Construction is a diverse industry responsible for creating buildings, bridges, roads, parks, shops, and other infrastructure projects. Individuals in this sector have unique skills and expertise in operating complex machines and tools. If you are looking to pursue a career in construction, you have come to the right place. Here, we discuss the different types of construction, the equipment used in this sector, the role of a construction company, and the employment opportunities available.

Types of construction
Construction can be categorized into four types:

• Residential construction: The construction of houses, apartments, and residential buildings falls under residential construction.
• Commercial construction: It involves building offices, malls, factories, and other establishments used for business purposes.
• Industrial construction: The building of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects falls under this category.
• Construction for institutions: It includes construction activity for schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

A contractor may specialize in one or multiple types of construction.

Construction equipment
Construction companies use various machines and tools to complete infrastructure projects, from hand tools like hammers and saws to massive, powerful gear like bulldozers and excavators. Let us look at some popular construction equipment:

• Excavators: Excavators dig the earth and remove materials like soil, rock, and sand.
• Bulldozers: These powerful vehicles transport dirt and debris from the construction site.
• Cranes: These vehicles lift and move bulky goods like rocks, boulders, and heavy metal.
• Concrete mixers: They help prepare concrete mixtures of varying strengths quickly and precisely.
• Scaffolding: It is a temporary structure that supports personnel and materials during construction.

Individuals looking to pursue a career in construction should be familiar with the functions of these equipment.

Role of a construction company
Construction companies are well-equipped to build houses, buildings, roads, offices, and other types of infrastructure. They can range from small, locally owned businesses to massive, worldwide conglomerates. The critical construction services and functions are:

• Contracting: It involves meeting with a client, finalizing the cost and duration of the project, drawing up the paperwork, and discussing other factors.
• Design and planning: It entails creating floor plans, three-dimensional models, and strategies that direct the construction process.
• Site preparation: This entails cleaning up and getting the construction site ready before work starts.
• Construction: It involves building the main structure using appropriate materials and installing electrical and plumbing systems if necessary.
• Inspection: It entails analyzing buildings to ensure they comply with safety and regulatory standards.
• Maintenance: It entails repairing buildings and maintaining their strength to avoid untoward incidents.

Construction companies employ many professionals to ensure these functions are carried out smoothly.

Construction jobs
Many construction jobs are available, ranging from entry-level workforce to management and engineering positions that require advanced degrees. The following are some of the most widely known construction jobs:

• Laborers: Laborers are responsible for chores like lugging materials, digging trenches, and cleaning up the job site.
• Carpenters: These are skilled jobs that involve erecting door frames, putting up roofs, and adding furniture.
• Electricians: Electricians are skilled workers who install wiring, lighting, and electrical systems.
• Project managers: These professionals oversee the entire construction project from planning to completion.
• Engineers: They oversee the technical aspects of construction projects.

Other construction jobs include brick masons, roofers, surveyors, and tile setters.

Importance of project management in construction
Construction is not an easy task. A successful project requires a lot of planning and coordination. As a result, construction companies hire project managers who set up the construction schedule, supervise the building process, and ensure the project is finished on time without exceeding the budget. Any delay in construction can lead to client dissatisfaction and a loss of reputation.

Importance of construction safety
Construction is a risky business, as workers face numerous dangers at the building site every day. The most frequent construction-related risks include falls, electrical shocks, and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Construction companies implement safety procedures to protect their employees and provide workers with the necessary safety gear to prevent injury in case of an accident. They may also purchase a liability insurance policy to cover the cost of treatment in case someone gets hurt on the job site.

A career in construction can be incredibly rewarding. That said, individuals must put in tremendous effort to ensure their projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and following the highest possible quality and safety standards. Many institutions provide courses and educational programs to help young people acquire the knowledge and skills required to enter the field. Some courses also provide practical, hands-on training to ensure candidates are job-ready right out of college.