While there is a ton of job opportunity in New York City’s construction industry, the competition between workers can still be fierce. A candidate should always go into recruiting fairs or job interviews ready to impress, and a surefire way to do so is to obtain a few key training and safety certificates. Here are the Core 4 certifications any job seeker should have in their back pocket to stand out to potential employers.

OSHA 30

Also Known As: 30 Hour OSHA Construction Training

Why It’s Important: This certificate provides workers the safety foundation they need to start working in construction. In fact, it’s required that anyone working at a construction site obtain this certification. Courses in OSHA 30 teach workers about topics like fall protection, excavations, scaffolding, and how to work with concrete and masonry.

Flagger Certification  

Also Known As: 4 Hour Flagging (NYSDOT)

Why It’s Important: Adding dozens of construction projects to New York City’s busy streets creates more noise, traffic and safety concerns. For this reason, flaggers are required at construction sites where barricades and signs cannot control moving traffic. In keeping the flow of car and human traffic moving, flaggers work to ensure the safety of the public, co-workers and construction equipment.

Scaffold User Certification

Also Known As: 4 Hour Scaffold User (NYCDOB)

Why It’s Important: Think New York City, and skyscrapers likely are the first thing that comes to mind. Doing construction work on towering buildings requires scaffolds. NYC law requires all workers on construction sites with scaffolds to have a Scaffold User Certification. Training courses for this certificate teaches workers about scaffold safety hazards, how to stay safe, and what to do in the event of an emergency.

FDNY F-60

Also Known As: The Certificate of Fitness for Fire Guard for Torch Operations and Construction Sites

Why It’s Important: Most construction sites in New York require some sort of fiery construction equipment. In order to conduct “hot work” at construction sites – such as welding, burning, or using any spark-producing tools – a F-60 certificate holder must be present to preform fire watch. Additionally, F-60 certificate holders are required at sites where construction, alteration or demolition exceeds a certain square footage, and when a building is taller than 75 feet.

Ready to get to work? You can get access to Building Skills NY construction job and training opportunities by checking out our Job Seekers page.