How Parents Can Help their kids Start a Construction Career

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and that includes guiding them into a career where they will feel happy and fulfilled. You play a pivotal role in their achievements and in helping them prepare for the future. If your child is considering a career in construction, below are a few tips to get started.

1. Educate yourself

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Construction Laborer jobs are expected to grow by 12% over the next several years. The BLS also reports that Construction Manager positions will grow at 11% over the same time period. Comparing these rates to an average of 7% growth for all careers combined, it’s safe to say that the construction industry is growing and that jobs will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.

2. Create a dialog.

Deciding what you want to do with your life is an enormous amount of pressure! Talk to your child, and try to strike a balance between helping them prepare and make decisions while also keeping some options open.

3. Explore various career paths

Without a degree, most pursuing a career in construction start out as Construction Laborers. They learn the trade through on-the-job training. This can be a great way to break into the industry, with opportunities for advancement as they gain more experience.

On the other hand, college degrees are becoming more commonplace in the construction industry. Even in jobs where a degree is not required, it can help give an advantage or demand a higher salary. In positions where a degree is required or preferred, typically it would be a degree in Construction Engineering or Construction Management.

4. Set goals

Once your child has a career path in mind, set some goals. What do they need to achieve academically? Are they hoping to secure an internship? Is there a certain college they want to attend? Do they need to save up money? Setting goals can help your child stay focused on what they still need to achieve in high school. Keep a regular dialog with them and check in on how they feel like their goals are progressing.

5. Create a timeline.

College applications, scholarships, internship applications, certifications – it can all get pretty overwhelming. You shouldn’t do these things for your child, but it can really be helpful and supportive to sit down and tackle the nitty-gritty details together to make sure important dates don’t get missed.

6. Involve their school counselor

Yes, a lot of information is available online, but their school counselor can provide a wealth of resources. Meet with the counselor, let them share advice and experiences, and ask for suggestions to help make the transition to work or college a successful one.

7. Make visits.

Visit a construction site if you haven’t already. Of course, get permission first, but nothing really replaces the experience of learning what it’s like on a site. Work IN Roads offers job shadowing opportunities that make firsthand experiences accessible. If your child is interested in a construction career that may require college, take a look at any of the nine Indiana colleges that offer certificates as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees related to construction.

8. Discuss the responsibilities of what’s after high school

Children often leave home without much budgeting knowledge, so learning as much as possible about the costs of supporting themselves is critical. Understanding the reality of finances can help students take their career journies more seriously, and can direct their decision-making. If you’ll be contributing financially in any way, discuss your expectations and contingencies for that assistance to ease them into financial responsibility.

Ensure Your Child is Ready for the World with a Construction Career

Sending your child off to the next stage of their life is a significant milestone! Remember that each student is unique and may need more or less support depending on their individual needs and career path. Making yourself an available resource to your child as they navigate post-graduate life helps guide them toward success.

If you have any questions about working on roads, contact us today!