Why Road Construction Might be the Perfect Career Path for Your Child
As a parent, you want to ensure your child has a bright future, which can mean helping them find their next step after high school. While college is often seen as the traditional route, other viable options exist, such as pursuing a career in road construction that can offer plenty of opportunities without further education.
Helping Make the Right Decision
When it comes to wanting what is best for your child, the options can seem overwhelming.
For many students, college is commonly viewed as the conventional next step; however, not everyone’s kids have that option or want to pursue higher education. If that sounds like your child, you may be thinking ‘what’s next?” or “How can I help set them up for success?”.
What to do When Your Kid Says No to College
Has your child already decided that they will not be pursuing higher education? If so, you are not alone. Undergraduate college attendance has decreased by 8% over the past three years, potentially due to high tuition costs and alternative options like trade schools and part-time jobs.
This means that more and more parents are faced with the question of how they can help their child find a career that they can both be excited about.
That’s where road construction comes in.
Job Security in Road Construction: A Growing Industry with Endless Opportunities
Road construction is a growing industry with many job opportunities, especially for young people. Did you know that most people working in construction and extraction jobs are in their forties? Almost half, 45%, of all construction workers are 45 years old or older, according to the BLS! This is great news for young workers just entering the job field, as it means that job opportunities are plentiful in this industry.
One of the most significant advantages of a career in road construction is job security. Road construction projects are ongoing, and workers are always needed to build and maintain our infrastructure. Experts predict that the demand for road construction workers will increase in the coming years, ensuring job security for your child.
There are also positives signs from the government that road construction will be prominent in the coming years with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, which promises to “…rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind.”.
Career Advancement Opportunities in Road Construction
Another benefit of a career in road construction is the opportunity for career advancement. Road construction workers can start in entry-level positions, such as flagger or laborer, and work up to more advanced positions, such as project manager or supervisor.
This means your child can build a career over time, with opportunities to learn and grow.
Young people often want to know what they will get out of their hard work; in road construction, many companies offer pathways for their workers to rise up the ranks. This means that your son or daughter will be able to know where their hard work can get them before they even start.
At Work IN Roads, we have seen this firsthand! Many of our construction colleagues began their careers in the field and were able to move into management through hard work and determination!
Accessible Career Path: High Salaries Without a College Degree
Road construction jobs do not require a college degree, making them an accessible career path for those who may not have the financial means or desire to attend college. Many road construction jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, making it a perfect path for someone without experience in the field.
A big part of what makes a career successful is its ability to provide a comfortable giving. With the variety of well-paying roles in road construction, your child can find a job that suits them while being paid well with the opportunity for a full benefits package depending on the company they choose.
Here are a couple of blogs about specific jobs in road construction and what they can earn!
Rewarding Work: Hands-on and Outside
Working in road construction can also be rewarding for those who enjoy working with their hands or being outdoors. The job of a road worker is almost never stagnant. Workers work in various settings, from highways to bridges to airports. If your child hates to do the same thing repeatedly, a career in civil construction can provide a constant change of scenery, helping them remain engaged.
The days of simply using a hammer and a shovel are over. They use a variety of specialized tools and equipment, from bulldozers to jackhammers, on a daily basis. This work can be physically challenging but also satisfying and fulfilling. Which can lead to a strong sense of accomplishment in a young person.
Important Considerations: Safety and Quality Work
If you’re considering a career in road construction for your child, remember a few things.
First, it’s important to emphasize the importance of safety. Road construction can be dangerous, so workers must follow safety protocols and wear the appropriate gear.
Second, it’s important to emphasize the importance of quality work.
Road construction is essential to our infrastructure. Making it crucial that workers take pride in their work and strive to do their best.
In conclusion, road construction is innovative for your child’s future. It offers job security, career advancement opportunities, and competitive salaries. It’s also an accessible career path that doesn’t require a college degree. If your child enjoys working with their hands or being outdoors and is interested in building and maintaining our infrastructure. Then a career in road construction may be the perfect fit.