Tips for New Construction Workers
Submitted by sarajean on 4/15/11 4:30pm
As the daughter of a carpenter, I’ve been around construction work all my life, and I picked up a few tips along the way I’d like to share.
- Join a union as soon as you can. This will help protect you, especially if contractors or bosses try to cut your pay, unfairly treat you, or especially cut corners, resulting in the harm of both you and your job.
- Take side jobs in the winter if you can. This will likely be your slowest season. Some people will have interior repairs these months if you can find them. Develop a good relationship and hand out your card so they’ll recommend you.
- Never cut corners. If a boss asks you to, tell him no and report it to your union rep or another higher authority. This could save your life.
- Be wiling to start as an apprentice. Experience is everything in this industry. If you can get your foot in the door—even while doing Vo/Tech work—that will be key to getting other jobs.
- Collect tools as you go. Most jobs will require your own tools and truck, so those are integral to the job. You can often get starter ones at flea markets, from family members (ask for them as graduation gifts!), or even dollar stores just to get started. As soon as you can, though, invest in the better tools; they will make all the difference.
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Replies
Sounds good....don't use your
Sounds good....don't use your own truck on a union job, though. Any respectable contractor would not do this, or even ask you to do this.
And if you're in a Union, you will have to go through an apprenticeship.
All Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC mechanics require a four year apprenticeship, union or not.
Non-union Carpenters don't need apprenticeships, but union carpenters do.
Also, if you're in the Union, don't tell anyone if you're doing sidework. Technically you can be brought up on charges for it. In most cases they would not do that to you, unless you don't work hard, are late, etc.
Also, if you live in a
Also, if you live in a union-strong region (like I do in Southern New England), and you're in the union, don't print up cards with your name on them.
My buddy in IBEW 90 got kicked out because he had been working for a non-union contractor. They couldn't prove it, but they knew. So they found another way to get rid of him, which was because he had a side-business.
Basically, if you're in the union, be on time everyday, keep your mouth shut, and retire after 25 years with a pension and health insurance...for now.
All very good points. My dad
All very good points. My dad wasn't in a union for most of his life and when he was laid off our family fell well below the poverty line.