Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/305391
May 2014 | EquipmentWorld.com 62 M y "Newbies guide to surviving your first week in construc- tion" in March brought in many comments, positive and nega- tive. The critics didn't like my use of masculine references throughout. "How can you exclude women," the thinking goes, "when our industry needs every worker it can get?" My rationale is that the kind of work newbies get in heavy construction compa- nies is typically backbreak- ing grunt work. Just as most warehouses require employ- ees to be able to lift and carry 70 pounds, so many construction jobs have mini- mum physical requirements. This is why the vast majority of these jobs go to men. Not all construction jobs require brute strength. There's always traffic control and holding the survey rod. But carrying concrete block, pick and shovel work, pushing wheel- barrows full of debris, wrestling a jackhammer all day – these even challenge the fortitude of most men. If you think you can do this work, go for it. But if you can't or you're not sure, don't set yourself up for failure. That being said, I think construction is a great career for any young person, male or fe- male. And women can be just as successful as men if they approach it the right way – which for most means other than as a walk-on, un- skilled newbie doing grunt work. Three points for women to consider: 1. Get training first. Skilled jobs in con- struction are less physically demanding. The pay is better and you can prove your chops right out of the gate without having to work like a beast. Women make good equipment operators. But you need training in order to operate equipment proficiently. Same with survey and layout work. Both skills are great ways to learn construction from the ground up. 2. Don't be thin skinned. If you haven't seen Clint East- wood's "Grand Torino," please do. Not everybody in this world is a Boy Scout, and con- struction sites are hardly bas- tions of the politically correct. If somebody calls you "cup- cake," don't take it personally. Guys like to rib each other, talk a little trash every now and then. It's also a way men can be critical of each other without getting too personal or confrontational. It's code, tribal language. Learn it. Once you get the hang of it, feel free to banter right back. It's expected. 3. But don't be a victim either. The exception to point number 2 is that if the language is truly abusive or vulgar or there is real harassment, walk away. Quit. There are more than a few poorly run construction companies out there, and a company that overlooks abusive or immature employees is probably overlooking a lot more, like safety, ethics and environmental regulations. It won't take you long to get a feel for whether you've tapped into a good company or not. If not, there are plenty of good construction com- panies out there that would be glad to hire a woman and start you on a path to a good career in this great industry. Some advice for women on how to survive – and then thrive – in the construction industry as a newbie final word | by Tom Jackson TJackson@randallreilly.com Once you get the hang of it, feel free to banter right back. It's expected. " "