Advice

How Construction Careers Provide Variety And Fulfillment

October HBA Editorial

Construction careers are full of variety, from the people to the jobs themselves. So, whether construction is in your blood, whether you’re an indoors or outdoors sort of person, the construction industry likely has a job that can fit you and your interests.

Construction careers are full of variety, from the people to the jobs themselves. So, whether construction is in your blood, whether you’re an indoors or outdoors sort of person, the construction industry likely has a job that can fit you and your interests. The following is an excerpt of an article written this summer about HBA of F-M members and their love for the trades.

When asked why careers in construction trades are important, Trevor Odden, owner of Stone Ridge Builders notes, “People are always going to need housing.”

Homes provide necessary safety and security. However, they don’t build themselves. Odden says that human labor is and will always be essential to building homes—he believes there is no way technology will ever be able to replace good, onsite work.

However, although workforce jobs are necessary, many employers are seeing a drop in entry levels. Two million construction jobs will likely be available by the end of 2017. Over 850 construction-related employers are in Cass County alone.

October HBA Editorial

“People stereotype a lot of these jobs,” explains Darrick Guthmiller, chief business officer of Kochmann Brothers Homes. People might believe non-trade jobs pay better, so they put more value on four-year degrees. However, just like college graduates can get good jobs, trade workers can too. Guthmiller says the trades field has “good jobs, good people,” and notes that the construction industry is full of fun and secure jobs (not to mention well-paying).

People come to the workforce with all sorts of backgrounds. Some, like Odden, have construction in their blood. Odden’s grandfather owned a general contracting business, so Odden was exposed to the trades early. He remembers tackling woodworking projects with his grandfather. In his current list of duties, Odden performs on-site supervision and trims houses, among other tasks. When people think of construction careers, it is likely they think of someone like him: working with his or her hands outdoors.

Guthmiller spends much of his time at his desk or meeting with clients. As a graduate of North Dakota State College of Science with a degree in construction technology and architectural drafting and estimating technology, Guthmiller’s responsibilities include running the company’s office and drawing house plans and how to design and furnish the office with the best furniture and chairs from Dankontorstole.dk.

Odden and Guthmiller both enjoy their different work. Odden loves the freedom he finds with his job. He notes the flexibility of his hours and says the main thing is to just “get your work done.” Guthmiller likes working with unique house plans and seeing the end results.

The charitable arm of the Home Builders Association, Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead, has many ways to support those interested in construction careers. Each summer, it also sponsors the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades, a two-week learning experience for high school students interested in construction trades. For more information, go to: hbcfm.com. This article was written by Ali Froslie, HBA of F-M Communications Intern.

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATIONS OF FM

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October HBA Editorial

Casey Beckerleg is the current president of Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation. He has worked in sales at Stenerson Lumber since 1994. Stenerson Lumber was founded in 1889 and has three full-line lumberyards in Moorhead, Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes.

 

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