The construction industry is a challenging and ever-changing business where no two days are the same. There are a variety of careers in the industry and a variety of different routes which you can take. Here we give you some idea of the various different steps you’ll need to take in your search for construction jobs.
Certification
Not just anyone can walk onto a building site. You’ll need to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or similar card. The reason behind this card is to check for competency of the individual, ensure proper health and safety on site and to reduce the potential for accidents. To apply for the CSCS card you have to take a health and safety test and demonstrate your competence.
Labouring
Labouring is a great way to get your foot on the ladder in the construction industry. It will give you your first experience of being on a building site and help you to learn the ropes. No one said it’s going to be easy so you’ll have to pull your weight to show your competence and potentially move up into a more skilled area. To search for labourer jobs it’s advisable to use a search engine on a job site such as Jobs Today. There, you can refine your search to various locations and job specifications.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great way to set yourself on the way to a career in the construction industry. It’s advisable to seek an apprenticeship with a reputable firm and start at the bottom. In an industry where there’s huge scope for personal development it’s not unheard of for an apprentice to eventually work his way up to becoming managing director of the company. Many industry experts advise to start with a carpentry apprenticeship as it will provide you with the broadest range of skills and ensure you’re always needed on site. Again a great way to start looking for apprenticeships is with a construction jobs search.
University Qualifications
If you’re looking to go to University to develop your career in the construction industry, degrees such as architecture and design, building services, civil engineering, construction management, construction economics/surveying and facilities management will give you a first class grounding and skills base to enable you to develop a career in certain sectors such as residential, commercial and industrial contracting; or public sector and civil engineering projects.
In The Power To Predict, real-time business pioneer Vivek Ranadiv breaks the code of silence to bring you news from the frontlines of the Predictive BusinessTM revolution.
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Real-time business gives companies the ability to monitor and react to changes and address problems, as they occur. But no matter how sophisticated their information gathering and data mining systems are, they’re still playing catch-up.
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Business networking is more than a “meet and greet” between business associates. It’s a life skill that will help you in life and in business.
Nobody is born a master networker; they are created. Learning the basics of networking empowers you to meet people who are influential and who will help shape the future of your business in a positive way.
Opportunities
Opportunities are abundant on this earth whether obvious or created. Not all doors will be opened, not all platters will be handed to you. Sometimes, just meeting the right person will open dozens of doors that were previously unopened.
Respect
The saying is true: who you meet on the way up is the same person you will meet on the way down. Treat the secretary the same as you would a CEO. Everyone you meet, no matter big or small has the same hidden potential to climb an equivalent ladder. Don’t dismiss someone because they haven’t climbed that ladder yet.
Giving
The principal of giving is parallel in business networking. Give without the expectation of receiving. Give because you want others to reach their goals. This provides the chance to show others you are educated in your industry; a show but not tell attitude.
The Business Relationship
Relationships in business are more than customer service and less than personal. It’s important to get to know someone: their likes, dislikes, goals, achievements as far as business goes. However, it’s inappropriate to meddle in personal lives such as why they are divorcing their wife or why they choose to serve a particular religion. Be friends with your network but not a best friend.
Conclusion
Business networking takes time, commitment and practice. The more you do it, the better you get and the more people you meet. You don’t want to simply begin and end your relationship with a “hi” and a “bye”. You want to establish true, lasting business relationships with the people you network with.
Happy employees equal a profitable company. How are you management skills?
Perks
What can you offer your employees for a job well done? Rewards can range from a pizza party to electronic giveaways. Map out what accomplishments call for rewards at different levels. In-house daycare is an excellent perk for single parents and leads to less sick days.
Personal Life
Every employee has a personal life from children to unseen circumstances. Work hour flexibility provides the employee with an opportunity to work around life’s busy schedule ensuring work dedication.
Fun At Work
Work doesn’t always have to be a work environment. Google, the leading search engine provides employees with an in-house game room, on-site doctor, free meals and more. The company benefits by producing a stress free environment for employees who are more focused, relaxed and ready to work.
Raises and Bonuses
One of the most basic employee rewards is on a monetary system to reward excellent custom service and project completion. Extra money is always appreciated by hard working employees.
Time Off
When you can’t afford to give employee raises, give away paid mini vacations such as a one day get-away to a local spa or an overnight hotel stay. You can also put this in contest form by rewarding the most productive employee of the month.
Praise
Praise still works as a viral reward. However, be careful not to reward for every minor accomplishment such as showing up on time. One customer service company sends balloons with the words “A job well done!” to the employee who receive the highest ratings for the week.
Decreasing business costs is important to increase income.
Collect Payments
One of the ways to increase cash flow is to collect on your customers asap. One small business I know sent their invoices out at the same time once a month when they “had time”. Don’t do this! The faster you collect, the sooner you receive income.
Late Penalties
Don’t allow customers to be late on payments without penalties. Your invoices should clearly state a due date and what penalties are available after certain amounts of time. Lighter penalties can include a small fee and the toughest being a report to a collection agency.
Office Space
Consider subleasing your office space if you have room or if your landlord allows. Or you may want to downsize and settle for a smaller office. Sometimes landlords will even accept improvements you made to the building as rent but check with your landlord first.
Temps
Temporary employees are useful when you have steady business. They are easier to let go than full time employees. Plus, the temporary staffing agency will find them employment right away.
Bookkeeping
The computer revolution has brought us many things. One of them is the way we manage our finances. Software such as QuickBooks and Quicken makes it possible for the average user to learn bookkeeping.
Supplies and Equipment
Bulk companies like Costco and Sams have great deals on office supplies. You can also try eBay for used furniture and other equipment. Check your newspaper for out-of-business sales.