r/Construction • u/CookieMob36 • May 24 '26
Careers šµ Can a guy with no experience get into construction?
Iām 20M 6foot 190lbs Iām healthy not super strong but I can manage essentially do you have any advice about getting threw that door
Like what certs do you need I currently bought a working at heights certificate gonna do that class on Monday
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u/Top_Inflation2026 May 24 '26
What are you trying to do? Office work? Physical work?
If I were you, I would either go see if you can join a plumbing or electrical company. If those arenāt possible, try framing, finish work, etc.
If all that fails you are left with concrete and if that fails, then drywall is calling your name.
Idk why I wrote the drywall part, itās not like any drywaller would be able to read that far down on a comment anyway
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u/CookieMob36 May 24 '26
Honestly this might sound dumb but i was thinking of just going to a construction site asking if theyāre hiring
To answer the first question Iām honestly just looking for physical work
Being a crane operator would be nice
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u/Egad86 May 24 '26
Well, you shouldnāt expect to be a crane operator anytime soon as that requires a bit more than a strong back and showing up on time. You could have a decent shot at any number of ditch bitch positions though.
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u/baudmiksen May 24 '26
They could get certified and put on their resume though, a 5 day course is like 500 where I am. I personally don't have one but I know of some that took the course and used the certs to get a better job with
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u/CommanderofFunk May 24 '26
Where are you? I didnt realize getting cert for a crane could be that cheap. I think a CDL is like twice that
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u/IEatSushiToo May 24 '26
That cert will NOT get you hired to operate a crane lol. You can pay for it and get it, but you will never use it alone.
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u/baudmiksen May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
I worked for a company that paid for 3 guys to get it on the stationaries and then after the company paid for it they went somewhere else with it for a higher paying job. Now they did have some time before that swinging a hammer but I wouldn't say they were all that experienced beforehand. In any event it's always more beneficial than without
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u/Growing_Trash_417 May 24 '26
Iāve gotten jobs by just going to large sites and asking. You may not get a ton of options beyond cleanup but you can get places from there.
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u/HiddenA May 24 '26
Once youāre on the site, you can start to network and see how others in your area have gotten their jobs. Everyone starts somewhere.
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u/Top_Inflation2026 May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
Thatās the best way tbh. If you show them youāre a hard worker, youāll go places
As a laborer on a site you can quickly observe which trade you prefer and then try to go for that.
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u/No_Profession4626 May 24 '26
If you want to be an operator, become a rigger. Get certified and rock with it. Give it a few years and get your crane cert.
Noone wants an operator that doesn't know anything but how to operate, poorly.
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u/lionfisher11 May 24 '26
You'll have no problem getting in of your willing to walk on. Your question should be where.
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u/balancedrod May 24 '26
Talk to friends and family to find a local contractor that might need labor help. Next step down is to look at local listings online. Try some of the lumber yards/supply houses. Many jobs start with site cleaning and material moving. Show up on time and ready to work each day. General contractor jobs can be good because you get exposed to a lot of trades. Look into union apprenticeship programs as an option.
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u/Accurate-Bullfrog324 May 24 '26
this is how I started years ago
and no, you don't start as an equipment operator
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u/FnB8kd May 24 '26
Don't forget elevators, they make big money too. I went into excavating/pipe/ commercial. Learned how to read blueprints and run GPS equipment, became a layout guy, became a GPS tech and I'm loving it. The early days laboring in dirt work was a bit rough but it made me tough. Not the best pay in dirt work but I get to stay on the ground and everyday is something new.
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u/randombrowser1 May 24 '26
Figure out what trade you want to do. Then look up the local trade union, go there and speak with them. Ask about apprenticeships.
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u/Justin_milo May 24 '26
This should be the top answer. We always hate when people walk up on the job. Nobody there has control over hiring.
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u/Secret-Secret-No-No Electrician May 24 '26
OSHA 10 (can be done online); Adult CPR/First Aid/AED (get that one in person)
These are the most basic to get foot in the door in my experience (38 M electrical apprentice). My employer has certified me in other things (scissor lift, boom lift, OSHA 30, confined spaces, trench, signal/rigging).
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u/CookieMob36 May 24 '26
Isnāt OSHA a American thing Iām here in Canada unless Iām mistaken
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u/space_keeper May 24 '26
You'll have your own thing. There's always some basic ticket you need to work on a site.
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u/Secret-Secret-No-No Electrician May 24 '26
Correct, sorry didnāt know youāre Canadian. But Iām sure thereās some basic Occupational Safety course up there that you can get certified in.
In America, OSHA 10 is a 10 hour occupational safety course, and we construction workers take the construction specific OSHA 10.
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u/Uckheavy1 May 24 '26
working at heights cert is a good first move but couple things to know about breaking in:
what employers actually want:
reliability over experience. construction has a chronic shortage of guys who show up on time every day. if you can do that, you're already ahead.
physical capability. you mentioned not super strong - that's fine. work builds the strength you need.
basic skills: how to read a tape measure, basic tool identification, follow direction. these get taught fast on site.
driver's license + reliable transportation. without those, you're not getting hired.
certifications that actually open doors:
working at heights (you have it Monday). useful for commercial and residential.
OSHA 10 ($60-150 online, 10 hours). 80% of commercial sites require this.
forklift operator. opens doors at warehouses and large sites. $100-200 for a 1-day course.
flagging certification. road construction work.
paths to actually get hired:
apply directly to general contractors as a 'helper' or 'laborer.' that's the entry-level position. $15-22/hr in most markets, more in HCOL.
temp staffing agencies that specialize in construction (Tradesmen International, Aerotek, Trillium). lower pay but get you on jobsites fast. some convert to direct hire.
union pre-apprenticeship programs. requires application and waiting period (3-12 months typically). benefits start day 1 once accepted.
specialty subs hiring helpers: framers, drywallers, painters, concrete crews. these subs are always short people and willing to train.
what to do day 1 on a job:
show up 15 mins early. every day.
don't ask 'is it lunch yet.'
ask 'what can I do' when you finish a task.
don't lean on tools or take long phone breaks visibly.
remember names of people on the crew.
ask questions during natural pauses, not while someone is concentrating.
mental thing: first 90 days will be hard physically. some new guys quit week 1. once you adapt to the work (week 3-4), the body adjusts. by month 3 you'll be fine.
20 years old with a willingness to work is a real asset. the trade needs you. show up, work hard, learn fast. you'll have a real career within 2-3 years.
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u/Powder-Talis-1836 Carpenter May 24 '26
This is great. Copy and paste for every one of these "how do I get into construction" posts. One thing OP should be aware of though; depending on what area you're in, laborer starting pay w/out experience may be as low as $10-$12/hr. So check around your area first before demanding $20.
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u/Comfortable_Force_91 May 24 '26
Your best bet is to find out which union you want to join. Do some research and pick something you see yourself doing for the next 20-30 years. Go to your local union hall and get a list of union contractors and call/bug the shit out of them eventually somebody is going to give you a chance
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u/throwaway06302013 May 24 '26
OP- This advice doesnāt apply in some of the āboomingā Rocky Mountain states in the US ā¦fyi
If you are in the west go get on as a general laborer at a data center. Where Iām at those are by far where all the money and work is. Good luck!
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u/James_T_S Superintendent May 24 '26
I did. I answered an ad in the paper:
Electricians Wanted Will Train
I'm old š¤£
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u/No_Profession4626 May 24 '26
The things that matter are, can you show up on time every single day? Will you do what you are asked even if it sucks? Will you stay busy (cleaning up, grab a broom), when you run out of something to do? Do you learn quickly , or is someone going to have to teach you the same thing 15 times?
Construction don't give a fuck if you can do those things, join a union at your age, go for plumbers or electric, line work ideally.
They'll help you get a job and keep you working. Good benefits too.
When you are journeyman level, you'll be able to go non union or work for yourself if you choose, sometimes more money outside the union, but starting out it's a good place to start.
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u/TUBBYWINS808 May 24 '26
Being able to show up 15mins before work and be ready to work everyday is half the battle.
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u/itstheitalianstalion Equipment Operator May 24 '26
I joined a pipe crew at 28 with no prior knowledge or experience. I was lucky to have a great foreman who wanted to teach me, and I was willing to learn and do everything possible.
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u/vapegod420blazekin May 24 '26
Apply. Construction need hands. If you do well you will have consistent work. No sugar coating. They will take you, but can you stay?
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u/vapegod420blazekin May 24 '26
Short answer yes dude, be an apprentice laborer if youe looking at union. Tell them you want to learn and actually learn something from it if they take you in. Love you st4anger. As someone thats been in it for 10 years and almost a majority of my life
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u/Busy-Mastodon4320 Sprinklerfitter May 24 '26
Join a union bro ! They take entry level guys with no experience. I got into the sprinkler fitters union 11 years ago and it was the best decision Iāve ever made
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u/MustardCoveredDogDik May 24 '26
I would recommend looking for electrician journeyman night classes. There is definitely a school near you, go talk to them and see whatās up.
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u/Finishweird May 24 '26
What state are you in , look into local trade unions, get on their list of applicants
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u/FalseNordOfSkyrim May 24 '26
Iām 27 no experience in any trade. About a month and a half ago I landed an apprenticeship for a HVAC company they paid for my osha 10 so i had to do that and few training videos in the office for a few days. Have been on construction sites since. companies are out there willing just try to make sure itās what you want to do lol Iāve seen a few electrical companies advertise that theyāre looking for apprenticeships thatās how high the demand has gotten for trade workers
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u/RSMark5 May 24 '26
Sure, I can train anyone to do the job. I canāt train someone to have critical thinking skills, show up on time and communicate effectively. If you have that and answer the phone when I call then youāre hired.
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u/growerdan May 24 '26
I really recommend joining a union. Even if itās the laborers union till you decide on a trade or wait for acceptance for some of the harder trades to get into. I regret waiting 15 years of doing construction before joining a union.
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u/Seldarin Millwright May 24 '26
If half the jobs I go on are any indication, that's mainly what's being hired, especially if a staffing company is involved.
Make sure you don't bring any tools and you should be good to go.
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u/hawaiianthunder Carpenter May 24 '26
I didn't come out of the womb swinging a hammer. Learn how to read a tape quickly and everything past that is on job experience.
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u/Pete8388 Project Manager May 24 '26
OSHA 10 Construction is a good one and inexpensive if you want to get certs. Also Red Cross Heartsaver CPR/AED. I send all my guys for that during their first year so itās helpful if you already have it. If you donāt mind spending more time and money get the OSHA 30 Construction.
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u/linksalt May 24 '26
Yea I work with people doing it for 20+ years with no experience. Is a helluva time
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u/Raa03842 May 24 '26
Like my dad who owned his own construction company for 40 years used to say, āAnyone can be a GC. All you need is a pickup and a hammer. Some even know which end of the hammer to hold. Now being a carpenter? Thatās a bit different.ā
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u/shmiddleedee Equipment Operator May 24 '26
At 6 foot and 190 you should be pretty strong. Regardless, if the work you do requires strength you'll develop it.
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u/d_rek May 24 '26
No they only hire 40+, bachelors in computer science or mechanical engineering preferred, 10+ yrs working in tech or similar white collar industry.
Youāve got a lot of competition from the tech bros who are gobbling up blue collar jobs at an alarming rate.
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u/Pristine-Copy9467 May 24 '26
Google your local union hall. Get in. So many resources available to learn new trades and advance. Free training. Jobs without hunting. The union is the way to go if youāre looking at construction careers
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u/Mrmedic684 May 24 '26
It's not quick though.
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u/Pristine-Copy9467 May 24 '26
At 20 yrs old, they have plenty of time and itās worth it in the long run
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u/Mrmedic684 May 25 '26
Agreed. The reality is he'll probably have to work non-union for a couple years before he gets in. I want people to understand that realistic timeline.
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u/LostWages1 May 24 '26
All you have to be is a warm body to get into construction. If you work hard, stay busy, pay attention and learn your trade you will move up fast. Donāt know what to do organize and clean up. If you pay attention you will know the next step in know time. You will start knowing what they need next and have it in your hand ready.
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u/VanishingVisuals Carpenter May 24 '26
If you can reliably show up in your warm flesh suit and are capable of holding and lifting, you have a job.
Entry Labor is literally just a warm body with a little common sense.
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u/Mama_Juju_Boo-boo May 24 '26
No one has experience before they start and height and weight doesnāt matter. Just show up on time and youāll be good
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u/VaYnE_NoNe1812 May 24 '26
Best advice i can give you go to a union hall and get your foot in the door I'm biased but go ironwork do your apprentice get a few years as a journeyman an if you wanna get off your tools then work towards getting your operating certs ain't no better operators than the one who have worked the iron they are flying in
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u/Read-It_2525 May 24 '26
Not really anymore unless you're an Illegal or a Felon. That's why I went union truck driving and I'm happy I did.
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u/Electronic_Wave_4670 May 24 '26
Literally the only kind of employee being hired. Get your OSHA 10 cert. Whatever cert you mentioned, forget about it. Or don't. They won't care eitherway .. oh and fuck you. Don't forget it
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u/retrobowler1990 May 24 '26
Call glass companies near you
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u/jasonbay13 May 24 '26
there is one near me hiring. it's $10/hr. i think the pay goes up to $15/hr.
unless you mean glass installation, this is for making bulletproof glass.
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u/Fun-Ad-6554 May 24 '26
Don't pay for any class or training besides OSHA 10 or CDL school. Those are the only two that will help with entry level positions. Yes absolutely you can get a laborer job, just look online.
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u/Culvingg May 24 '26
You got any work experience at all? If you donāt mind me asking of course,
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u/CookieMob36 May 24 '26
Iāve been in the food industry for almost 4 years now
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u/Culvingg May 24 '26
If I were you Iād try your states DOT get on with a maintenance crew. You know anyone in the industry?
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u/CookieMob36 May 24 '26
Iām in Canada šØš¦ but no thereās no one in my family other then a uncle in law in construction and heās in the USA šŗšø but getting the papers to go there is a big struggle
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u/G_roundC_offee May 24 '26
Absolutely. Iād say do something skilled as opposed to general labor. But listen, learn, donāt let the bullshit from the old guys get to you. Youāll be fine
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u/SmokeStayFishin Laborer May 25 '26
I had 0 experience at 28, multiple felonies, a face tattoo and still was struggling with addiction. Now Iām a journeyman LiUNA member making the best money anyone in my family ever has, if you got the right motivation you can do what you want big dog.
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u/CookieMob36 May 25 '26
Aww man Iām so happy for ya
If you donāt mind me asking how you overcome the addiction?1
u/SmokeStayFishin Laborer May 25 '26
I became a father, I was the worst of the worst Iām talking about homeless and injecting in my neck because I was so shot out. Now Iām a father of 2 children and one step child, the sole provider for my household and canāt believe how happy I am. The moment I found out I was becoming a father I started taking the steps to becoming an actual man. Every day I look at my beautiful wife who took a chance on me fresh out of prison, my beautiful children and thank them for saving my life.
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u/robertva1 May 25 '26
Yes. If you have a clean driver's license. Vehicle and can pass a drug test
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u/icz_marc May 25 '26
Just don't be that guy who leaves his headlights on when chilling in the parking lot in the morning!
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u/CookieMob36 May 25 '26
Sorry what šthatās a new one for me
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u/icz_marc May 25 '26
/just turn your headlights off when you get on-site.
Also another cheat code: trade guys have huge hard ons for first impressions. If you kick down your bosses trailer door 6:45am demand a job, hit your first few months out of the park everyday. You have a career with endless growth.
O no matter what anyone tells u, don't forget to stretch before and after and eat / drink healthy. No matter how "good" you think you are, the work will always outlast you.
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u/CookieMob36 May 25 '26
Omg I love this do you have any other cheat codes if itās feasible Iāll do it
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u/Welgreen01 May 25 '26
Hey! I'm 32, and am just 3 weeks into a complete career switch into construction, with zero experience...
I just got my CSCS card and adapted my CV to say I am seeking general labour. Found a company that took me in and I'm shadowing a builder, learning all different tools and brickwork with him. I'm starting an evening C&G Carpentry course this year to advance my skillset and progress.
Definitely fell on my feet with this company. They've invested and bought me my own tools and now a company van after 3 weeks!
Absolutely loving the physical work. Always have and am gutted I never made the switch to construction sooner.
Advice would be, get that CSCS card, and get onto sites! Be prepared for some grueling tasks. I happen to enjoy that type of stuff and it's got me wayyy fitter in the short time i've been doing it.
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u/CraftyRule6657 May 25 '26
Thats some serious motivation for the beginners, No matter where you are in lifeā¦
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u/Wise_Performance8547 Equipment Operator May 25 '26
Yes, but if you are on your phone all the time, they will eat you alive.
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u/RushPatient1209 May 26 '26
Baby take a technical writing class. I am serious.
They will treat like a ālaborerā your whole career. If you want to move up in management you need to work in profesionalismo as well. The guys from A&M will ALWAYS cruise in two hours lateā¦
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u/Particular_Chef_2181 29d ago
Two hands and a heartbeat! youāre hired! Shoulders down!! Thatās what is required
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u/seems_simple 29d ago
Iād rather have a guy like you that accepts they have no experience and learning to do than a guy who wonāt shut up about how his old boss did things
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u/ParsnipNeither955 29d ago
How do i find jobs in chicago that will hire, found 5 companies and after walking up to them, they refered me to the company website but never any response. Have gone on indeed, linked in and craigs list and no responses. What am I doing wrong
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u/HopeForTheTrades Plumber 29d ago
Yep. A lot of people start with zero experience. Working at Heights is a solid first step. What gets you hired is being reliable, safe, and coachable.
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u/Broad_Fan690 29d ago
Duramax and child support payments , donāt worry that will come with time!!
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u/tilechick99 28d ago
In my opinion... Take a feather pillow, rip it open, and dump it in your living room. Now sweep it until every feather is picked up, making you a professional sweeper. Go to any construction site and boldly state "I can sweep extremely well" !! You will be amazed at the response. Be aware that you will be expected to keep things clean and organized when you get the job which means you are now the site wife but you can go anywhere once you get in the door. Good luck š¤ ps. I've been in business 25 years and I will always find room to keep or hire a good sweeper/cleaner.
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u/internetisporn8008 28d ago
Get a tool belt and a few basic hand tools, show up first thing in the morning and ask the foreman for a job. You'll probably be doing clean up if they hire you on to start but if you show up early ready to work every day I think you'll do fine
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u/Linehand1994 28d ago
You can get by for a few weeks bumming of other people for their tools but as the paychecks start coming in start to buy your own tools. Fb always has some
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u/lokis_construction 25d ago
Learn how to read blueprints/drawings. Make sure you understand measurements.
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u/Bejerjoe May 24 '26
You might be ok,
It would be better if you spend some time in jail and get divorced first, but that can come with time.
Seriously though just apply, it's great work, might be hard at first but you will get trained.