An Overview of the Roles of Construction Worker in the Construction Industry
With the wide scope of work in the construction field, it demands several professionals who have their own expertise. Each role has its own requirements when it comes to knowledge, skills and experience. Hearing the term “construction worker” often has a connotation that these are individuals who are involved in the actual labor. However, this is just one of the occupations under this category.
What Is a Construction Worker?
To put it simply, a construction worker is a professional who can perform tasks in a construction site. Despite of the several roles for a construction worker, all of them are involved in accomplishing a construction project. In addition, they differ depending on the demands of the position, as well as the qualifications of every professional. If you want to know about the factors that employers usually consider and the roles’ possible differences, continue reading.
Construction Worker’s Training and Qualifications
Training is an important part of the process as it will be the avenue for your development. This is where you will acquire the needed knowledge and skills to be equipped for the job. Also, each field has their own system. An architect’s course subjects and tasks are different from a site manager. Thus, having a background that is inclined to your chosen field is more beneficial when you’re in the job market.
Experience
There are construction worker roles that require years of experience for you to be qualified. Being in the workforce for quite some time helps you develop advanced skills and deeper understanding about the industry. You will be aware of real and work-based situations in which you can adapt and learn from. With this, positions like managerial roles who perform high responsible tasks should have exposure in the actual workplace. There are also construction works that are skill-dependent, skills that can’t be developed overnight. This is where experience is also an important factor.
What Are the Differences for Each Role?
Scope of Responsibilities
As mentioned earlier, the tasks and responsibilities of a professional depends on his field of expertise. For instance, an architect is assigned for the plans and structures of a construction project through drawings and plates. Meanwhile, the laborers are the ones who will execute the architect’s plan. Every role has its own focus and limitations.
Salary
This is one of the most evident differences between construction workers. A professional who is a starter has a different salary than those who are in the industry for a long time. Furthermore, a role who has wide and heavy responsibilities have higher rates compared to other roles. Plus, if you have specialized skills that enabled you to set yourself apart from other professionals, there may be additional fees.
What Are the Different Roles of a Construction Worker?
Architects
They are professionals who are focused in creating a design that is both visually appealing and safe. You will also consider your client’s demands and conditions to come up with an effective plan. In addition, there are instances that they use software to ensure that everything is accurate and prevent gaps from arising.
Laborers
Construction workers who are involved in the actual site. Their role requires physical strength and stamina since most of the tasks are vigorous. Being a laborer is usually a starting job when you enter the construction industry. It serves as your starting point wherein you’ll acquire the needed qualifications for a higher position. However, you should also remember that there are still different occupations here. There are the ones who are focused on bricklaying while some are hod carriers. Lastly, several professionals are assigned in building infrastructures and there are those who are focused to road developments.
Quantity Surveyor
A construction project is not possible without costs, and that’s when a quantity surveyor enters. This is an individual who is an expert on how to manage the budget. Moreover, you will be creating the budget plans and ensure that it is followed from the beginning until the end.
Site Supervisor
Based on its title, you supervise the everyday operations in the construction site. You are the professional who took trainings about health and safety. As a result, your job is to maintain a safe and organized working environment for other construction workers. This work demands high level of responsibility and accountability since you are overseeing the actual process.
Site Manager
Compared to a supervisor, a site manager is someone who monitors the overall process in accordance with the time frame. You will also be the representative for meetings and presents the updates for your client’s awareness. Furthermore, it is also a part of your tasks to interact with other professionals who are involved in the project.
Conclusion
If you are planning to take the route in construction, research should be one of the important things you should do. The industry is wide, and choosing a specific field of expertise will help you in your journey. Also, there are several learning institutions who are known for their effective system and courses in this sector. The College of Contract Management is a vocational center that offers training programs in different industries. However, most of them are focused on construction. With this, you should consider not only your niche and future profession but also the avenue for your development. It will prepare and help you as you equip yourself in becoming a competent construction worker.
