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Local News and Information Archives for 2022-10

Why You Should Consider a Career in Construction

In 2022, the amount of building permits filed in the South has more than doubled the amount of permits in the Northeast, Midwest and West combined, according to NAHB housing data. These statistics show there has never been a better time for people in Tennessee and North Georgia to choose a career in construction. 

 

“Construction can be a great and fun career. It gives you the opportunity to work with your hands, be creative in many cases and learn many different trades if you so desire. The opportunities can be endless and the sky can be the limit if that's what you want to make of it, ” says Brent Mercer with Brent Mercer Homes and Construction Services. 

With October being Careers in Construction Month, here are more benefits for choosing a construction career path: 

 

Job Security- The housing demand is still high, particularly so in the South. And there’s a shortage of skilled workers, meaning higher pay opportunities and benefits packages. Additionally, with a skills gap and upcoming wave of retirees, there will be a demand for one million craft professionals by 2023, according to byf.org.  

 

Helping Your Community- Skilled workers build the homes and apartments we live in, the businesses we frequent in Chattanooga and the surrounding communities, the highways we travel and more. There’s a sense of pride in knowing that you’re helping your neighbors and fellow Chattanoogans.  

 

Earn a Good Salary- Construction laborers can earn as much as $50,000 per year, with foremen earning up to $83,000 annually. Electricians can earn on average up to $88,000 per year. Many companies also offer sign-on bonuses to recruit new employees as the need for good skilled workers continues to grow. That also means more opportunities for great career growth.  

 

Easy to Get Started- There are numerous skilled labor jobs that require little or no experience or formal education. Construction companies are always looking for new hard working people to train. Many offer an “earn as you learn” model that means you get a paycheck while gaining valuable skills for your future. 

 

Travel Flexibility- If you choose to travel outside the beautiful Tennessee valley, the possible destinations for jobs in construction are endless. Construction happens in every U.S. state and every country around the world. And your office views could be ever changing as you work on building an amusement park, houses in different areas, restaurants and more. 

   

If you’d like to discuss career opportunities with reputable companies in the Chattanooga area, be sure to visit our membership directory at www.HBAGC.net for contact information for businesses in hundreds of construction and building categories.