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Researched by Colin A. & Evan H. 2001-02 |
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HISTORY:
Ever since cave men left the cave homes that had been built, they have
been made of many different types of materials, from sticks and grass to
concrete and steel. Tools, skills, and materials have improved and we are
now able to build homes and buildings that can withstand almost all types
of weather.
In 1996 the National Association of Home Builders estimated that about one and one half million homes were built. Home Builders Institute (HBI) has trained thousands of people in the construction trade and is the largest vocational training program in the United States.
There are many different types of construction jobs, each with different responsibilities. For my report I focused on general contractors, carpenters, bricklayers, stonemasons, painters, insulation workers, plumbers and electricians. Other related jobs include painters, roofers, paper hangers, bridge inspectors, steeplejacks, survey helpers, assemblers and installers of manufactured buildings, architects, realtors, pavers, iron metal workers, heating and air conditioning specialists and heavy construction workers.
Most of the workers work full time. Although outside work may have slow periods due to weather. These workers need to be in good physical health as they may need to lift and carry heavy loads. They may need to get up early in the morning to pick up supplies for the day. The construction worker often works with dangerous tools and equipment. Some even work on scaffolding high above the ground. Injuries occur more often with these types of workers than any other profession.
Construction sites and their locations vary. They may work in small towns as well as cities. Much of the initial work is done in the outdoors.
These workers need to have good judgment, self confidence, good hand eye coordination, like physical exercise, working with their hands, be willing to adapt to new techniques, be able to read and follow instructions, and be a good team player.
College is not necessary, but it does help in attaining management level positions. There are colleges and technical institutes that have courses in the home building professions. Usually construction workers learn their trade on the job or in a formal apprentice position. A high school diploma is desirable. Courses in business, English, mathematics, bookkeeping, woodworking, metal working, drafting, blue print reading, and computer skills are helpful. Obviously 5th grade level work gives us some of the basics to develop the skills needed in this job. We read to learn and follow instructions. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions teach us how to be accurate measurers and determine how much of something we need to buy.
Here is my opinion on the outlook for construction workers. The major outlook for this job, is that it will increase. The demand for residential buildings should increase through the next few years. Nonresidential building is most likely to increase faster than the other types of building construction.
WHAT THEY DO:
General Contractors:
A building project is usually managed by a general contractor. He is
responsible for following drawings and obtaining the needed materials and
manpower. The site must be cleared, concrete footings, cellar floors and
foundation walls follow. The walls and roof are then constructed and
sewer pipes are installed, wall pipes, electrical wiring, gas lines and
telephone wires are placed. Insulation is added and floors are laid. The
inside walls are added and finishing work such as painting and installing
cabinetry and carpet complete the project. Many contractors learn their
trade by starting out as a site worker. Others may learn their practice
through college or apprenticeships. Depending on their reputation and work
experience their salary may be as low as $15,000 to $100,000.
Carpenters:
Carpenters are responsible for building layout, form building, rough
framing, inside finishing, putting doors and windows in, and hanging cabinets.
Carpenters need to know how to read blueprints and measure accurately.
They use hand and power tools and check their work using levelers and other
tools. Carpenters are usually employed by the general contractor. Some
may work for manufacturing companies, government agencies, and schools.
Many carpenters are self-employed. Most of their training is through apprenticeships
and on the job training. These programs may last three to four years. Salary
ranges are from $255 to $770 per week.
Bricklayers:
A bricklayer’s main job is to lay bricks. They use mortar, made out
of cement, sand and water. Next they cut the bricks with a chisel saw (for
getting around windows, doors, and other open spaces). They use jointing
tools to fill in mortar joints, for a smooth uniform appearance. If you
are a beginner bricklayer you will mix mortar, set up scaffolds, and fetch
other things the experienced bricklayer needs. In the past bricklayers
not working on residential buildings built block partition walls and elevator
shafts. Bricklayers learn their trade on the job as apprentices. Their
salary may range from $18.78 to $19.51 an hour.
Stonemasons:
A stonemason’s main job is to make stone walls. Stonemasons may work
from a set of drawings, where each stone is marked for identification.
An assistant will locate and move the pre-numbered stones. A derrick operator
will lift larger stones into place, if necessary. When building a wall
stone masons set stones in a shallow mortar bed. They then align them with
wedges. Next, the stonemasons position stones with hard rubber mallets.
As the wall progresses the masons will take away the wedges, and smooth
joints for nice finish. To cut the stones masons use a special chisel,
but for more valuable stones they use a saw fitted with a diamond blade.
On the job training and apprenticeships are how they learn their trade.
From my information on salaries, theirs is quoted at $19.37 an hour.
Painters:
Painters are responsible for some of the finishing touches to a building.
They choose appropriate types of paint, stain or varnish for the project.
They need to prepare the surface they are working on by stripping, sanding,
steaming or other methods. Tools are basic; brushes, scaffolds, and spray
equipment. The majority of painters learn their trade on the job. Salary
varied from $376 to $703 per week based on the information I reviewed.
Insulation Workers:
Insulation workers install insulation in homes and businesses. They
may spray foam insulation on a wire mesh or they may blow loose fill insulation
into walls. When working on older buildings they might have asbestos in
the ceilings and walls which require special procedures and the need to
wear suits to protect themselves. This group of workers learn their trade
on the job. Salaries are approximately $446.00 per week.
Plumbers:
Plumbers install and repair systems for waste disposal and drainage
as well as gas and water systems in homes and other buildings. They often
work from blueprints. They lay out the pipes to fit the structure while
minimizing waste and then install the piping systems, by cutting and bending
lengths of pipe and connecting them with glue. They also install fixtures
and connect the system to outside water lines. The majority of their work
is for contractors. Many plumbers do maintenance work for businesses. Almost
all plumbers undergo apprenticeship training, and most communities require
plumbers to be licensed. Their apprenticeships include drafting, blueprint
reading, mathematics, applied physics and chemistry, safety and local plumbing
codes. Salary is quoted at about $18.19 to $21.29 per hour.
Electricians:
These workers install and maintain electrical systems and most specialize
in either construction or maintenance work. They install pipe or tubing
in the walls, pull electrical wires through the tubing and connect wires
to circuit breakers or other components. They also may install telephone
and computer wiring and equipment. They inspect equipment to identify and
correct electrical problems, to prevent breakdowns. Most electricians are
trained through apprenticeships or technical schools. Salary ranges from
$16.68 to $19.29 an hour.
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