The Biden administration and its allies on Capitol Hill are pushing hard for the federal infrastructure and budget bills to be finalized in the coming weeks or months. Although the specifics are still being worked out and the level of funding is in flux, the final tally is guaranteed to generate construction jobs across the country – including right here in New York City.

We are already seeing a growing need for construction workers as a result of a pre-pandemic labor shortage that was exacerbated by the Covid crisis. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, construction businesses will need to hire 430,000 workers this year and 1 million over the next two years in order to keep up with industry demand. If you’ve been thinking about possibly pursuing a job in construction, now is the time to consider your first steps.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of construction work:

Job Security and Family-Sustaining Pay

Construction ebbs and flows, but regardless of the season, there is always activity on a jobsite. The shortage of skilled workers in the trade has companies constantly looking for new talent, putting workers in search of new opportunities at an advantage. Although pay varies depending on your skill level and experience, construction workers can make up to $100,461 annually. A rule of thumb: The more you know, the more options you’ll have when seeking a new job. Get your safety training and your certifications squared away and consider taking some specialized courses, you’ll be glad you did in the long run.

Tangible Community Impact

As a construction worker, you can make a difference in your community – and see it with your own eyes. Many of the developers we work with at Building Skills are building projects that have the potential to bring significant benefits to local neighborhoods – including affordable housing and mixed-use development. Each worker plays a vital role in helping these projects become a reality, and it can be fulfilling to see your hard work come to fruition. 

Active Work Environment

Most construction jobs – particularly general labor positions – offer the opportunity to work outside of a “conventional” office. Not everyone is interested or cut out for a desk job. Although construction work can be physically taxing, if you enjoy being active and out-of-doors, this may well be the profession for you. Also, construction is a trade that involves creativity, trouble-shooting, communication, and solving problems in real time – all skills that will benefit you no matter where you go.

If you are someone you know is interested in joining the construction industry, Building Skills provides free training for all New York City residents aged 18 and older. For more information on our upcoming classes and programs, please visit our website at: https://buildingskillsny.org/