Construction Industry Careers

Been in the AC industry for about 16 years. I somewhat stepped away from it due to the birth of my two youngest. The industry is definitely in need of techs. The same goes for plumbing. I currently work in the insurance side of things overseeing HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Appliance, etc. As a part time gig, i teach HVAC at a local college. I say i stepped away from it but i still stay in touch with our AC vendors to make sure i stay on top of technology for when i get back out in the field. Unfortunately, most of the service trucks are white Ford trucks.....

 

GF for IBEW local 68 here. Am currently partnering up with my former PM/estimator/ML holder, his mother who holds a CL, and my wife. Going for the 51% women owned for the WBE cert while my partner and I bid, work and run ops. Attorney docs in the works, NICET cert in the aim for me, and hoping to launch this summer

 

For me experience.
I started out young in the family brick laying business than graduated into residential homes which took me to Lead Superintendent roles to Safety Management but I preferred running the whole job as a Superintendent. Did residential gig for close to 15 years.

Jumped over to commercial Superintendent now for the past 10 years and much more opportunities to advance with your salary and bonus potential. Way more organized than residential life.

I did however enjoy designing and building my home 19 years ago that I currently still live in.

 

9169, we all over Texas, lil bit of Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, we a tie gang

 

I am EHS for a large organization, working with our own mechanics and operators as well as a wide range of contractors (small jobs all the way up to hundreds of million dollar jobs). Its all in the delivery and approach you take. I wouldn't consider myself friends with our trades people, but i would say that we get a long. If you decide to get into safety, understand its a give and take field. Help them understand the points you're making are for their own good as well as the organization's. Do not go into it like you're some OSHA god.

Its definitely helpful to have understanding and knowledge of trades and to be familiar with their work either from first hand experience or being in the field with them, even if its to just observe and shoot the shit.

 

Railroader here on the mechanical side...awesome benifits,higher pay and I’m home every night. I couldn’t ask for more.

 

Union Pacific?

 

Be a commercial and residential building inspector, after a life time in the trades I applied last year and have been working as a building inspector for a year now. Easy work.

 

I have worked in the trades for 20 years. 12 years in I went back to school at night and got a mechanical engineering degree. I specialized in HVAC and plumbing. Pick a trade that is in demand and specialized enough that you are in DEMAND. Electrician, plumber, HVAC, Surveyor, etc.... I tried for years to get in the union electrician apprenticeship. It was very political with many sons and nephews blocking the way. If I could do everything over again I would go into the Air Force and then go electrician, plumber, or HVAC. I am an engineer, but I quit working for the company 5 years ago, and went on my own. The biggest difference between the office and the field is.... In the field you get yelled at every time management comes to the job site... In the office you get yelled at by management every day!!!

 

BNSF

 

I wouldn't disagree with going to college and continuing your education, but unless your going into the medical, IT, and / or engineering field, what good options are available. I had this decision to make after working construction while still in school and when I left. I worked hanging sheetrock, metal stud framing, acoustic ceilings. I really liked what I was doing at the time, but knew this is not what I wanted to do the rest of my working life. I looked @ going to college for a engineering degree or something similar, but looking @ the pay salaries for them jobs it was a shock. It was then I decided to go into the Shipyard Industry. I'm a welding supervisor in our code. I will say it's a challenging job. I'm very satisfied with my job and the gratification i get. It gives me the opportunity to travel the world supporting our other Naval yards and bases. I would definitely recommend looking into apprenticeship programs that are offered or going in with trades experience if college is not your cup of tea. If college is in your plans our shipyard hires a ton of engineers , nuclear , welding, mechanical, safety, just to name a few. I do appreciate my time in the construction trade and learning various trades that benefit me today, especially doing jobs around the house. Jack of all trades....Master of none Very good read and great opinions and suggestions

 

Where you headquartered?

 

Education is a return on investment life decision. If it gives you a license then you will have value. Philosophy and deep thought is nice, but it isn't necessary for business. Always remember that as an employee, you exchange your time for money. Your boss sells your skills at a higher price and skims the profit. Your "risk" as an employee is a big fat ZERO. The company buys materials and has you build a product that the end user purchases. This is where the license comes in... If the job needs a permit or license, your worth goes up. Anyone can push a broom... Not everyone can stamp drawings or be licensed and certified. The Air Force clause gives you instant hiring as the owner gets incentives to hire veterans. It all pays for your certifications and education.

 

residential construction here.

I always hated school. as a freshman in high school I took a 3 period elective carpentry class where we actual when out in the community & built a home. I fell in love. After a few months.. I quit school & got a job as an apprentice carpenter.

Home Building offers a lot of freedom in your life.. it ain't no 9-5 corporate rat race.. if you have passionate in your craft.. the sense of pride is overwhelming.

I've been in the industry 45 years. I’ve Always provided a good income for my family. I have always worked.. never, ever un-employed.

If you have the skills, passion, drive & reputation you will always work.

I've worked my way from the greenhorn gopher to senior superintendent.
Young Americans boys are just not entering the trades these days... too hard of work I quess. You will do very well if you make the effort.

I absolutely love going to work every day & I will retire the day I drop dead.

 

Ya I have been on the tie gangs mostly just a track welder went to the bridge life I recommend it to anybody not scared of heights. Only down fall 91A schedule 9 on 6 off blows.

 

I started '05, headquartered in hometown, til '07, been on road since, run a Nordco Trip

 

Scot,

What part of Ohio?

 

Well thank everyone who has given me some insight. I do appreciate it.

 

I ran a plow on surfacing gangs

 

Was a contractor before I came to UP

 

What ever you

What ever you decide find your grove and fall in love you will never work another day in your life if you love doing it everyday.

 

We have one following us

 

Hauser Idaho.....northern Idaho part of the Spokane terminal

 

Headquartered in Harlingen TX til '07, been out on road since, next year, 15 years in trying for 20-25

 

With BN? Good luck man I still have a ways to go I’m a youngin.

 

Union Pacific, how many years you in?

 

As mentioned earlier, Safety definitely something to consider. Safety or HSE is quietly booming. Especially if you have 5-10 or more years. Working in the Petrochemical industry, our Safety folks are always being courted away. Supposedly always getting offers from other companies. We have lost a few lately, relocated out of state because the offers were too good to pass up.

IMHO, the best Safety guys are the ones who have worked in the field/trades, moved into Safety, and are actually realistic and work with the employees.