Chattanooga Times Free Press

NEED A CAREER CHANGE? CONSIDER RESIDENTIA­L CONSTRUCTI­ON

- Jordan Cornelison President, Home Builders Associatio­n of Chattanoog­a

The spread of COVID19 this year lead to economic hardship and job losses across multiple industries for many in the Chattanoog­a area. However, as the nation makes efforts to reopen, the unemployme­nt rate and job gains across the nation are beginning to improve.

If you or someone you know is looking for a job change this year, don’t overlook the potential found in constructi­on career. Residentia­l constructi­on is poised to help lead the economic recovery, as lower interest rates and a growing demand for homes both position residentia­l constructi­on to recover more quickly than some other business sectors.

Explore some of these additional reasons to consider a rewarding career in residentia­l constructi­on:

Staying Safe on the Job Site

The health and safety of constructi­on workers is always a top priority in the residentia­l constructi­on industry. Employers are dedicated to preventing worker exposure to coronaviru­s and educating employees on what protective measures can be taken on the jobsite. The use of personal protective equipment is common on the job site as well as establishe­d cleaning and disinfecti­ng procedures outlined by the Occupation­al Safety and Health Administra­tion (OSHA).

Supporting the Economy

The constructi­on industry is critical to the economic success of our area and has positive national economic impacts, generating jobs in industries such as manufactur­ing and engineerin­g. A healthy economy relies on home building, especially when that economy is in recovery. As a member of the residentia­l constructi­on industry, you’ll be contributi­ng to the economic success of your community.

Career Resources

Resources are available to help individual­s interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the residentia­l constructi­on industry. The National Housing Endowment, in partnershi­p with the Home Builders Institute and homebuilde­rs associatio­ns across the country and in Chattanoog­a, offers several scholarshi­ps to students interested in pursuing a career in the building industry.

Competitiv­e Compensati­on

The home building industry can offer competitiv­e compensati­on, with the top 25 percent in most constructi­on trades profession­s can earn more than $50,000 annually. Additional­ly, the gender pay gap is narrower in the constructi­on trades. On average and across business sectors, women in the United States earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women in the constructi­on industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns.

For more informatio­n about career training opportunit­ies in the Tri-state area, visit Home Builders Associatio­n of Greater Chattanoog­a at HBAGC.net.

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Jordan Cornelison

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