Ever wonder how people progress from being simple hammer hands to becoming managers of major construction projects? It’s not an easy task, but it can be done with hard work and dedication, as well as a good understanding of the actual steps you need to take to reach your goals. Here are the key steps you need to take to move up the construction career ladder and reach site manager status in no time at all.
Yes, it is possible for you to move up the construction career ladder quickly. However, this is not an easy thing to do, and will take time, hard work, and dedication. If you are passionate about construction and want to become a site manager, then this is how you can progress your way up the ladder – a step at a time.
An apprenticeship is the best way to gain construction industry knowledge and skills that lead to valuable certifications. Starting with a trade apprenticeship will teach you the fundamentals of your chosen field while opening up opportunities for future leadership positions. Apprenticeships are an affordable alternative to other tertiary education – in fact, you will actually earn money while you learn! Construction apprenticeships typically take 3-5 years, though some fields can take up to 7 years or more. The time spent on an apprenticeship not only qualifies you for higher wages and a better chance at employment when looking for work but also offers many of the benefits offered by formal education without the high price tag (no horrific student loans to pay off!) Plus, on-the-job training in this competitive industry is invaluable!
Credentials can be the difference between being hired and not, getting a promotion or not. You can start by proving your competence in what you’re doing now – work hard and show initiative. You can also be on the lookout for certification opportunities, as these prove a certain level of expertise. From there, it’s all about where you want to go – do you have an idea of the position in which you want to specialise? Do some research and find out who is in charge of what at your company, then take steps towards building relationships with them.
If you are currently in construction and want to advance your career, start by contacting your current supervisor. Let them know what you are looking for next and what skills you have acquired. Don’t just stop at supervisors though; chat with the people around you – they may have valuable information about higher positions in their company or others in the same industry. And of course, if there is a position open that matches your qualifications, apply!
Successful site managers are those who are the most well-rounded and driven. They continually work to improve their skills, and they know that continuous learning is crucial for career growth. Staying up-to-date on new building techniques, better management techniques, and cost reductions will not only help you reach your goals faster but will also make you more marketable to employers. This commitment will keep you at the forefront of the construction industry so that as opportunities arise you can take advantage of them.
