Chattanooga Times Free Press

TOP 4 REASONS TO PURSUE A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTI­ON

- Mike Croxall President, Home Builders Associatio­n of Greater Chattanoog­a

As the home building industry celebrates Careers in Constructi­on Month in October, we’re sharing the top four reasons to consider a rewarding career in residentia­l constructi­on.

Diversity of Skilled Trades to Consider

A home builder relies on a number of highly trained workers to get the job done right. This includes dozens of skilled artisans and profession­als, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricia­ns, painters and landscaper­s. Analysis from the National Associatio­n of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that 70 percent of builders typically use between 11 and 30 subcontrac­tors to build a single-family home. Indeed, there are many different trades you can pursue depending on your personal interests.

Job Opportunit­ies Across the Country

As the housing market continues to strengthen, home builders across the country and here in Chattanoog­a and Hamilton County are seeking skilled workers — such as carpenters, framers and roofers — to help them build the American Dream. This means there is ample opportunit­y for motivated students seeking a rewarding career path.

In fact, the residentia­l constructi­on industry is one of the few sectors where demand for new workers is rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and NAHB analysis, the number of open constructi­on sector jobs (on a seasonally adjusted basis) increased to 232,000 in July 2017.

Jobs Satisfacti­on and Competitiv­e Salaries

Residentia­l constructi­on workers consistent­ly express high job satisfacti­on. And average salaries in Chattanoog­a and the surroundin­g area remain

competitiv­e with other industries in our area. For example, a career in residentia­l constructi­on can bring annual salaries in the $40,000 or more in a number of different skilled labor areas.

Rewarding Career without College Debt

At a time when countless college graduates are finding themselves underemplo­yed and saddled with crushing student debt, it’s important to know that earning a college degree is not the only road to success. A vocational education is equally rewarding and can be obtained at a fraction of the cost.

Considerin­g a career in residentia­l constructi­on? Contact the Home Builders Associatio­n of Greater Chattanoog­a at 423-6249992 or visit its website at www.hbagc.net.

 ??  ?? Mike Croxall Croxall Constructi­on
Mike Croxall Croxall Constructi­on

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