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Challenging Misconceptions About Working in the Construction Industry
Published October 9th, 2017

Many Americans have a perception that going to college and a tech job is the best path for their children. So, starting in middle school and high school, children are encouraged to avoid classes like woodworking and small engine repair, and focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). It is these classes that many believe will give students the best opportunity to graduate from college and start careers in related fields. However, Elizabeth Ames of  Mashable  believes the push for this type of education is not about helping students to eventually win high-paying jobs. The goal is to create an abundance of tech workers and push down wages.

Establishment education has partnered with the tech industry to promote STEM classes. As a consequence, construction jobs have been given a bad reputation despite some obvious advantages and rewards. Children are told that the construction industry includes hard and dirty jobs with little opportunity to earn a good living. Instead, children are encouraged to start their lives with an astronomical amount of student loan debt. That is why we have decided to challenge the common myths perpetuated about working in the construction industry. 

Common Construction Industry Myths

1.  Construction is for people with no options.  - The reputation is that anyone can become a construction worker and the skills are so commonplace that anyone can do it. In fact, the construction industry is fueled by educated and skilled workers who continuously receive training. Construction technology continually advances, and workers must have the knowledge and skill sets to become successful. Ultimately, it is very difficult for an uneducated person to find a job.

2.  Construction provides only dead-end jobs.  - Opportunities in the construction industry are almost limitless. While many entry-level positions only require a high school education with on-the-job training, experience and determination will lead to senior positions, management, or possibly business ownership. Moreover, there are often many opportunities for paid overtime, something that salaried professionals do not see.

3.  Only men work in the construction industry.  - In today's world, the construction industry provides equal opportunities and equal pay for both men and women. While construction is still male-dominated, it is not difficult to find talented women who are appreciated for their dedication, hard work, and skills by their employers and co-workers alike. 

4.  Construction requires massive physical strength.  - In order to work in construction, a person does need to be physically fit. However, it does not require a person to be a powerlifter or bodybuilder type. The fact is that success requires working smarter, not harder. Big muscles can provide an advantage in certain circumstances, but it is intelligence that will determine success. 

5.  Construction pay is horrible.  - This is simply untrue. The fact is that many construction workers earn incomes greater than university and college graduates. In fact, construction pays at a rate higher than the overall national average. Moreover, if one starts as an apprentice, a young person can earn as they learn, avoiding the pitfall of high student loan debt and credit problems.

Let's start a conversation.....we're interested in getting feedback and your thoughts/ideas on how we can all do better for the greater good of our industry. 

Comments

Brianna Chambers

Edited by an admin

Love this article! I started my trade when I was a young high school girl. I loved doing finish carpentry. To put this finishing touches on someone's house or even in someone's clinic was the most rewarding job. My biggest client was the Mayo Clinic and I wasn't even 18 yet. That just how fast you can you can move up the ladder in the field. The pay was great but the true joy was seeing how happy people were. To build them something they could only dream of. I still to this day miss working in construction. I wish more kids would get involved because construction is a great career.

Posted On: November 1st, 2017