Construction Helper - Job Description

Construction Helper - Job DescriptionConstruction Helper - Job DescriptionA construction helper assistsconstructiontradespeople- plumbers,electricians,carpenters,masons, painters, welders, and roofers- on construction sites. He or she performs basic tasks that require moderate training. For example, a helper carries materials and tools, hands tools to tradespeople when they request them, and cleans work areas. Quick Facts In 2016, median annual salariesby trade were $29,530 (electricians helpers) $29,030 (plumbers helpers) $30,570 (masons helpers) $28,810 (carpenters helpers) construction helpers working in other trades earned median annual salaries of $29,270.In 2014, over 183,000 people worked in this field. There were69,000 electricians helpers,52,000plumbers helpers,24,000masons helpers, and40,000 carpentershelpers.Thejob outlookvaries by trade and depends on activity in the construction industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to grow for each specialty. T he BLS designates electricians helper and masons helper as bright outlook occupations due to job growth the government agency predicts will be much faster than the average for all occupations through 2024. How to Become a Construction Helper You wont need a formal education, other than a high school or equivalency diploma, to become a construction helper. Your employer will provide on-the-job training, usually delivered by experienced workers. Alternatively, some individuals who want to become helpers choose to do an apprenticeship. In addition to on-the-job training, they also learn technical skills in a classroom setting. They usually spend two to four years as an apprentice and are paid for their time. Soft Skills You will need specificsoft skills, or personal qualities, to succeed in this field. Active Listening Excellent listening skills will allow you to follow instructions. Failure to do so on a construction site can be hazardous.Coordination You must be able to coor dinate your actions with those of the tradesperson you are assisting.Critical Thinking The ability to evaluate your choices when solving problems and making decisions is essential.Monitoring You must be able to evaluate your own performance. Roles and Responsibilities What is it like to be a construction helper? For answers, we looked at job announcements on Indeed.com. Heres are some job duties we found Assist to install, connect and test complete water and sanitary piping systems (Plumbers Helper)Cut or drill openings as may be necessary for installation or repair of plumbing pipes or fixtures (Plumbers Helper)Clean and maintain tools test equipment and job sites (Electricians Helper)Watch for hazards and report any concerns to your supervisor or safety professional (Electricians Helper)Remove damaged stone, brick, or mortar, and clean and prepare surfaces (Masons Helper)Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saw (Carpenters Help er) Grinds, sands, and polishes surfaces such as concrete or wood (Carpenters Helper) What You Should Know About Being a Construction Helper Jobs are typically full time.The work is physically demanding. You will have to lift heavy materials and tools.Expect to work outdoors in all types of weather.This job isnt for anyone who has a fear of heights or enclosed spaces as you will find yourself working in both environments at times.There are more reported injuries, some fatal, in this occupation than in any other. What ?Employers Expect From You Here are some requirements from actual job announcements found onIndeed.com Knowledge of arithmetic, basic geometry, and their applications to carpentry (Carpenters Helper)Ability to work at elevated heights (Electricians Helper)Mustbe willing to learn the principles, methods, tools, and equipment used in the trade (Plumbers Helper)Ability to follow oral and written instructions (Electricians Helper)Solid organizational skills (Masons Helper)Must become knowledgeable and have the ability to safely operate hand and power tools (Plumbers Helper)Must be detail oriented and have good verbal skills and a neat/clean appearance (Electricians Helper) Is this occupation a good fit for you? Yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related valuesmake up who you are and can play a significant role in your success in any occupation. Having the following traits indicate you could have a successful career as a construction helper Interests(Holland Code) RCE (Social, Realistic, Enterprising)Personality font(Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator MBTI) ESTJ, ESTPWork-Related Values Support, Relationships, Working Conditions, Independence Related Occupations DescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2016)Minimum Required Education/TrainingConstruction LaborerPrepare and clean up construction sites$33,430HS or Equivalency Diploma + On-the-Job TrainingPlumberInstalls pipes and related fixtures$51,450HS or Equivalency Diploma + 4-5 yea r apprenticeshipElectricianInstalls wiring and electrical components in residences and commercial buildings$52,720HS or Equivalency Diploma + 4-5 year apprenticeshipCarpenterBuilds and installs wood, fiberglass and drywall structures$43,600HS or Equivalency Diploma + 3-4 year apprenticeshipMasonBuilds brick, stone or concrete block structures$49,250 (Brickmasons/Blockmasons)$39,780 (Stonemasons)HS or Equivalency Diploma + 3-4 year apprenticeship Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201617 Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NET Online(visited 10/25/17).