Want a construction management career? ‘Be hungry’

Leadership, problem-solving skills needed

There’s a certain satisfaction in looking up at a building and knowing it has your thumbprint on it, Aaron Yohnke says.

Yohnke, 33, learned the construction trade at the elbows of his father and grandfather and worked in the family business before joining PCL Construction nine years ago. “Construction is something I’ve always been interested in, and the people that do it best are those that love it,” he says. “I’m excited to go to work every day.”

His career at PCL has taken Yohnke from field engineer and construction manager to his current position as operations manager. He has worked across Canada, overseeing major building projects from British Columbia to Atlantic Canada and as far afield as the Northwest Territories.

“It has been quite the ride,” he says. “But with the cyclical nature of construction, it’s important to be flexible. Being mobile is the best way to manage the cycles and a quick way to rise to the top.”

Construction managers plan and oversee the different components and contributors to building projects. On significant assignments they manage major deadlines, large teams and budgets in the millions of dollars.

Alberta currently has a need for construction managers. Scott Matheson, chair of the Alberta Construction Association, says the building boom in other provinces means qualified Canadians no longer migrate to Alberta.

The oil and gas sector also presents a challenge for commercial contractors.

“There’s no doubt that the oilpatch is a driver of the economy, but when it gets very busy, as it is now, the higher pay draws people away from cities,” Matheson says.

To fill the void, construction companies are hiring managers from as far away as England and Ireland, particularly for projects in the Edmonton area, he says. “Because the U.K. builds in a similar way to Canada, these people have the background and experience needed to do the job here.”

Leadership, organization and problem-solving skills are key for construction managers, Matheson says.

As is the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people including clients, consultants and trades. “For most commercial projects, 80 per cent of the work is subcontracted out and every project is different. It all comes down to people. You can plan all you want, but if you can’t get buyin from the team working the plan, you’ll get into trouble.”

For those looking to move up the construction career ladder, “you can’t be successful until you’ve touched the dirt and smelled the smells,” Yohnke says. “Get some experience, be hungry, and take courses through construction associations, colleges and universities.”

The University of Calgary, for example, offers a 300-hour professional management certificate program specializing in construction management. Courses cover business management, contract law, costing and control systems. Specialist options include conflict management, labour relations and environmental management.

“Some of our students manage crews and processes with small to mid-sized companies and want additional knowledge in how to do that well,” says Jo-Anne Clarke, program director with the university’s school of continuing education.

“Others are tradespeople looking to move into management. Many have on-site experience and work history to bring to the learning environment and the diversity makes for great conversation in the classroom.”

Those entering the program range in age from their mid-20s to early 50s, she says.

“At least a third are new Canadians interested in learning about the work environment and our economy, and to network with other students. Females are also enrolling in the program.”

Salaries for construction managers vary depending on experience, projects and the hiring company, Matheson says.

“Experienced construction managers are likely to earn at least $80,000 a year but can make as much as $200,000 or more. Benefits differ across the sector ranging from share ownership to health coverage and other basics.”

From his initiation in a multi-generational family business, Yohnke has built a rewarding career with Canada’s largest construction company.

“Get your foot in the door,” he says. “If you’re passionate, you’ll go places.”