In-demand Jobs Spotlight – Careers In Construction

Is the Construction Industry Growing?

The construction industry is growing and creating more jobs. Those who have an interest in starting or advancing their careers in construction are in a good position to have successful and rewarding careers.

Careers in Construction

Aerotek Business Development Executive Scott Minto has over 12 years of staffing experience in construction. We spoke with him to highlight the roles that are currently in high demand with excellent career growth opportunities. Minto believes that project managers, carpenters and pipe fitters are three of the most highly sought-after skills in construction today. All three skill sets require some experience or certification, but each offer workers competitive compensation and diverse paths for advancement.

Construction Project Managers

Construction Project Manager Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree

Similar Job Titles:

Construction Managers

What Do Construction Project Managers do?

More goes into constructing a building than the act of creating a new structure. The worksite must be analyzed, budgets must be managed, timelines and deadlines must be set. A project manager handles these aspects for one —sometimes more — construction projects. Construction project managers also work with the project owner, contractors and lower-level management to ensure everyone has what they need to complete the job on time and on budget. You’ll need significant experience managing construction projects to reach this level. However, the current lack of quality project managers is creating more opportunities for workers to climb the ladder.

Why is There Demand For Construction Project Managers?

Construction project management takes experience. Many workers who have that experience are currently at retirement age and leaving the workforce.

“When we talk about retirements, the biggest impact I’ve seen to our business and that of our clients is the lack of quality project managers,” says Minto.

Around 41% of the current construction workforce is projected to retire by 2031. This includes many Baby Boomers who currently hold management and leadership positions. The skills gap that many construction companies are struggling with now will likely only worsen with time. The good news for construction workers is that this trend should create more opportunities for advancement. 

Construction Carpenters

Construction Carpenter Education Requirements:

High School Diploma, Apprenticeship 

Similar Job Titles:

Finishing Carpenter
Commercial Carpenter
Installer

What Do Construction Carpenters Do?

Construction carpenters are skilled at building, installing and repairing structures made from wood, drywall and other materials. If you like creating various frameworks for buildings and having something new to do each day, then this could be the long-term career for you. Unlike project management, carpentry doesn’t require a significant investment in education. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training can both be avenues to careers in construction carpentry.

Are Carpenters in Demand?

There are more people employed as carpenters than any other skill set in the building trades. Like project managers, many carpenters are approaching retirement and that is creating opportunity for less experienced workers.

Also, the US government’s planned efforts to invest billions in repairing and renovating infrastructure presents an incredible opportunity for carpenters to build experience and grow their careers.

“Carpentry, whether it is steel, concrete, or wood, is always a skill set needed at a high relative volume on all projects large or small. As we get more complex projects due to the advances in robotics and new tech, we are seeing the other trades picking up specifically in the install of tools. Even still, carpentry is, and will continue to be a vital part of every build regardless off industry or build type,” says Minto.

Pipefitters

Pipefitter Education Requirements:

High School Diploma, Apprenticeship 

Similar Job Titles:

Steam Fitters

What Do Pipefitters Do?

Pipe fitters assemble, install and maintain pipe systems and supports. This can be related to both hydraulic and pneumatic equipment. As a pipefitter you may not always be on the jobsite. Designing the layout for the piping and building the pipes you’ll need to complete the job takes up a significant amount of time. Like carpenters, workers can start a career as a pipefitter without much investment in education. However, attending a trade school can help you build skills, establish industry connections and start your career with an excellent foundation for success.

Are Pipefitters in Demand?

Like the professions above, the most experienced pipe fitters are aging out of the workforce, creating a demand for new pipefitters. Additionally, new construction will also drive the demand for future pipefitters. Construction output is forecasted to grow by 32% through 2030. The new hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing plants and infrastructure improvements will keep pipe fitters in demand for well into the future.

“Pipefitters and plumbers continue to be a skill set that’s in high demand since a key component of all construction is the piping and plumbing systems. There is also constant demand in maintaining these systems. Industrial pipe fitters are often also skilled welders, and some have great maintenance backgrounds as well. It’s a great skill set to get into, especially since pipe fitters and plumbers also have opportunities outside of the construction industry,” says Minto.

The construction industry is forecasted to keep expanding due to the demand for new facilities and large infrastructure improvement projects. For workers with some construction skills — now is a good time to seek management positions. Or if you’re less experienced, there is also opportunity to enter the industry by focusing on a specific skill like carpentry or pipe fitting.

If you’re interested in discovering construction jobs in your area, visit our job board today.