7 Skills Needed to be a Construction Worker

So many people assume that being a construction worker is an easy job. Or that they need no qualification at all to earn a living. However, construction workers not only have to be physically fit but also mentally alert. Even though the job is straightforward, unforeseen problems can happen anytime. And if the worker isn't responsible enough, it can lead to a major accident or even death.

However, working as a construction worker is definitely a rewarding job that comes with a lot of perks. As of November 2021, the construction industry in Australia employed around 1143,600 people. So if you also wish to become a construction worker, here are some important skills you must have.

1. Physical strength

This, of course, is an obvious trait of all construction workers. You must be physically fit and strong enough to lift and carry heavy loads.

Not only that, you also have to maintain the correct posture while carrying different kinds of materials.

So make sure you work out daily and do a lot of weight training. Even if you can't pick up heavy weights in the present, start practicing with lighter dumbbells. 

2. Physical endurance 

This is closely related to physical strength, but they're not exactly the same. For example, when you're building a new house or an apartment, you never know the weather conditions you'll have to face. One day, you might have to work under the scorching sun, and the very next day, you might have to clear puddles formed due to rain. Then, on other days, you might need to work on a breezy day.

So, as a worker, you need to endure temperature and weather extremities. In addition, you must train your body to endure all kinds of rapid changes. Even if you get sick often, you must figure out ways to stabilize your immune system from overreacting.

3. Skills in tool operation and engineering

Any construction worker needs to understand how to operate basic tools. If you're not good at handling them, there is a high chance of injuring yourself or someone else. Some of the most common tools that workers use are hammers, saws, and electric drills.

You also need technical knowledge to implement your skills perfectly. Many construction workers fail due to a lack of proper training, and you don't want to end up like that. You also need to know how to skillfully tear down an existing building or construction to make a new one in its place.

Suppose you wish to know more about operating all kinds of equipment with the basics of engineering, such as carpentry, masonry, and welding. In that case, you can join classes and courses with Construction Training Victoria and amplify or perfect your skills. You might also consider enrolling in Combination Welding Training to broaden your skill set and enhance your understanding of various construction techniques.

You can also learn new skills and get the necessary certifications to land a construction job.

4. Good hand-eye coordination

Agility and good hand-eye coordination are essential skills required during construction work. You must lie down, sit, or stand for long hours when building something, especially if it's a big house or a commercial building. So you need to move both your arms and legs in the right direction to avoid making mistakes. Skilled workers also have good eyesight to read fine print and map lines.

5. Familiarity with safety protocols

In any industry, the workers and employees are supposed to understand and learn the safety protocols by heart. In construction work, too, you should be very clear about the emergency protocols. For example, know buildings' safety limits, heights, and materials used to construct them. Your local government must have laid down construction guidelines, so be sure to follow them.

6. Proficiency in math

Believe it or not, mathematics and calculation are integral parts of construction. Therefore, a skilled worker always has a good knowledge of geometry and measurement and proficiency in basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Even reading skills are important as you must read blueprints, code specifications, and other work-related documents.

7. Sharp memory

You can't become an expert construction worker if your memory is poor. Since construction depends a lot on calculations and design, you must remember all the previous work you've done to proceed to the next.

Moreover, a worker who has to be repeatedly told to do a specific job won't be well-liked by their clients. You need to be independent and self-sufficient to become a good worker.

Over to you… 

If you're interested in becoming a construction worker, enroll in the best class to begin your career with a good head start!