​Debunking Industry Myths

The  construction industry is one that isn’t for the faint of heart – it is an industry that requires hard work, dedication and passion. While it is all these things and more, for anyone who is unfamiliar with the industry there are many myths that come with pursuing a career in the construction industry. 

It is because of these myths and misconceived notions of the trade that it sometimes receives a bad reputation for being a “poor man” job; however, this is far from true. Not to mention, it is because of these myths and stereotypes of what a construction worker does and is that has resulted in a shortage in employees available.

Best Access Doors shares 3 myths that someone outside of the trade may think is true but really aren’t.

You don’t need any training or skills to get into construction

This is one of the biggest myths about the construction industry; however, training, education and experience are highly valuable in the industry. It allows for specialization in a certain field but more importantly it allows for employees to be safe on the job-site. 

Without proper training, education and experience – it would make completing tasks difficult. The construction industry is filled with those who hold more than a trades degree. From engineering to architect, these are two fields which have highly trained and knowledgeable individuals.

One of the reasons for this misconception is that it’s considered a blue-collar job and during the Great Depression and Industrial Revolution, those who went to work in the trades were those who lacked any skills or qualifications. This no longer holds true. Many hold some form of post-secondary education and many will often add to their resume to be able to grow and work their way into management posts.

Working in the field means being a laborer – therefore, no room for growth or advancement

Along with many perceiving the construction industry and the trade being a dead-end for career advancement, this is far from true. For many in this field, they are content working hands-on in the front lines, whereas there are also those who aspire to more of a leadership role and work their way to management. 

The construction industry is one that at times finds itself in a shortage of workers – but one thing that sticks true is that when one enters this industry, they are sure to find a lot of job satisfaction and also an opportunity for growth.

With flexible hours, holidays off and depending on the company – benefits. Unlike some white-collar jobs where advancing can be quite competitive due to lack of leadership opportunities or rather too many looking to advance, in the construction industry, there is no shortage of opportunities for growth and advancement. From specialization in heavy machinery, planning or drafting, there is truly something for everyone.

The construction industry is a dangerous industry to work in

While there may be more things to be aware and conscious of while working in the industry – it is no more dangerous than working as painter, gardener or even teacher. There are dangers to any job and profession; however, the reason that the construction industry gets a b bad rap is due in fact it is very labor intensive. 

It can wear down ones’ body faster than most professions but more importantly, it is one that if proper precautions aren’t taken it can lead to severe and life-changing injuries. The industry sometimes is reported as having many injuries on a monthly and yearly basis; however, when the reason and cause for injuries are broken done, they are attributed to manmade errors. 

For example, falls on the site are often attributed to lack of safety precautions and training.

While injuries in the construction industry can be much more severe than in any other industry, it is important, if one is interested in pursuing a career in this field to know that injuries happen – it is just about ensuring one does all they have to be prepared, trained and safe on the job site. 

This means ensuring your safety and the safety of others are considered. To prevent any serious injuries companies, invest in health and safety training for their employees and this just goes to demonstrate the lengths that those in the industry value safety.

No matter the trade or the length of one's experience in the industry, there are often myths that need to be debunked. These myths have the potential to discourage future generations of tradespeople from entering the field. At Best Access Doors, we recognize the significance of quality and the need to offer comprehensive information to both clients and contractors, enabling them to make informed and intelligent decisions.

To learn more about the industry and gain insights into working in the field, we invite you to explore our blog.