. How do you stay current with construction technology? Are you following the industry trends in order to build a strong construction career? If you feel out of your comfort zone and you don’t know where to start, take a look at the following hints to help you keep up with future construction technology.
Keep an Eye on Change
When you know what is happening in your industry, you are able to stay current with future construction technology and therefore boost your construction career. You are selected to do a job based on your skills. Knowing how to keep your skills sharp is really important. For example, are you in commercial construction or industrial construction? Depending on your answer, create up-to-date social media profiles to follow thought leaders, subscribe to online magazines and join internet forums. In other words, have an active online presence in order to initiate direct contact with changes in technology.
Know Local Rules
The era of picking up a book to catch up with the construction industry is coming to its end. How is future construction technology going to affect the state, city or town you work in? Are you moving to another area and need to find out the construction codes for that region? How do you stay current with your local codes? With smartphones and tablets around, you are able to find out about things like these with a click of the button. Keep searching local sites that are relevant to your specialty in order to be proactive and more receptive to change due to technology progress. You are going to be surprised by the outcome of your efforts.
Work with a Construction Recruiter
When it comes to future construction technology, keep in mind that a great way to line up with the industry trends is by reaching out to a construction recruiter and letting them bring you up to speed. They are the experts in the industry, and their job is to make sure that your construction career is built on a strong foundation. They are among the first to know about changes in the construction industry and they have insight into positions you are interested in. Team up with a qualified construction recruiter who knows his/her field and works hard to make you a viable candidate and employee.
Word of Mouth
You are out there working with other peers who most likely share the same interests and goals for their construction career as you. What is their take on future construction technology? Did they hear about upcoming industry developments or new tools that are coming out soon? Talking about sports or your company’s news is ok, but when you are meeting with coworkers find a way to bring the discussion around to industry change and local construction news. See if they have heard about or know of any new technologies, methods or tools that are going to be introduced and how they are going to have an impact on what you do on the worksite. What people hear of is a good place to start your research.
Don’t Let Go
Staying current with future construction technology is not an easy task. Construction technology is constantly changing and in order to be ready to adjust to it without a hitch you need to be aware of change beforehand. The more you work on being up-to-date with the industry, the more successful your construction career is going to be. Keeping an eye on change by researching, knowing of changes in your field, working with a construction recruiter and interacting with your network for industry news must be done on a regular basis. The more you put in, the more you get out.
Key Takeaways to Staying Current With Future Construction Technology:
1. Have an active, online presence in order to initiate direct contact with change in technology
2. Be aware of local rules to see how they affect construction technology
3. Work with a construction recruiter as they are among the first to know about change in technology
4. Interact with your network of contacts to find out about future construction technology
5. Dedicate time and effort to researching future construction technology
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
