For many of us, the new year presents the perfect opportunity to take stock of various things, and in lots of cases, this could mean weighing up a potential career switch.
Below, we look into a few of the biggest factors that can influence a career change, and how each of those might look when it comes to working in construction.
Personal growth
Ultimately, we all want to feel satisfied in our job — and for a large portion of people, this will undoubtedly be the biggest consideration when it comes to choosing a career.
Opportunities to progress, both professionally and personally, are essential motivators in any sector. In construction, given that there is consistently high demand for skilled tradespeople, there are plenty of avenues to explore when it comes to advancing your career.
With an industry that offers such a diverse mix of pathways, and with emerging technologies creating new jobs that might not have even existed just a few years ago, it’s an incredibly exciting and constantly evolving sector to be in.
Fulfilment & a sense of purpose
Linking closely to the previous point, it’s natural that anyone would want to head into work each day feeling like they’re doing a job that really means something to both themselves and to others.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be anything big and grand. In construction, it can be something as simple as finishing off a job that you’re proud of, or helping a customer faced with a household emergency like a burst pipe or gas leak.
There’s also a lot to be said about working in an industry that is largely hands-on, with a physical product to show at the end of it. While there’s no denying that construction can be a physically taxing job, there is definitely an element of satisfaction that comes with completing a busy day on the tools.
Likewise, being out and about, talking to people and helping them realise their vision for a project, can be hugely rewarding.
Financial security & stability
While money isn’t the be-all-end-all, there’s no doubting the importance and influence it can have over a career decision, and with stability and job security, these are absolutely priceless traits of any profession.
As mentioned earlier, skilled workers across a variety of trades are massively sought-after right now, with demand significantly outweighing the supply of talent currently on offer.
With this said, the situation can be good news for those who do possess these skills, leaving them in a strong position when it comes to earnings, and with plentiful opportunities for career advancement. It’s also worth noting that many tradespeople go on to set up their own businesses once they’ve built up some experience, which is another effective way to boost earnings and take command of your own career path and workload.
Making it happen
A career switch is always going to seem daunting, particularly if you’ve no prior experience in the area you’re considering. However, one of the most appealing things about building towards a career in construction is how flexible the training can be.
Many private training providers, Able Skills included, now offer packages that can take you from complete beginner to fully qualified in a few weeks rather than years. There is also the option to complete training on a part-time and home study basis, allowing you to fit it around your current job, reducing the impact it might have on your earnings.
You can find more information about all of Able Skills construction training courses online here.