It's easy to get the wrong idea about working in construction. There's enough strange myths and jokes going around that the general public's perception can sometimes be clouded. In reality, the truth about working in construction may surprise you. Here are a few examples of myths people tend to have about the construction industry that we’re prepared to debunk.
1 - Construction Is All About Tools, Tools and Tools
Reality: The construction industry is full of designers, architects, planners, supervisors, tech designers, workers and more. Each job does not start and finish in the yard. Think of a construction crew as something like the Avengers, using their specific abilities, skills, and talents to do things many others can’t - namely construct something from beginning to end. Many times workers are forced to make split-second decisions on the jobsite or think outside the box to solve problems.
2 - Anyone Can Get a Job in the Construction Industry
Reality: Most construction workers being uneducated is a myth and an insulting one at that. Just to survive in construction requires having a grasp on basic physics, math or design. Construction isn’t a dead-end job either - oftentimes, you’re working with set hours and a solid wage to start with. It offers a variety of challenges for the ever-evolving skill set. Many people in the construction industry, in fact, acquire a degree or diploma in the trades in order to improve their skills and demand higher wages in a workforce that rewards quick hands and smart thinking.
3 - There’s No Such Thing as Advancement
Reality: Actually, you’re likely to be rewarded for good work and due diligence in construction. Education is important to many, with plenty of firms, groups and worksites offering training for those looking to improve their skills. Whether it's through self-training, on-the-job training, or acquiring the skillset to start your own business, advancement is possible.
4 - It’s A Dangerous Field of Work
Reality: Reckless behaviour can lead to an unsafe experience working in construction but that can be applied to any workforce. Thanks to the initiative of agencies like OSHA, job sites have steadily become safer over the past thirty years. Whether that means hosting orientations and training sessions, devising risk management plans or favouring equipment designed with safety first, adopting a safer work culture is “in” and companies and workers are beginning to wise up to that.
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