Construction is a mentally and physically demanding sector that requires a wide range of skills from construction workers to succeed. Construction projects require a diverse set of tasks and working situations that, with the right talents, can be extremely rewarding. Here, we’ll show you what construction skills are required for success in this industry.

1. What are construction skills?

Construction is everything that has to do with the planning and erecting of physical structures. While most construction positions begin with mundane, demanding activities on the job site, those who have worked in the sector for a long time can eventually lead entire construction teams for large projects when they obtain enough experience and skills.

Specific construction skills include many kinds of tasks such as bricklaying, carpentry, pouring cement, putting up drywall, and installing specific types of equipment. Even if it is not directly related to the job for which you are seeking, be sure to inform your prospective employer what duties you have performed and how much experience you have.

Construction skills
Which construction skills does a worker need?

2. Why are construction skills important?

Construction skills can help you obtain a job in the construction firm, perform well on the job, and grow your professional profile by supplementing and increasing your current skill set. If you update yourself with professional skills you can get a potential career path with ideal salary because construction work pays highly in many cases. 

These skills are particularly useful, as the construction business expands, additional opportunities open up – often both within and outside of your specialty. Furthermore, many construction skills seem to be transferable, which means you can apply them to other professions.

3. Common skills in construction you should know

3.1. Physical skills

Construction is a physically demanding sector in which many on-site tasks require physical strength and stamina. Physical strength and heavy lifting will be required in approximately half of all construction jobs. A strong foundation for strength and stamina is a valuable asset. This does not imply that you must be the strongest member of your team. Those with other skills and talents can thrive at tasks that are less strength-focused. Construction workers will need correct posture and form both outside and indoors to undertake manual activities safely and productively.

3.2. Technical building skills

Technical expertise cannot be disregarded while discussing the skills required for construction. About 36 percent of contractors fail as a result of a lack of proper training, experience, and knowledge of major types of construction. Skilled construction workers should be conversant with building materials and have experience with tools used in the construction, maintenance, and restoration of buildings, roadways, bridges, ships, and other structures. A proficient construction laborer should also be familiar with mechanical tools, machine operation, and equipment maintenance.

3.3. Design skills

Design is one of the skills needed for construction. You should be able to interpret a blueprint whether you are creating the project yourself or following someone else’s plan. You must also have a good understanding of design so that you can discover flaws or faults; while rare, plans can contain inaccuracies. You may also need to make decisions about what materials to use or how to schedule different phases of the project, so having a thorough understanding of the design is essential.

3.4. Basic math and language skills

Basic arithmetic and language abilities are required for construction jobs. Skilled construction employees in all crafts must also pay close attention to a construction contractor’s specifications. Basic math and algebra can help you estimate how much material you’ll need for a project. To minimize waste, you would need to be as precise as possible when measuring, cutting, and placing items. Construction employees must also be able to read and understand blueprints and other work-related documentation.

3.5. Technology skills

One of the most significant construction developments that will affect the business in the next few years is technology. Today’s construction employees must be willing to learn new softwares, apps, and devices that make construction easier in order to stay competitive in the market. Some common technologies you may need to enhance construction skills include: Mobile apps, Building information modeling, Virtual reality, Augmented reality, Estimating software, Drones,…

Technology skills
Apply technology skills in construction industry

>> Read more: How Construction Technology Impacts the Industry

3.6. Communication skills

Soft skills in construction industry is also important. If you want to achieve and advance in the construction industry, you must be able to communicate and collaborate with others. Honest and prompt communication is beneficial for fostering a positive work environment, identifying and resolving difficulties, and ultimately saving the employer money so that a construction project may be completed on time and on budget.

To ensure that work on any project is completed appropriately, construction employees must be confident in their ability to write emails, messages, and other papers. You’ll use these abilities on a daily basis, for as when ordering supplies, taking measurements, or conversing with coworkers.

>> Read more: Teamwork in construction

3.7. Management skills

Although not all construction positions require management or leadership abilities, having them opens up more opportunities for progression. Contractors must be capable of managing work sites, making estimates and negotiating costs, performing quality control, and reaching out to potential clients.

In the construction industry, being self-reliant is a valuable talent. If you manage your time and tasks well, you’ll be more effective at your job. Knowing how to successfully manage your time on the job site is an excellent method to demonstrate initiative and perform jobs quickly and efficiently.

4. How to make your skills stand out?

 

skills for construction
How to make your skills stand out?

4.1. Include relevant construction skills in your resume

Review your employment history and make note of any skills or experience you have in specific occupations or professions. Even if you are applying for a job for which you have no prior experience, having knowledge of abilities in related fields can be beneficial to the company.

4.2. Emphasize abilities in your cover letter

Unless you’re applying for a management position, most construction jobs don’t require a cover letter. In that instance, be sure to highlight a crew or two that you led to a successful accomplishment of a construction project.

4.3. Describe how your skills will benefit your prospective employer

Make sure your construction skills are relevant to the needs of the organization you’re applying to. If you identify and discuss technology talents on your resume, for example, you may explain how such skills complement a company’s aim of supplying clients with new building services.

In summary, workers with essential construction skills will be able to handle any task and develop into effective, well-rounded builders. Whether you’re just getting started in the construction sector or seeking a specialized trade, the more actively you work toward upgrading or gaining skills, the more likely you are to succeed in it.

When starting a construction career, it is critical that you pass a CSCS test to demonstrate that you are fully certified to operate safely on-site. Study with our CSCS Practice Test to improve your understanding of health and safety on construction sites and make it easier to achieve your CSCS card.