March 10, 2017
Construction is on
e of the few industries in which you can regularly see the fruits of your labor.
More often than not, work in the corporate business world requires individuals to repeat menial tasks over-and-over again, without ever seeing the “big picture”. This is especially true in industries like finance, technology and computer programming where results and progress are based on numbers, figures and earning reports, rather than project completion. Working toward abstract concepts like improved algorithms and more efficient network communications are well and good, but if you’re someone that craves a sense of finality or structure, work in a cubicle farm might just not be your thing.Construction is completely opposite, in that day-in-and-day-out you’re able to see your hard work come to life. Whether you’re a carpenter working on a housing frame, or a metal fabricator prepping HVAC equipment, at the end of the day, you have something to show for what you’ve done. The work is more physically demanding, and it requires teamwork, communication and coordination, but it feels great knowing that you’ve contributed to something that’s both greater than the parts, and will last for years to come. If you want to be able to reach out and touch the result of your labor, there’s no better place to do it than construction-related work. To find out more about the industry, just follow
this link. An exciting future awaits.
Stayton High Kicks Off “Careers in Construction” Month
The 2016–2017 school year is in full swing, and October is officially “Careers in Construction” month! Friday, September 30th marked the official kickoff of a month packed with Willamette ESD and Build-Oregon high school career events throughout the Willamette Valley. Hosted by Stayton High School, the event boasted around 500 students and educators from Stayton, Regis, Cascade, and Jefferson High Schools.
If you were a student in attendance at the Stayton event, and you stopped by the Build-Oregon booth, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card! Visit our website www.build-oregon.com to fill out a short survey and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that easy! Make sure to follow us on Twitter (@buildoregon), since we’ll be announcing the winner there too.
While you’re on the website, make sure to check out all of the resources about careers in construction. An estimated 30,000 new construction workers will be needed in Oregon by 2020, and that could be YOU! High wages, high demand, lots of different career choices. The choice is up to you!
There are over 40 different construction trades to choose from -- what interests you?
S-PACE Camp Highlights: June-July 2016
Check out the recent activities at the 2016 S-PACE Camp events with Portland Public and David Douglas School Districts
2016 NW Youth Career Expo a Huge Hit with Students!
January 07, 2016
by karla_h
Insulation is part of our every-day-lives, but if you aren’t aware of it, it’s easy to miss. It’s the substance that keeps us warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and it isn’t just in homes. Refineries, buildings and even industrial plants require various kinds of insulation in order to keep their facilities running. If you want to get your foot-in-the-door when it comes to construction work, starting as an insulator is a great decision.
Working conditions as an insulator are a bit rougher than those of the average construction worker. You’re constantly exposed to dust and other tiny particles, so it’s often required that you wear a respirator and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs. You’ll usually work in confined or tight spaces, which can mean lots of climbing, ducking and squeezing too. In short: The more flexible you are, the better.
All you need to get started as an insulator is to be 18-years-old and a GED or highschool diploma. A great way to get started working as an insulator is by participating in an apprenticeship program. There are a number of these in the area, but they do require an extensive number of hours on the job.
Working as an insulator will also give you the opportunity to move up in the construction field, as well as time to learn about insulation and how structures benefit from this seemingly menial task. For more information on this exciting career option, click here.
December 18, 2015
by karla_h
Are you a high school senior that will be graduating in 2016? If so, it’s time to start planning for your future, and there’s no better time to do so than right now. Why? Because the new year is right around the corner, and such an occasion calls for resolutions. Here’s why considering what lies ahead is so important.
Have you ever gone into a math test thinking “I didn’t study at all for this…awesome!!” Of course not! When we aren’t prepared for things we feel anxious, pressured and our thoughts get muddled. This principle applies to real life as well. The more you think about your future and take steps toward achieving your goals, the better chance you’ll have at reaching them. If you don’t plan on attending college after graduation, now is a great time to start laying out a career path, and the construction industry is one of the best places to get started.
Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, now is the perfect time to try different things. Sign up for an apprenticeship, join a local meetup or see if you can shadow a family member or older friend. This gives you both experience, and items that will stand out on your resume.
Another benefit of construction work is the pay and benefits associated with the jobs in the field. In fact, a number of jobs make an average of over $50 thousand or more per year. Assignments are often flexible, and you can always move onto something else once one wraps up.
As you make your list of resolutions this month, don’t forget to add ‘planning for the future’ to the list. Need help getting started? Contact the team at Build Oregon today.
November 06, 2015
by karla_h
Trying to think of something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Why not start with construction? If it weren’t for the hard work of contractors in Oregon and elsewhere, we wouldn’t have roads to drive on, bridges to get over water with or even homes to live in. The hard work of countless men and women in our industry is on display every day. Just look around you.
Imagine a world where there were no roads, sidewalks, homes or buildings. Things would look a lot different, wouldn’t they? There wouldn’t be protection from the wind and rain, we wouldn’t have a roof over our heads when we sleep at night and there wouldn’t be any elaborate stadiums to watch our favorite sports teams from. At the end of the day, our society really revolves around a lot of aspects that are tied directly to the construction industry.
Finding yourself feeling a little cynical or unappreciative this holiday season? Just remember that we’d be in a lot different boat if it wasn’t for all of the innovation and creativity that workers in the construction field do every day. It’s pretty amazing, and something that’s worth checking into. It might even be your calling. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Build Oregon!
Now is the perfect time to enter the construction field in Oregon.
The construction industry hasn’t always been associated with competitive wages or great benefits, but it really should be.
There are a number of positions in the field that make over $50,000 a year, and the earning potential only increases as you learn more and move your way up the ladder. Here’s a look at three jobs with great earning potential you might not have considered.
Sheet Metal Worker. Sheet Metal Workers do everything from welding and shaping metals to roofing, construction and repair of HVAC systems. They’re even responsible for stainless steel set-ups at hospitals and industrial kitchens. Work is sometimes performed in a warehouse, and at other times, a job calls for a welder on the job site. The scenery is constantly changing, and the work is always different. Follow the link to find out more.
Plumber. Everybody needs a plumber. At large corporations and residential homes alike, pipes leak, fixtures break and hot-water heaters go kaput. Fortunately, these wizards of the industry know how to address such common problems as well as not-so-common ones such as meeting building codes and battling faulty garbage disposals. A great way to get started is by picking up an apprenticeship, and Oregon is full of opportunity.
Ironworker. You know those buildings you pass every day on your way to work? They wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the ironworkers who laid the steal beams, or skeleton, of the structure and made sure everything was welded together properly. These guys do it all, from installing intricate window frames 10 stories above the city floor to sealing connecting bars with oxy-acetylene torches. If you like getting a little dirty, this one’s for you.
Want to learn about more professions in the construction industry? Visit Build-Oregon.com today to find out what fits your personality and work style best.
The best way to get your foot in the door is to actively participate in career-focused programs such as those provided by Portland YouthBuilders.
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The 2016–2017 school year is in full swing, and October is officially “Careers in Construction” month! Friday, September 30th marked the official kickoff of a month packed with Willamette ESD and Build-Oregon high school career events throughout the Willamette Valley. Hosted by Stayton High School, the event boasted around 500 students and educators from Stayton, Regis, Cascade, and Jefferson High Schools.