Blog Article

Construction is a multifaceted industry, but most people think of it only in terms of hard hats and hammers. In reality, the construction process can be years long and involve hundreds, even thousands of people from conceptualization to design, from bidding to construction, from inspection to maintenance. In fact, the process of construction doesn’t end until the structure is eventually demolished.

Throughout the process of building, people from many different occupations are employed. Among them are more women than you’d think. More and more women are considering careers in construction that are both on and off construction sites. Long considered a males-only work zone, the construction industry welcomes women who want to learn and grow in a trade, and also women with college degrees interested in management positions. Being a woman in construction is no longer an anomaly, so step up and imagine what the future might hold for you.

Hands-on-site construction jobs

If you are good with your hands, enjoy being outdoors in all kinds of weather, and love tools, you should consider careers like roofer, equipment operator, construction laborer, carpenter, cement mason, concrete finisher, and asphalt paver. These jobs are for the women who want to get their hands dirty.

Another angle is that of construction in the renewable energy field, which is solidly entrenched in Michigan and still growing. Among these jobs are solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine technicians. These positions may require classes to gain certification. Certain companies may also offer on-the-job training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for solar photovoltaic installers in Michigan in 2017 was $53,510 – $60,040, the second highest in the country after Utah.

In Michigan, these jobs are primarily performed outdoors during the warmer months. This means come winter, when asphalt plants close and concrete cannot be laid (among many warm-weather-only tasks), you may be laid off and qualify for unemployment.

Even if you don’t want to be outdoors all day, there are many other construction occupations for women that are on active project sites with work primarily performed indoors. These include drywall and ceiling tile installers, floor sanders and finishers, tile and marble setters, terrazzo workers and finishers, carpet installers, painters, electricians, and plumbers.

In addition to the building aspect of construction, some jobs call on professionals to inspect that construction. Construction inspection and testing include certified specialists who perform QC/QA, nuclear density testing, and test concrete, bituminous mixes, and aggregates to ensure they meet the project and state specifications. This job performed both on the work site and in the lab, is the best of both worlds. These are often highly sought-after individuals because many projects cannot go forward unless required inspection and testing are completed. Annual mean wages for construction and building inspectors in Michigan in 2017 was $51,400 – $54,910.

An outstanding construction career that requires four years of college is construction management. This position is one that combines on- and off-site work with a high level of knowledge, keen organizational skills, and exceptional personal diplomacy in order to work with people at all levels of a project. Because this is a very demanding job, good construction managers are well-paid. In Michigan in 2017, construction managers earned annual mean wages of $96,490 – $105,050.

Off-site construction jobs

If construction fascinates you, but you really do enjoy having your nails done, there are dozens of jobs essential to construction that do not require steel-toed boots (at least not every day). If you want to be a part of the design phase — an engineer or architect — you should prepare for at least four years of college followed by a period after graduation where you work with licensed professionals. Eventually, you will take tests to attain licensure.

There are also positions that assist these licensed professionals, such as computer-aided design, drafting, and technicians educated in a variety of engineering specialties (i.e., civil, electrical, mechanical industrial, and environmental). Engineering technology jobs generally require at least an associate degree. In Michigan in 2017, the mean annual wage for civil engineering technicians was $53,000.

Of course, construction companies, as well as design and design/build firms, also need dedicated staff in management and support for marketing, human resources, accounting, and administration. Many of these jobs require a two- or four-year degree. However, some companies are also willing to train someone with clear dedication or who took AP or other advanced classes during high school. While in high school, it’s always a good idea to test jobs during the summers to see whether you’re a good fit. Sometimes, too, a summer job can lead to a full-time position after graduation. In construction, you might even receive paid training or tuition reimbursement for college classes.

If you’re a woman interested in working in the construction industry, check out the possibilities available right now at Michigan Paving & Materials Company. We look forward to meeting you!