Top Reasons Why Your Child Should Consider a Career in Construction
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
The residential construction industry is filled with talented and creative individuals who build homes that strengthen communities. Not only does a career in the industry provide a sense of personal achievement, but it also provides many practical benefits, such as strong earning potential, job security and opportunities for advancement.
If you’re a parent, your children’s future is always one of your top priorities. Two major factors that influence their future are education and their eventual career, which are usually closely tied together. Acquiring knowledge and skills, and then putting them to use, is part of the process where they transition to being independent and successful adults.
A Variety of Jobs for Every Skill Level Are Available
Occupations such as carpenters, plumbers and HVACR technicians are in high demand. These types of jobs require individuals who have skills such as being detail-oriented and active problem solvers troubleshooting a range of challenges.
Skilled Trades Offer Individuals High Earning Potential
Individuals entering the residential construction industry have the potential to earn a great salary. The top 25% in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. And you don’t need to follow the traditional college path to get there.
A chronic labor shortage in the housing industry is resulting in higher construction costs, increased home prices and lower economic growth. During Careers in Construction Month, or any time of year, it is essential for professionals working in the sector to communicate the value of a career in the skilled trades. With so many training programs, pathways and sometimes parents to convince, where is the best place to start the conversation about a career in residential construction? Share your story and talk about how the skilled trades can lead to a solid career and a well-paying salary. Many NAHB members and home builders’ associations like the NCBIA across the country have ramped up outreach efforts and have shared these key points about the benefits of working in residential construction:
The Housing Industry is Hiring. During the pandemic, the home building and remodeling industry have remained relative bright spots for the overall economy. And, with residential construction deemed an essential business across the country during COVID-19, there were few layoffs in the construction sector. To help you promote construction jobs in your area, ads, posters and social media graphics are available on nahb.org.
Strong Earning Potential. The home building industry offers more than just another job, it is a pathway to earning a great salary. The top 25 percent in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. Women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns, compared to 80 cents in other industries. Salary data for the top six trades is available on nahb.org.
A Solid College Alternative. In 2018-19, the average amount borrowed by bachelor’s degree recipients who took out loans to pay for college was $28,800, according to the College Board’s Trends in Student Aid 2020 report. The skilled trades offer an alternative to the 4-year college track without the burden of sky-high student loan debt.
A Variety of Training Programs Available. Building associations across the country can connect students to apprentice programs or other job training programs. The Home Builders Institute has an online directory to help locate training programs in your area. A Strong Sense of Accomplishment. Working in the trades brings a sense of satisfaction for completing high-quality work that contributes to home building and ultimately helping to fulfill the American Dream.
The North Coast Building Industry Association is your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
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