Helpful Job Resource Blog

Over the past few years, the USA has dealt with an acute shortage of skilled labor. As of January 2019, there were as many as 7.6 million unfilled construction jobs in the country. During this time, only 6.5 million people were looking for these jobs, which means the country needs more construction workers! To bridge the gap, the US government announced $1.5 trillion for infrastructure construction, indicating that things are going in the right direction.

If your company is looking for construction workers, here are some qualities to look for:

Analytical skills

A good construction worker can read the blueprint and determine what the final infrastructure will look when the project comes to an end. They must be well-versed enough to calculate angles and measurements and make adjustments to the plan accordingly. They should be able to point out mistakes in the blueprint and rectify them. A construction worker must also possess knowledge of construction reports, material cost estimation, construction management, and the entire design process. There will be lots of problems on-site. The worker should be able to address them immediately.

If the worker is in charge of a team, it’s their job to give instructions and help other team members understand the project design. It’s also imperative that they’re a good listener and can comprehend instructions well. They should be smart enough to ask questions if there’s a lack of clarity.

The construction business is quite similar to most other businesses in many ways. The worker should have basic knowledge of record-keeping, budgeting, information management, written communication, phone etiquette, and scheduling. 

Technical knowledge

Technical knowledge is as crucial as physical competence. A construction worker should possess sound knowledge of materials, tools, and other equipment. They should be aware of the safety hazards associated with the misuse of this equipment. 

A good construction worker is well aware of the local building codes, safety codes, environmental regulations, and labor agreements. Entry-level workers don’t have to enforce these regulations, but they must comply with them. When an inspector comes for a site visit, they’ll appreciate it if the construction workers know their regulations and codes well.

It’s a bonus if the worker is abreast of the latest industry news and developments. They don’t necessarily have to be experts. Just a general round-up of these events works well.

Physical dexterity

Construction jobs require a lot of manual labor. There will be tasks like bending, lifting, digging, climbing, and operating heavy tools. All of these tasks require high stamina and physical endurance. The worker must also possess excellent hand-eye and multi-limb coordination. They should be able to move their hands quickly and assemble objects and tools using both hands. Construction jobs need workers to be fast and active, whether they’re sitting, lying, or standing.

If you’re on the lookout for the right staff for your construction or restoration company? OPS Staffing will take care of the entire recruitment process! Get in touch.