How to Get Into Construction With No Experience

Do you feel like you can’t get the construction job you want because you’re missing experience?

A lot of workers interested in entering the field of construction fail to do so out of fear of rejection due to their lack of experience.

We’ve compiled a list of tips to teach you how to get into construction. Continue reading to find out more.

Education

If you want to know how to get into construction work, the process starts with the right education. The vast majority of jobs related to construction require a high school diploma or GED. You also want good grades in classes like math, physics, and English.

We recommend enrolling in classes related to building applicable technical skills such as shop and welding if they are offered.

If you want to focus on a specific job or skill in your construction career, consider enrolling in a trade school. The technical skills you’ll build will make your application appealing to potential employers.

Work Your Way Up

If you don’t want to go the trade school route, your next step in how to get into construction without experience is to start a search for entry-level positions. These positions will give you on-the-job training and experience.

Don’t expect these entry-level jobs to be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s not uncommon for these positions to be more ‘grunt work’ such as cleaning up job sites.

However, these positions are a step in the right direction and most workers are able to work their way up from here.

Certifications

Some employers want you to have certain certifications at the time of hire or shortly thereafter. These include the OSHA Certificate, Silica Certificate, and others.

These certifications tell your potential employer that you know how to do the job safely and in compliance with various regulations. Plus, some of these are required depending on your career aspirations.

Improve Resume

Even if you don’t have any previous experience, there are a number of ways to build your resume so that it stands out when applying for construction jobs.

Like we mentioned earlier, highlight your academic achievements. An employer will be impressed to see good grades from applicable courses like math or shop.

Try to find an opportunity for an apprenticeship, even if it’s unpaid. Apprenticeships help you build your skills and are great to fill in empty spaces on your resume.

This will show an employer not only do you have some applicable experience but that you are serious about pursuing this field.

Staffing agencies are a great resource for finding jobs, too.

Interview

If you are offered an interview, congratulations! You’ve done what you needed to do to get noticed. However, the hard work doesn’t stop here.

Your next responsibility is to make a good first impression. Dress professionally, such as in a suit or slacks, and prepare for a variety of questions.

We also recommend following up with your interviewer afterward with a thank you note or email. It’s a nice touch that speaks to your professionalism.

Now You Know How to Get Into Construction

Now that we’ve covered the process of how to get into construction with little to no experience, you’re ready to get started.

Focus on your education and building up as much applicable (even if not directly related) experience as possible to stand out. Also, make sure to leave a positive lasting impression with your interviewer.

For more helpful information on reaching your career goals, head to our Jobs and Career blog.