There are a lot of jobs available in the construction industry, which is a good thing. But there’s also a catch – employers are increasingly asking more of job applicants and looking for a range of skills and certifications even for entry level positions.  

The most successful applicant will be well prepared for a variety of opportunities upon walking in the door. To ensure you’re putting your best foot forward and maximizing your chances of getting hired, consider pursuing these four core certifications before applying to a new job: 

Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) 30-Hour Construction Course 

Acquiring an OSHA 30 Department of Labor card proves to employers that you have completed the 30 hours of required training on key safety topics. The coursework prepares workers how to prevent common health hazards on worksites, focusing on the operation of machinery and tools, necessary protective equipment, and site logistics. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for any construction job and will help you maintain safety throughout the duration of your employment. 

Site Safety Training (SST) 

The SST is another safety certification that is required for most workers and supervisors at New York construction sites. Earning your SST card requires 40 hours of coursework, which covers topics from case studies on preventative safety incidents to how to report unsafe working conditions. The certification proves to employers that you are prepared to operate and navigate machinery and tools commonly found on a jobsite. It also offers you an opportunity to hone the knowledge and skills necessary to advance your construction career.  

4-Hour Supported Scaffold User Safety Training 

Unlike OSHA 30 and the SST, the 4-Hour Scaffold certification course is shorter and a more focused method of preparing for a worksite job. The training teaches you methods to avoid issues while performing a job that requires scaffolding. Unsafe scaffolding – and unsafe action around scaffolding – can result in serious or fatal injuries. Again, this certification broadens your employment and advancement opportunities while making you a more well-rounded and safety-minded worker. That’s a win-win for you, your colleagues, and your employer.  

Four Hour Work Zone Flagger Training  

Students who take the flagger training are introduced to relevant federal and state policies, as well as procedures and standards for work zone safety. The training teaches you how to navigate and coordinate traffic on site. As with the other core certifications, this training has a variety of benefits. It demonstrates to employers that you are aware of the importance of safety procedures and logistics and prepared to deal with them, while also making you ready to handle a series of risks to which you and your co-workers might be exposed.