Construction Careers Information Unit 9 Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety

The Construction Workforce O The construction workforce is made up of many skilled and specialized professionals. O When looking for a job you want to find a job that matches your skill ability and training.

The Construction Workforce O Most of the construction industry is made up of individual businesses or entrepreneurships; therefore, being able to market yourself based on competitive skills and experience is important.

Employability Skills for All Construction Careers O Leadership Skills O Conflict Resolution Skills O Teamwork Skills O Relationship Skills O Computer Skills O Critical Thinking Skills

Critical Thinking Skills O Allows for resolution to problems in a timely and effective manner O Barriers of problem solving include being close minded, personality conflict and fear of change

Critical Thinking Skills O Problem Solving Steps: 1. Identify the problem and reasonable goal 2. Explore alternatives 3. Choose a solution and implement 4. Monitor results

Computer Skills O Be knowledgeable about computer terms O Be up to date with software that can be helpful in your career

Computer Skills O Be smart about what you are using your professional computer for--keep the personal activities at home O Have a professional for easy contact O Make sure to check this often and reply in a timely manner to promote your communication skills

Relationship Skills O The most important thing to remember is to keep relationships professional O Your actions reflect your professional status O Be someone who is dependable and that co- workers can trust to do the job correctly

Relationship Skills O Work ethic is a great way to promote a positive relationship in the work place and help you become promoted O Being late and absent at work habitually can put a strain on the relationships at work

Conflict Resolution Skills O Conflict resolution skills are important because this is not just an important skill in the work place but in everyday life O When resolving conflict with your supervisor: O Make sure to gather your thoughts first O Talk face to face about the issue O Refrain from giving specific names of co- workers O Accept and respect the supervisor’s final decision

Conflict Resolution Skills O Remember: O Think before you act O Walk away when the situation is too much O Do not take things personally O Avoid other’s disagreements

Teamwork Skills O In construction teams are commonly composed of workers from different trades O Good teams are goal oriented, listen to all members, and keep a positive attitude O Follow the directions and advice from your leader, remember to remain respectful at all times.

Leadership Skills O Your leadership skills will develop over time as your experience and responsibility increases. Traits of a leader: O Effective communicator O Motivating O Planner O Organized O High level of drive

Leadership Skills O Your leadership skills will develop over time as your experience and responsibility increases. Tasks of a leader: O Organizing and directing O Empowering team members thru responsibility O Enforcing policy O Resolving disagreements

Work Place Issues O Harassment: harassment is a form of discrimination that can be based on numerous things such as race, weight, religion, and sex. O Sexual harassment is the most commonly reported.

Work Place Issues O Stress: the feeling of tension, strain, anxiety from events that are outside of your control whether at home or at work

Work Place Issues O Drugs and Alcohol Abuse: Drugs and alcohol will not be tolerated in the work place. O Alcohol is legal if of age but should not be brought to the work place. O The use of illegal drugs usually results in termination of employment.

Education O High School Graduation is required O 2 year technical school training is most common O Bachelor degrees are becoming more common especially in management/those starting up a business

Education O Licenses are required for many jobs which will require knowledge and experience *Exact education requirements will vary based on the construction occupation you choose

Construction Education in Georgia O Southern Polytechnic State University O Georgia Tech O Atlanta Technical College O Georgia Southern O Gwinnett Technical College

Construction Education in Georgia O ITT- Technical Institute (Duluth and Kennesaw) O Middle Georgia Technical College O Athens Technical College O University of North Georgia (Gainesville) For more information: skilled-trades-and-construction/?page=2&