Building a Career in Construction: The Top 3 Fastest Growing Jobs and What You Need to Succeed
The construction industry is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. As new technologies emerge and infrastructure demands increase, several construction jobs have emerged as the fastest growing in the field. Today we will explore the top three fastest growing construction jobs, along with the skills and training required to excel in each role.
- Sustainable Construction Specialist: The demand for sustainable construction practices and green building is on the rise. Sustainable construction specialists play a crucial role in implementing environmentally friendly construction methods and materials. To excel in this field, the following skills and training are necessary:
Skills:
- Deep understanding of sustainable construction principles and practices
- Knowledge of green building materials, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy technologies
- Ability to analyze and evaluate environmental impacts of construction projects
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with architects, contractors, and clients
- Familiarity with relevant sustainability certifications and standards (LEED, BREEAM, etc.)
Training:
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field
- Additional certifications in sustainable construction or green building (LEED Accredited Professional, Green Associate, etc.)
- Continuous education and staying updated on emerging sustainable construction trends and technologies
- Construction Estimator: Construction estimators are responsible for accurately assessing the costs involved in construction projects. With the increasing complexity of construction projects, estimators are in high demand. To pursue a career as a construction estimator, the following skills and training are crucial:
Skills:
- Strong mathematical and analytical abilities
- Proficiency in construction estimating software and tools
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and labor requirements
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
- Effective communication skills to collaborate with architects, contractors, and suppliers
Training:
- A bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field is preferred
- Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., CostX, RSMeans, ProEst)
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships to gain practical experience
- Continuing education to stay updated with industry trends and evolving estimating techniques
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry by facilitating digital collaboration and coordination. BIM managers are responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of BIM processes in construction projects. The key skills and training required for this role include:
Skills:
- Proficiency in BIM software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, Navisworks)
- Strong knowledge of construction project workflows and processes
- Expertise in 3D modeling and visualization techniques
- Familiarity with data management and integration of BIM with other software platforms
- Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills for coordinating with project stakeholders
Training:
- A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field
- Advanced training in BIM software and workflows
- Industry certifications such as Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) or BuildingSMART International (bSI)
- Continuous learning to stay updated on the latest BIM technologies and standards
As the construction industry continues to evolve, sustainable construction specialists, construction estimators, and BIM managers are experiencing significant growth in demand. By acquiring the necessary skills and training outlined for each role, aspiring professionals can position themselves for success in these rapidly expanding construction job sectors. Embracing these opportunities not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the advancement of the construction industry as a whole.
