General Construction Workers

Career summary

#closest match is wois 4286 contst laborers, checked 2/19/15 lh

The tasks of general construction workers vary according to the type of construction they do.

They may load and unload materials from trucks. They haul or hoist materials into place at job sites. Using building plans, workers measure and mark the location of structures on the site.

Workers outline areas that need to be graded or leveled. They dig ditches with picks and shovels, and level the ground to match the specifications in the blueprints. They may set explosives for tunnel, shaft, and road construction.

Different types of construction require different skills. Many general construction workers work with materials such as:

• Concrete
• Plaster
• Stucco

Workers tend machines that pump concrete and other compounds. They pour concrete and then smooth it with a trowel or other finishing tool. Plaster workers mix plaster and then spray it evenly over walls and ceilings.

Sometimes construction workers erect and take apart scaffolding, braces, and other temporary structures. They help tear down buildings and salvage usable materials.

Workers follow waste management plans. They may also put in erosion control barriers. They clean, oil, and repair the tools and equipment they use.

Safety is a big concern for construction projects. General construction workers clean and prepare work areas, removing all possible hazards.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cement Masons
• Construction Helpers
• Fence Builders
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Hazardous Material Workers
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Pipelayers
• Production Helpers
• Rock Splitters
• Roustabouts

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to general construction workers.

• Clean and prepare construction sites. Remove potential hazards.
• Read and interpret plans and instructions to determine activities.
• Load and unload trucks and haul materials.
• Measure and mark areas to be graded or to erect structures.
• Dig ditches and level earth to grade specifications.
• Build and position forms for pouring concrete and take apart forms after use.
• Mix concrete and other compounds.
• Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray-gun.
• Smooth and finish poured concrete.
• Spray materials such as water, sand, vinyl, or paint to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.
• Erect and disassemble scaffolding, braces, and other temporary structures.
• Use green certified building methods. Reuse materials, produce less waste, and control erosion. May raze buildings or salvage useful parts.
• Lubricate, clean, and repair machinery and tools.
• Control traffic around work zones.
• Assist carpenters, plasterers, masons, and other craft workers.
• Weatherize buildings by fixing windows, adding insulation to attics, and weather stripping doors.
• May set explosives for tunnel, shaft, and road construction.

Common work activities

General construction workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Control machines and processes
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Think creatively
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, general construction workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They usually interact with other workers on the job.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by others.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Daily wear gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, or ear plugs, depending on the job.
• Often work outdoors, but some workers may work indoors.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as fumes from paints or sealers.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some possibility of moderate injury.
• Occasionally must work in very bright or very dim lighting conditions.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts or minor burns.
• Occasionally are exposed to whole body vibration, such as when using a jackhammer.
• May work in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van.
• May work physically near others, usually within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could result in serious safety hazards.
• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of machinery.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Usually consult a supervisor before making decisions and setting daily tasks and goals.

Hours/travel

• Usually work eight-hour shifts, though longer hours are also common.
• May work only during seasons when weather permits construction.
• Often must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Physical demands

General construction workers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for general construction workers to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for general construction workers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

General construction workers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Carpentry
• Construction Trades
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Welding Technology

Training

To work as a general construction worker, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Work experience

Some employers prefer those with at least a few months of previous related experience.

On-the-job training

General construction workers usually receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to:

• use equipment necessary for the job;
• unload materials; and
• clean and prepare work sites.

Training generally lasts up to one month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

The entry requirements for apprenticeships in Washington vary. Requirements generally include:

• tenth grade education or equivalent;
• being at least 18 years of age;
• physical ability to do the job;
• ability to pass a drug test;
• successful completion of pre-construction training class; and
• a valid driver's license.

For experienced union members, transfers to other jobs are usually done through union hiring halls.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Apprenticeship info ok 4/2/18 cj. 2/25/19(Requirements are for laborers).

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Driver Education
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education

Many general construction workers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers require that general construction workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most also require workers to be at least 18 years old. Employers may require applicants to pass a physical exam. Some also require drug testing or background checks. Employers look for people who are reliable and hard-working. Some may require applicants to have a driver's license.

Tips

Working for a temporary service may be valuable because of the variety of entry-level positions. Industrial first aid training is a plus. Be sure to acquire math skills in school. To see if you would like this kind of work, go to a construction site and watch what is happening.

Costs to workers

Union workers pay an initiation fee and regular membership dues. Workers may also need to buy work clothing and footwear.

Licensing/certification

Workers in the blasting specialty must obtain an Explosives User's License issued by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Workers engaged in asbestos removal projects must complete a training program and be certified by the Department of Labor and Industries. Some workers may be required to have flagger certification issued under state guidelines.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Division of Occupational Safety and Health 
PO Box 44600
Olympia, WA 98504-4600.
360.902.5563 (explosives licensing)
360.902.5514 (asbestos certification)

#1/28/20  url update

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Construction Laborers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the worker's job duties. Workers who belong to a union generally receive higher wages than those who are not union members. Because construction work in many locations stops in the winter, workers may go without pay for a few months.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time general construction workers may receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the level of construction activity, the state of the economy, and technological advances. In some instances, construction activity centers around large government projects and is dependent on state or federal funds.

#2/25/19 lh

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of general construction workers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Office and industrial building construction companies
• Home building construction companies
• Concrete and brick work companies
• Highway and street construction companies

National outlook

Construction levels are expected to grow. General construction workers will be needed to help on a wide variety of projects. Repairing and replacing the nation’s roads, bridges, and water lines, will result in steady demand for workers. Demand for workers will also be driven by the construction of schools, office buildings, factories, and powerplants.

Most jobs will be created for construction helpers and electrical helpers.

General construction workers sometimes have periods of unemployment. This is due to the short-term nature of many jobs and the cyclical nature of the industry. During economic slowdowns, the number of job openings for these workers declines.

Other resources

Associated Builders and Contractors 
440 - 1st Street NW, Suite 200
Washington DC 20001
202.595.1505

Building Industry Association of Washington 
111 - 21st Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501
800.228.4229
360.352.7800

National Association of Women in Construction 
327 South Adams Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
800.552.3506
817.877.5551

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Construction Laborers (47-2061.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Asbestos Removal Worker (869.684-082) 
• Asphalt-distributor Tender (853.665-010) 
• Asphalt-heater Tender (853.685-010) 
• Auxiliary-equipment Tender (869.665-010) 
• Building Cleaner (891.684-022) 
• Column Precaster (869.667-010) 
• Concrete-building Assembler (869.664-010) 
• Construction Worker I (869.664-014) 
• Floor and Wall Applier, Liquid (864.684-010) 
• Grade Checker (850.467-010) 
• Maintenance Worker, Municipal (899.684-046) 
• Measurer (869.487-010) 
• Plaster-machine Tender (842.665-010) 
• Pump Tender, Cement Based Materials (849.665-010) 
• Riveter (800.684-010) 
• Riveter, Pneumatic (800.684-014) 
• Steam-cleaning-machine Operator (891.685-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled