Construction is one of the most essential trades around the globe, but many people shy away from the field if they fall for the eight common myths about the construction business noted below.
Construction is Dull
When you are employed in the construction business, you work every day on building structures and solving problems. For example, setting up steel metal buildings is a booming activity these days, and there are many kinds you can work on.
You also may get to work on buildings that become famous and historic. Imagine if you had gotten to contribute labor to the Empire State Building or Sears Tower!
Construction is Dangerous
Construction accidents undoubtedly happen from time to time, but it’s a much safer industry than it was in the past. Today strict construction safety laws govern the industry at the state and federal levels.
Also, construction equipment has many built-in safety features to prevent accidents. Safety equipment designed specifically for construction trades is also safer than it’s ever been.
In addition, continuing education requirements focus on safety, so people who work in the industry know the rules. This isn’t a business that allows you to work unsafely, or you won’t have a job for long!
Construction is Bad for the Environment
New laws and standards have made construction in the U.S. more sustainable than ever. Modern structures are designed and constructed with green principles at the forefront.
State and federal rules continually evolve to ensure the construction field will become steadily greener as time passes. It’s also worthwhile to remember that demand for sustainable building design and construction is on the rise around the country.
There’s No Future in Construction
Construction isn’t the dead end that many people have argued. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that job demand for construction managers will rise 11% by 2030.
Did you know that the median salary for construction managers is $97,180? And if landscaping is more your thing, landscaping architects can make $70,600 per year. Not bad!
College Students Shouldn’t Enter Construction
The days are over when you could work in the field without an education. Many construction workers at least went to trade school, and most have required a college degree to work in project management and general management in the construction business.
The construction trade is one of the few that requires workers to have continuing education to meet all state and federal laws. Keep in mind that the industry is for educated workers, and you may find that having a bachelor’s or master’s degree can help you move up.
Construction is Only For Men
There still are more men working than women in construction, granted, but the numbers have been shifting. It’s estimated that more than 300,000 women work in various construction trades.
Today’s construction industry is an excellent fit for anyone who has the skills and the passion.
You Only Do Physical Labor in Construction
Many roles in construction today do not require physical labor. Also, machines have automated much of the heavy lifting that was a requirement in years past.
For example, to replace a roof, workers used to haul the shingles up to the top of the structure themselves. But today, roofing companies use shingle conveyors to carry supplies to where the work is done.
Construction is Dying
The construction business tends to follow the general economy, but it isn’t true that it’s on the wane. The opposite is in fact the case: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the building industry is one of the fastest-growing facets of the national economy.
We hope we’ve made it clear that the construction field is an enticing option for people who want to do good work. You can earn an excellent living, perform rewarding and exciting work, and it’s safer than it’s ever been.
