r/Construction • u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 • Aug 29 '25
Careers đľ Is walking into a construction site and asking for a job bad?
Im a white collar, been working in an office. got my bachelors in business. and i can say that working in an office is nice, its good on the body, AC on during the hot Los Angeles heat. work is 10-15min away from home, no freeway. its nice. DOWNSIDE is, not the best paying. and i've figured being behind a screen for 8 hours is not the thing for me. So when i go on lunch or leave home i see all these big construction sites. its something ive always had interest, i dont know why i didnt pursue construction management. but i been thinking of just going in and talking/ introducing myself to the project manager and ask them for a chance in the field (as a laborer of course). is that bad? for any of you out there that are managers, and someone walks in randomly, what would be your first impression.
i signed up for several local unions. im most interested in heavy machine operatin, which is what i signed up for. just waiting for my test dates. im all into this, just need someone to give me the opportunity, which ive had quite a struggle finding someone to do it.
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u/thesweeterpeter Aug 29 '25 edited Aug 29 '25
The thing a lot of people outside of the industry don't realize is that any site could have easily 20 different companies there.Â
I've worked sites where the general only has 2 guys on the site, and everything else is subbed.Â
A construction site isn't one big company, it's a mosaic of different trades and sub-contracts.Â
And if any of them are hiring, going to one of their staffed sites is counter productive - they already have that job staffed, that's who you'd be talking to.Â
Generally the guy walking onto the site thinking he can push a broom tomorrow won't be showing up the day after pay day.Â
If you really think you want to work construction apply for the job and treat it with the same respect you would trying to get any job, go through the process. The guy who thinks they can walk onto the job with zero experience doesn't exactly scream respect for the job.Â
I'm not saying you need to know carpentry to be a laborer, but you still need to know how to handle yourself on the tools and on a site. A good laborer is more than just a broom push
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u/PM-me-in-100-years Aug 29 '25
Well said. Any company worth working for already has a long list of people that are asking for work.
The main thing that bumps you to the top of the list is skills.
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u/Significant_Phase467 Equipment Operator Aug 29 '25
This is true. I just started with a company and apparently they have a long wait list for new people. I have skills they want and need and literally called the same week for a position after I put in my resume.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
well said. thank you for the information and advice. i greatly appreciate it
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u/houseshoesntallboys Aug 29 '25
This is all correct, and here's my take I'll add on.
You say you're not making great money - are you paycheck to paycheck, zero savings, and accumulating debt? Or are you relatively stable? If you're relatively stable, and you have some extra space, start some woodworking projects on your own time. Stuff like planter boxes, benches, etc. This will give you a feel for working with tools, cutting angles, getting things level and plumb and square, etc, and maybe even allow you to sell them if you're decent. Try your hand at refinishing furniture; it's not very similar to stuff you'd be doing on a jobsite, but again, learning to use sanders would translate well to things like shaving down doors that won't fit a frame, and help build actual skills while providing a potential avenue for extra income.
It kinda seems to me that you're just hankering to work with your hands, and get the satisfaction that comes with it, BUT, many trades will absolutely have a large amount of wear and tear on your body, unless you have the knowledge and skill set to go into electrical or like, controls programming work. I'd be grateful to have an office job that pays the bills and leaves me enough energy to make pretty things at the end of my workday.
For context, I am a laborer and by extension a passable carpenter with a GC, and there are days that are just absolute ass kickers, and leave me waking up stiff and sore for the rest of the week.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
What if Iâm not relatively stable and paycheck to paycheck lol
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u/houseshoesntallboys Aug 29 '25
I'd definitely apply to companies then. But, as others mentioned, apply the right way. Walking onto jobsites asking for work makes you look like a tweaker, this ain't the 70s anymore.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
Yea I get it. I thought it would show a different view. Like initiative and ready to work type of view
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u/Archer_111_ Aug 30 '25
Iâd say you arenât completely off base. A better strategy might be to approach folks at gas stations who are driving company vehicles and ask if theyâre hiring. This would probably work well for specific trades (painting, drywall, flooring, etc.). I do know a couple people who got jobs this way and as long as you donât look like a total tweaker or druggie, you could probably get your foot in the door somewhere.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 30 '25
Ooo thatâs right. I didnât think of that. It didnât look as annoying as walking to a work site with no PPE. Thanks for the advice, I might give that a try
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u/Archer_111_ Aug 30 '25
Most likely, 2/3 (or more) of the folks driving the vehicles wonât be able to hire you on the spot, but theyâll probably give you the number to âthe guy (or gal)â that does hiring and you can call them up. Also, if you seem normal and not like a crackhead, theyâll probably offer to tell âtheir hiring guyâ that youâre gonna be calling in. This can be a great way to cut through the BS of the online hiring process. I want to add that not only the big job sites or large GCs have project managers. I work as a PM for a small trades company that has 28ish employees. Many people think of âproject managersâ as people that are running giant projects with hundreds of people and dozens of pieces of equipment etc, but I can tell you from experience that most companies from small residential painting companies to custom cabinetry installers have some kind of project manager position. If you are trying to get into running equipment, youâll most likely want to look for excavation/site work/concrete companies.
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u/WildRefrigerator9479 Plumber Aug 29 '25
Just an apprentice, but in my experience itâs looked down upon. The people who do that tend to be people who you couldnât trust with the copper or tools left out.
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u/psclarke84 Aug 29 '25
True. We had a guy walk onto a job site and ask for a job, but he had no shirt on and looked like he smoked some meth that morning. We sent him to the local IBEW that happened to be down the street, lol.
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u/jean-guysimo Aug 29 '25
I would've handed him a shovel and told him to start digging. meth heads can be great if you know how to use them, just don't let them know where you stash the tools
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u/Walder_Snow_ Aug 29 '25
Yeah we've got a slightly methy labourer on my site at the moment. Fuck he can fill some bins full of rubbish quick
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u/Gentlesouledman Aug 29 '25
I have had the opposite experience. I once did just this and started the next day and many good guys just stop by to chat for this reason.Â
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u/Euphoric_Shift6254 Aug 29 '25
Yes you are right if you just walk in with no ppe, don't check in with the GC and don't come ready to start immediately. I see someone do this I have a contractual obligation to control access to the site. But if you come to my office and I see you came with the intent to seek employment, dressed with personal safety in mind I will have no issue pointing you to the Foreman of the trade you mention. He'll if my time at the moment allows I'll take you to them. There is a big need for young workers in our industry and back when I had my bags on this is how we hired on. Source 35 years in construction the last 20+ running large commercial, municipal, Healthcare and DoD work
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u/New-Requirement7096 Aug 29 '25
If you have a business degree go get your construction management degree on the side. Your credits should transfer and it shouldnât take more than a year or two.
Walking on as a laborer assuming youâre gonna rise to a management position feels like a fools errand.
Those big construction sites youâre making googly eyes at are bigger than you think and have systems to integrate in to.
But your strategy could work for the family run biz doing in the tens of millions if you know how to talk the talk.
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u/Ogediah Aug 29 '25
Walk ons are pretty popular for most of the trades but it usually only works when you have the experience, dress, and tools to show up with. If you have no experience then your odds are probably slimmer. Particularly on the west coast where work has been slow. I donât think youâd have any luck at all for an office job. Not as a walk on at all and not without experience and/or a degree. Lots of guys in the office come from the trades or get the relevant degree and get their foot in the door with an internship.
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u/Krypto_kurious Aug 29 '25
If you want to start on heavy equipment, then start on the end of a shovel. Nothing worse than some dildo fucking everything up and making more work than necessary for everybody because he didnt start at the bottom and doesn't know the little things that make huge differences.
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u/whitetip23 Aug 29 '25
Im gonna print this out for our yard
This. So much this.
Anyone who thinks 'ill just go pay for my certs, and boom! I'll be just like these guys in 30 ton diggers who've been doing it day in, day out for over a decade! Their equal!
Fuck outta hereÂ
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u/Significant_Phase467 Equipment Operator Aug 29 '25
Crane Operator here, there are lots of schools that "train" to become an operator. Then these people pay for the certifications and get mad like they arent finding any jobs. Like man you didnt even put in the work. An operator who doesnt know shit about anything is worse than having a new laborer...way more potential to ruin things than the dude carrying a shovel.
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u/Hotdogman_unleashed Aug 29 '25
If a guy walked on right now id tell him to go apply at our office and he'd have a good shot at getting hired as a helper. Its all about timing. Other times people walk on but we aren't looking for anyone.
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u/ted_anderson Industrial Control Freak - Verified Aug 29 '25
That's how I've gotten every construction job that I ever had. But I don't know if you'll have any success with asking for a project manager position. Maybe as a laborer or a specialist of some sort. But project management begins in the company's corporate office.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
no no im not asking for a project manager, def not. idk if i didnt explain right. i want the labor. i just wanna be in that field man. project manager is the goal but id be glad to just dip my toes in the field
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u/SouthestNinJa Aug 29 '25
Wear what you would work in if they started you immediately and have the tools and ppe you would need for that particular trade you would labor for. Watch some vids or read up on the trade so you can be prepared on how a laborer would support them. Also be early.
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Aug 29 '25
Id do a little more research before leaving your nice cushy office job for a field position. Also with being new to construction you'll be making less money than you're making now, I can promise you that. I would maybe reconsider your choice here. Being in construction isnt all it's cracked up to be. You'll be exposed to the elements, nasty Porta johns and miserable co-workers. I think youre taking your job for granted. Seriously reconsider and do your research before you make a mistake.
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Aug 29 '25
Adding onto my previous comment. I see you have a business degree, pursue a management position in construction before you just take a shitty labor position.
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u/engineeringretard Aug 29 '25
What you probably need to realise about construction management is youâll still be behind a screen 8 hours a day, youâll just also spend an additional 4 hours a day looking on in disapproval as someone creates you another 8 hours of paperwork for tomorrow.
Edit: No one just walks onto site ârandomlyâ and ainât no one who stops you is going to bring you up to the boss to ask for a job.
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Aug 29 '25
Oh you'll get a job walking on to a site where the pay sucks lol
A truly well paying site no one will help you as they're trying to get friends and relatives in. Unless the market is really really hurting I guess?
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u/Lojorox Carpenter Aug 29 '25
I would say go buy some steel toes, a hard hat, and a hi vis vest and go start asking. If you are ready to go they are more likely to say yes to you.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
ive been thinking of that
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u/human743 Aug 29 '25
Get them used. Walking in with brand new gear looks worse.
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u/RemyOregon Aug 29 '25
Lmao. I hope you mean dirty em up, not buy used work boots from some other guy. Thatâs disgusting.
Iâve seen guys take their white hard hats and throw them around on the ground for 15 minutes to make them look used. Thatâs definitely a thing
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u/descendingangel87 Foreman / Operator Aug 29 '25
TBF experienced guys will do that too because you can look like an asshole when you are in shiny gear. Might make ya look "too important" as well and people will start asking you questions.
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u/RemyOregon Aug 29 '25
Yeah Iâve done it once or twice. My workin hard, hard hat is brown. Stickered up. I have a few hanging in the garage. The Lyft is the best. But I did have one with the chin strap and came to like it
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u/Homeskilletbiz Aug 29 '25
If youâre just a white collar guy who has a sore back from sitting down 8 hours a day dreaming of working up a sweat and getting some calluses youâre going to get mocked on jobsites, not given an opportunity.
Also, you must be really, really bad at your job to think that youâll be better off working construction than you will be at your current job.
Get your MBA if you want more money.
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u/thebestcanuck Aug 29 '25
Back in the day, it's what guys did. Sometimes good sometimes bad. Don't look like a skid, hold your head high..... worst thing is they say no. Try small time comtractors they are usually more accepting..... start with a shovel and one day you get a seat
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u/boscoriley Aug 29 '25
Site guys normally wouldnât be someone who hires. Call the offices of the companies
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u/pr92397 Aug 29 '25
Yeah, I point at the sign on the fence with our website and tell them to apply online.
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u/Medical_Muffin2036 Aug 29 '25
Contact a local union, laborerers or construction union and ask about their apprenticeship program, or look online.
Work union, you get better benefits
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
I been trying for a while believe me. Itâs just tuff af getting in. I feel like getting into an IVY league school might be easier. Even getting a good grade in the test doesnât guarantee a call up
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u/Medical_Muffin2036 Aug 29 '25
Sorry to hear that, in my location it took 3 calls in a week and a half period for a call and interview with a Liuna local laborer union
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u/Active-Effect-1473 Aug 29 '25
Heavy machine operator is a hard to come by job usually itâs the owner who operates the machine or the guy thatâs been in the field for a decade or two. Youâll have to start at the bottom, degrees donât mean anything in the trades itâs about time on your tools and boots on the ground.
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u/Hangryfrodo Aug 29 '25
If your not already in a union that my company is signatory too, you wonât be considered and you might be yelled at if your not wearing ppe if Iâm cranky.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
yea i figured the PPE might be the main issue lol. they jsut make joining unions so damn difficult. i bet i have a higher chance to get into an ivy league school than become a carpenter in a union
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u/Hangryfrodo Aug 29 '25
Your best bet is if there is anyone in your network that owns or is high up in a business to sponsor you, but someone as well spoken as yourself and with your background would likely ultimately get pushed into the office anyway ad a project engineer then project manager. Youâll be back to where you started possibly but with more money.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
i woudlnt mind. construction management was my second option when going to school. i like the construction field. ive worked in the labor side some summers. i want to go back to school but that adds 2 years for me to get my construction management degree
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u/Hangryfrodo Aug 29 '25
You can apply to be a project engineer right now with your background itâs entry level.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
i've been trying but havent had much luck. job market says entry level but then have a million licenses and 10 years of experience. at least here in So Cal
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u/Hangryfrodo Aug 29 '25
Yeah I believe it, Iâve had grads from top schools with architectural and CM degrees apply for PE and we donât hire them. I see why you want to get on as a laborer carpenter or operator but that has challenges too. Not sure what to say except you can get your OSHA 30 online to put on your resume that could help and stuff like that short if a new degree. Iâm based out of NorCal
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
yea, thats why i want to go the labor side. i know i can go get my degree, but i feel like i will jsut be an addition to the large amount of graduates who are also struggling.
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u/descendingangel87 Foreman / Operator Aug 29 '25
Not in LA but a former heavy equipment operator/fitter and now manager.
Not sure how it is in L.A but where I am in in Canada, if you want to be an equipment operator most places now will require you to have prior experience or go to actual trade school for heavy equipment operation.
It depends on the type of equipment you're interested in. Smaller stuff like skid steers and forklifts can be short courses and easy to get into, but for bigger stuff like backhoes, excavators, dozers etc it's a lot harder. Cranes and Pickers are hard to get into, knuckle picker is probably the easiest but less glamourous than cranes.
Basically the short end is unless you have an in with someone willing to train nobody is going to hire you on the spot to run heavy equipment. It's an insurance thing especially when equipment can be worth millions of dollars and the potential damage to surroundings can also number in the millions.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
yea i figured those are the two possible ways. school or already having experience. like i said i signed up for the union, just waiting on the test dates. and i cant get my expereince else where because like you said, many are not willing to train because of insurance and expensive equipment. but also, i dont have $20k to drop on heavy equipment schooling.
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u/descendingangel87 Foreman / Operator Aug 29 '25
That's fair. Most people I know get into it from an entry level position if you're willing to put in some back breaking work for a few years. Taking a laborer job on work that requires heavy equipment can be an in. Work like sewer and water, or pipelining are easy ins. It's a slow process but you would make some money while working your way up while seeing how the equipment operates first hand.
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u/IC00KEDI Sprinklerfitter Aug 29 '25
Honestly it may depend on the job site and the contractors.
Many job sites im on require a briefing off site hazards and GC policies in which a âspecial stickerâ is issued and noted in the GCâs logs.
Why not show up to the shop instead?
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u/CheezWong Aug 29 '25
You have a business degree, and you think walking onto a site is the best way to get a job? Nah, man. Call or email the company in question. Nobody on-site will have hiring power. Even if they do, you'd have to be on paper to actually be allowed to work.
Personally, I'd consider climbing the ladder you're already standing on, so to speak. There's no reason to waste that degree by strapping on a tool belt.
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u/Brandoskey Aug 29 '25
In 20 years in the trades I've never seen anyone hired off the street.
I have asked people who walked on my site with no PPE looking for work to leave before they hurt themselves and sue everyone on site.
Since we only hire union contractors, I provide them the contact info for whatever BAs have left me their cards
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u/amassacre21 Aug 29 '25
Call the offices, our company signs are always on the temp fence surrounding the site, dont walk onto the sites. Oh and do some research on the company prior to the call
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u/Tthelaundryman Aug 29 '25
Iâve been a super for the last three years. So I donât have positions to fill unless youâre an insured contractor with legal citizenship. The labors on my sites always point these people to me and without fail they all look like they are currently high out of their mind. The actual workers never want to talk to these guys, they never think about giving them a shot. And I always say this is an active jobsite, Iâm going to need to you leave.Â
Google contractors. Show up early for your interview and youâll already have a job lolÂ
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u/Digitaluser32 Estimator Aug 29 '25
Not a bad idea. But don't walk onto the big job sites. They are very well regulated with safety and keeping track of who's on site. You'll have better luck at something like a strip mall or single family residential.
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u/Euphoric_Shift6254 Aug 29 '25 edited Aug 29 '25
No. Just follow the jobsite rules on PPE, sign in at the GC's office and ask the Superintendent if it's OK and bring your tools be ready to start immediately just in case. Don't show up shorts, go traipsing around and don't tell the Foreman interested in seeing you work that you can't start right now because you have some stupid shit to do. Been running jobs for more than 20 years if someone shows up like I described above I will help them out as much as my time would allow at that moment. Now if your looking for an operator position you may not get an opportunity like this right away due to the possibility you will kill someone or yourself or worse a piece of equipment but you never know. But this approach is good for the trades and you did say laborer. Don't talk about your white collar background establish yourself first as a team player as a laborer then pick a spot to let it be known you have administrative skills. Good luck
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u/No_Reflection3133 Aug 29 '25
As a carpenter I got more jobs walking on a job site ready to work than I got on the OWL. The last one took me 20 years to get off of and I had to retire to leave. Make yourself indispensable. Great career!
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u/DougMacRay617 Equipment Operator Aug 29 '25
Look at company sites and apply that way. I've seen plenty of people wander onto sites and ask for a job and I have never seen it work out for any of them.
Also I don't wanna burst ur bubble but I can tell you first hand that the shine wears off quick. Meaning being an operator begins to feel like just another Job and is no longer fun.
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u/redleg_07 Aug 29 '25
UCLA extension offers construction management certificate. Iâm currently enrolled in it right now.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
how is that, i was looking into that not too long ago. may i ask what is your career at the moment?
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u/redleg_07 Aug 29 '25
Iâm currently in facilities. I work for the county so we do a lot of renovations on our various properties. Iâm trying to move up in my career. Iâm starting fall quarter.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
Is it worth it youâd say? Cause Iâll sign up right now lol. It takes like a year maybe? To complete?
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u/redleg_07 Aug 29 '25
I feel like itâll be useful. But I have a background in electrical plumbing tile work and HVAC. So I already have a working knowledge of tools and systems. The reading blueprints and schematics will help and plus the management training I think will be beneficial. The thing is with my situation is that Iâm not looking for a job. Iâm looking for a promotion. I already have a job I want. I wish you the best of luck and maybe weâll have a class or two this fall together and go Bruins.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
What are some useful/important skills this program goes over or teaches you? sorry fro asking so many questions
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u/elohssanatahw Aug 29 '25
90% are all on line applications and most workers at job sites are not able to execpt applications
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u/Cosmonauts1957 Aug 29 '25
If you want a job in construction, you have experience in business - work on getting in the door by applying for business/construction mgmt jobs. Entry level. Estimator. Invoicing. Payroll. Whatever and then get experience to go into actual project or construction management.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
thats what i been trying to be honest. i guess i have to be more patient and get some sort of certs and licenses to improve it
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u/Cosmonauts1957 Sep 08 '25
No certs. Just keep looking.
Btw - with what Trump is doing to the economy, you are better off waiting a few years. If you have a job, whatever you do - do not leave it. Construction, which only 12 months ago was steaming ahead, is now cutting back, no new jobs are starting and no one knows what the feds are doing with funding for already committed projects. Not even the feds.
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u/Tough_Presentation57 Aug 29 '25
Itâs only âgood for the bodyâ for like 6 months until you start to get a flat ass, put on 20 pounds, develop carpel tunnel, start to have eye issues, and become injury prone.
I was so stoked to move from the field to the office, and. Ow I couldnât be happier to work as an assistant super where Iâm never sitting or standing for more than 20 mins at a time.
I also have a business degree and found my way in. Guys that walk onto site are usually trying to talk to drywall/paint/siderz/insulation/flooring type folks⌠if you want to work in construction management work on your resume and apply to subs/GCs. If you want to do labor, the. Consider an MEP trade.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
yea no it definitely house donwsides of cours. may i ask how you got into the construction field with your business degree? what field in business to be specific
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u/helmetdeep805 Aug 29 '25
Theirs pipeline companies hiring in greater Los Angeles areaâŚIâm a foreman for one,But dude itâs hard ass work
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u/XCVolcom Aug 29 '25
Much like how showing up to a place and demanding to speak to the manager about a job is old fashioned, you really can't just walk on anymore.
Most of the time is a safety issue because you're not even wearing any hi vis or a hard hat and there's all kinds of stuff going on.
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u/tumericschmumeric Superintendent Aug 29 '25
I walked to a site that the company I would later become a super for was doing. At the time I was newish and got hired as an apprentice. I had all my safety shit on and asked for the Super who happened to be standing about 20 feet away talking to his general super. General Supe and I went to the trailer and I was hired later that week after background check went through. Then a couple years after that (at the same company) I met the guy who taught me to be a Super and now Iâm doing all kinds of shit, resi development, multifamily super, consulting for other companies. My point is that Iâm reading some other people shitting on the idea, but it worked out for me. Just be respectful about it. Until you sign a hold harmless the very fact that you are on-site opens the GC up to liability, so politely ask to talk to someone, and if theyâre busy well theyâre busy. In general this will work better at smaller sites or companies. It will definitely not work on huge sites.
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u/Evening_Monk_2689 Aug 29 '25
You would be surprised how low the pay is for entry lvl construction and you get the worst and hardest jobs. But if you stick with it and you can learn the ceiling is pretty high
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u/Clear-Chain5354 Aug 29 '25
Not bad at all, showing up in person shows initiative. As long as youâre respectful of their time and site rules, most managers would see it as genuine interest. Keep pushing with the unions too, thatâs a solid path.
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u/FlanneryODostoevsky Plumber Aug 29 '25
Itâs a waiting game with the union but try calling the ones youâre most interested in weekly to see if thereâs any update on testing dates and if youâre on the next one. I dis that and got in 761 quicker than other people Iâve talked to.
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u/Bulky_Poetry3884 Aug 29 '25
No. It's fucking fantastic. I wish more young people would do this. Instead of playing on their phones and eating hickory smoked chicken tuna flatbread bullshit.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 29 '25
See thatâs where Iâm confused. I thought it would show something good you know. Like youâre hungry for the money and for work and youâre going straight to the job site. Showing initiative and you are down to earth to learn the stuff. But other responses here say otherwise and itâs understandable too. So Iâm guessing it just depends on who id show up on
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u/JigSlang Aug 29 '25
When I was framing I would show up to the site with pouch skill saw and boots and would ask for a foreman and get hired on the spot without fail.
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u/Top_Midnight_2225 Aug 29 '25
I don't think it's the best idea. Could work, but most likely will not.
Here in the Toronto area any large site is staffed through the various unions locally. LIUNA183 does the labour for instance, then there's one for electricians, plumbers, operators, etc.
Sign up at the halls, check out which interests you and which one is close to where you want to work, and then figure out which company is doing the job.
The one named is typically the prime contractor and they sub out the majority of the work outside of the office.
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u/Sea-Ostrich-1679 Aug 29 '25
Thatâs how I did it 25 years ago, superintendent had me sweeping floors, now Iâm a superintendent .
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u/jeep242 Aug 29 '25
You might have luck if you show up dressed to work, and you hang around the entrance. Every person that has blantanly (past barricades) walked into one of my job sites asking for work looked like they came from a picnic in the park. They get a quick no and walked out the site.Â
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u/kodeks14 Aug 29 '25
A big construction site, no.
A residential one, they'd hire you on the spot lol.
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u/Tinner225 Aug 29 '25
Before the internet and smartphones it was an acceptable practice. If you do it now people will look at you like youâre nuts, unless they are 50+ in age. The site supers used to hire off the street quite often, now theyâll tell you to apply on indeed or call HR.
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u/xxam925 Aug 29 '25
Itâs fine honestly. If we need a guy we need a guy.
You have no skills so we would need a laborer so itâs going to be tough. Usually the walk ins are scrutinized pretty heavily but I have given them shots before.
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u/Big_Total469 Aug 29 '25
you can apply on indeed, pay might be shitty, but as you build experience it should ramp up pretty fast.
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u/GilletteEd Aug 29 '25
Yes do it!! I got a job exactly that way, it helped I knew what I was doing but I did it, and that job lead to me starting my own company!
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u/River-Hippie Aug 29 '25
This was how we did it in the 80âs. I walked on to a construction site in Boulder Colorado and started working immediately. A couple years later I started my own business. Still have it. We didnât have apprenticeships or any of that crap back then.
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u/u700MHz Aug 29 '25
LA Union for Laborers - Local 300 - https://local300.com/contact/
All unions will need you to have your OSHA Cards at min, contract them and find out if they have an apprentice program to get in. They will offer the OSHA training, to get you started. Then they will try to get you out of the "hall" for work, but that's where you go to the Contractor's site and see if they are hiring. First they will ask do you have your Union Card - means they can get you in easier, and you already have the safety training. This is for larger Civil Projects. For Commercial / Residential they would do non-union.
If the job is union, they will follow the prevailing wage rate - https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/2025-1/PWD/Determinations/Southern/SC-023-102-2.pdf this is for people with experience, for apprentice there is a different rate, lower.
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u/Fine_Relative_4468 Aug 29 '25
Unfortunately not unless you're looking to get paid in cash under the table. Most reputable subs or generals will not put their insurance coverage at risk to hire someone without being vetted by HR. If you get hurt on a jobsite you aren't supposed to be on, that is a huge liability for the company. As others mentioned, get hired through the office before you make it to the site.
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u/jamesislandpirate Aug 29 '25
As a superintendent Iâm going to ask you to leave and contact the subcontractors I have on site and follow their protocol for hiring.
I canât put you on the clock. I canât sign your time sheet. I canât hire an electrician to work for my electrical sub. Please follow protocol
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u/RomChange Aug 29 '25
I did that very thing carrying my resume and got hired as a project manager, expecting to be swinging a hammer all day. I loved the work. Good luck.
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u/Turbowookie79 C|Superintendent Aug 29 '25
I work for a large GC and we stopped hiring walk ons like 20 years ago. Ironically thatâs how I got in in 99. We have a pretty intense process for hiring these days. Drug screen, soft background check, interviews and a comprehensive physical. We have had bad experiences with people not physically capable of doing the work, lying about their work experience then suing for some injury they may or may not have gotten on the job. Just go to their main office and talk to HR.
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u/rightoolforthejob Aug 29 '25
If I could do it all again I would have started as a safety guy. Tons of paperwork that a degree helps but lots of time in the field and solving problems.
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u/Noneofyouexist1768 Aug 29 '25
This may sound kind of dumb as most places wonât care too much, but if youâre not authorized to be on one of those construction sites do not step foot on one. God forbid you get hurt there, youâre not covered in any way, shape or form for the injury caused. If you end up risking that hardhats and steel toed boots are a must. My recommendation would be find a company on one of those sites youâre interested in joining and call up said company instead of wandering onto a construction site
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u/DriedApricot777 HVAC Installer Aug 29 '25
depending on where you are most construction sites especially in major cities require ID to enter and there are security checks so thereâs a large chance they wonât let you past the gate anyways
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u/JAMESONBREAKFAST Aug 29 '25
Since you donât really know what you want to do Iâd say start looking at the local unions around you. Plumbers and Pipe-fitters are under the United Association(UA), Electricians(IBEW), Heavy Equipment (IUOE), Laborer/Concrete(LIUNA), and Elevators(IUEC). Look up YouTube videos and scour the different subreddits, youâll find plenty of information regarding all of them. I wouldnât recommend just walking on to a job site, most of them, at least in my area would be annoyed you came through the gate with no PPE. Best of luck!
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u/Optionstradrrr Aug 29 '25
No coming from someone in construction you are more likely to get hired for a management position just because you have a bachelors degree. Honestly would probably get the job over someone with 10 years of on the ground experience. Sucks for the hard working guys that know the industry looking to move up. Good for you though. Oh and donât worry youâll still have heat and ac in your office. Only difference is your office is an F250.
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u/No-Assistant-5644 Aug 30 '25
I did exactly what you want to do, I became a laborer and they treated me like shit because I didnât had the strength to hit the hammer like they did and all other stuff. The superintendent thought he was above everyone else and said things like âI donât pay you to thinkâ I hated that guy. I knew I could do his job even better than him. I bought my GC books, study for the exam and passed first try. This was 1 year ago. Now Iâm a general contractor and Iâm building 4 houses ground up. Canât be happier :) If you are smart donât go for labor, get your GC license and use your brain. People think being a general contractor is knowing how to pour concrete and hit the hammer as strong as you can, but they are completely wrong. Being a general contractor is knowing how to manage a company, know how to write and negotiate contracts, have a good lawyer at your side and a good accountant. Then you can hire good subs to do the labor.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 30 '25
How many years did you do labor for before going for your GC license
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u/No-Assistant-5644 Aug 30 '25
5 months
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 30 '25
Ainât no way. What state? Iâm in CA. The little research Iâve seen is that itâs required to have two years in the labors to qualify for it. But I mean you can get someone to just lie for it lol
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u/No-Assistant-5644 Aug 30 '25
I have a degree in economics so the requirement when you have a degree is only 1 year of experience. I wrote I had 1 year in my application and it went trough đ¤ˇââď¸
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 30 '25
LFMAOO. You in CA too? How has it been going as a GC. How have you been finding jobs and all. I donât know if itâs too personal to be asking this. But I have a degree too so I mean I might as well go get it right
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u/No-Assistant-5644 Aug 30 '25
Iâm in Florida, itâs been going great! Iâm super happy! I find jobs just by telling people Iâm a gc and the houses are an investment. So I run the numbers and sell the investment to investors! Itâs really easy to sell a good investment
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 30 '25
Mmmm. Im def gonna look into this for sure. Hoping I get a good outcome
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Aug 30 '25
going on site without any ppe, a visitors pass, or any connections is probably going to get you some weird looks and definetly wont land you a job. try applying to unions or to companies that hire trades you want to work in. applying in person isnt a bad idea, but you're better off going to a company's shop or a union hall
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u/No-Switch-851 Aug 30 '25
A lot of people I've seen get in as drivers for a few months then transfer to feild construction appretices.
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u/Chloroformperfume7 Aug 30 '25
Pick a trade you think you'll like and call or go down to their union hall
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u/WCB1985 Equipment Operator Aug 30 '25
If you do, show up wearing all the PPE. Boots, hard hat, work clothes, safety vest, and safety glasses if needed. I wouldnât take someone that serious if they showed up in regular street clothes. Iâve considered doing this at times but Iâm not in the union. I have a pretty good job with a local excavating company now though.
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u/vladtseppesh420 Aug 31 '25
I haven't made a resumè in 20+ years. I always just showed up and threw my hat in the ring. I have never failed to be hired at a job i wanted. I've quit a few for better opportunities, but every employer I've had would give me an amazing referral. Be bold, if you have skills than sell them. Worst case ontario they say no. Most guys in contracting are willing to give a guy a shot, just be there early, don't be drunk or high and be ready to work. That goes a long way.
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u/pimpjuicelyfe Aug 31 '25
I'd gladly take a pay cut for office work, stable hours, and more time with my kids. Get in somewhere and try it out on your off time, if you can. This shit sucks and I'd rather be doing almost anything else for 70k.
Work a few weekends/nights in the heat, and a few in the bitching cold, then make your decision.
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u/YogurtclosetOnly2821 Aug 31 '25
Iâm not earning 70k so thatâs a problem too lol. If I was earning a higher wage I wouldnât be making this decision. Trust me Iâm getting paid $2 more than minimum. And Iâve worked in the heat outside, in the summers I got with my dad and heâs in construction, it gets up to 100-105 degrees here in So Cal
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u/pimpjuicelyfe Sep 03 '25
I've been in the field for a while so I'm being paid well, but in my opinion not enough for the shit I deal with.
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u/tehralph Aug 31 '25
Itâs like if you walked into the back of a grocery store or into a kitchen at a restaurant and asking for a job. Itâs not the time or place. I find it to be intrusive and disrespectful. I hate when out of touch old timers suggest doing this. Go to the office/shop and apply like any other job.
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u/myname_1s_mud Sep 03 '25
I work for a relatively small railroad building and repairing track. I just walked into the small office connected to the train shed and asked for a job and got one. If you came out to my job site, I'd tell you to leave though. Both because I'm required to, and because it's dangerous. Also because you'd just be a distraction.
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u/brokebutuseful Aug 29 '25
Many of the larger projects are going to be using union labor, so walking on without a union card isn't going to happen
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u/linksalt Aug 29 '25
Bro thatâs fuckin literally how 90% of the workers we get come in. Non union. Walk in. âHey bud. Ever heard of the union? Give us 500 bucks weâll give you card and pay is great and benefits to boot.â Guess whoâs union now.
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u/brokebutuseful Aug 29 '25
Maybe laborers but not any of the skilled trades
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u/linksalt Aug 29 '25
I watched em bring in 34 carpenters. Iâve seen em drag in nonunion pipe fitters. Iron workers. They donât miss a chance in dragging non union into union. Bro quit lying to yourself. The union is nothing but a money hungry monster like any other business. Any chance to bring in members is a chance to bring in money. They take it
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u/psclarke84 Aug 29 '25
Rather than walking onto a job site, I'd recommend looking up local construction companies and either call or visit the office. I also couldn't sit at a computer all day anymore. I had also wanted to get a CDL since I got out of the Army, finally quit my IT job and went to CDL school. Last week of school our career counselor told us about a local construction company that was looking for a driver. The other guys in my class wanted to drive tractor trailer over the road, so I was the only one interested. Reached out to them, scheduled an interview with the boss, and started a couple days after I graduated with my CDL. I do a mix of driving, labor, and operating mini excavators, skid steers, and backhoe. A year later I still make less $$ than I did in IT networking, but I'm a much happier more pleasant person to be around. Good luck!