Misconception #1: Construction is for those who cannot cut it in the classroom
TRUTH: The construction industry offers ever-evolving, dynamic career opportunities for all kinds of people. The industry needs individuals with advanced degrees and training in business and computer-savvy positions – such as project managers, estimators and designers – as well as skilled trades specialists.
Misconception #2: Construction work is dirty and unrewarding.
TRUTH: There is an amazing sense of accomplishment achieved when a person helps design or build a stadium, bridge, high-rise, or home. Your advice to students will help them decide what they want to do with their lives. A career in construction may be the best decision they’ll ever make.
Misconception #3: Construction careers have lower pay and benefits than other professions.
TRUTH: A career in construction offers good pay and benefits, ability to continue education, potential to advance, and opportunities to be your own boss. Job opportunities are plentiful and employment is expected to increase by 24,000 through 2024. See our Careers page for career-specific salaries and growth projections.
Misconception #4: Construction careers are not for women.
TRUTH: According to the United States Department of Labor, there were more than 800,000 women employed in construction in 2010. Women continue to serve critical roles in several aspects of construction, including skilled labor like plumbing and electricians as well as management and leadership roles.
Misconception #5: There are not many opportunities in Ohio to pursue careers in construction with a four-year degree.
TRUTH: Ohio’s colleges and universities offer many different paths for a career in construction, whether you want to pursue a degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or business. The construction industry and its many partners offer a multitude of scholarship opportunities. Many companies offer scholarships for their employees’ children, as do union locals and other professional groups.
Misconception #6: Technical education opportunities are not available everywhere.
TRUTH: Career-Technical Education is available to all public high school students in the state of Ohio. These programs can help to prepare participants for their career in construction while still in high school. To find out more about the career technical education that your school district offers please visit the Ohio Higher Ed Website.
Misconception #7: Construction careers are very dangerous.
TRUTH: Investment in technology and advanced machinery is consistently helping construction improve its safety measures for workers. As more tasks and duties are digitized, many risks and safety concerns are reduced and addressed early in a worksite. In addition, training is now more digitized and companies are learning to share best practices via technology.
Misconception #8: Construction is simple and easily learned.
TRUTH: Every aspect of construction requires on-site training or high levels of education. As noted here, “construction is a complicated process which begins from the local authorities, architects, engineers and economists before the construction work can begin.”
Misconception #9: Careers in construction are primarily skilled trades.
TRUTH: Careers in the construction industry can be divided into four general categories: Skilled Trades, Management, Administrative and Professional Support, and Design and Engineering. Students are encouraged to pursue education in a wide variety of skills, disciplines, and levels of higher education to fulfill the increasing need for a future workforce.
Misconception #10: The future of construction is dismal.
TRUTH: The future of construction has never been better! From Fortune 500 companies to federal funding, investments in construction continue to increase. America is relying on the future wave of skilled workers to reinforce the construction workforce and come together to build America.
