Lifeboat jobs: You can build a career now in construction industry

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Here's a question: Can you guess the industry sector in the state people see every day on the street that has basically not been negatively affected by the COVID-19-induced economic downturn?

The answer is the construction industry, and the state's top employment agency discussed various current, in-demand jobs in the field Wednesday in its last installment of "Lifeboat Jobs" to help the unemployed maneuver through the pandemic-driven recession.

In February of this year, or pre-COVID-19, when adding up all the jobs in the construction sector, the total was 109,900, according to official payroll employment data. As of the August report, there were 108,300 construction jobs for a 1.5% net decrease.

That shows the industry was basically unaffected in many ways by the coronavirus and it "weathered the storm," in the words of state Department of Employment and Workforce labor market information director Brian Nottingham.

In the agency's Lifeboat Jobs series, it has measured the top 25 growing occupations in the state now - based on total volume of online job postings - across all industries to assist individuals with potential career pivots and paths currently.

Nottingham noted four construction occupations that are in demand now and projected to grow 11% to 16% during the next decade. They include construction laborers (12.4%); electricians (13.3%); heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanics (16.1%); and construction managers (11.3%). All can lead to solid career-ladder opportunities as well, he said.

In his research, Nottingham said HVAC specialists and electricians stand out with average salaries in the mid-$40,000s.

There is always a high demand for HVAC mechanics, he said, and training for the positions is considered short-term through certifications, if someone already has a high school diploma or GED.

Demand is so high right now that many employers will work with the right individual through on-the-job training and helping to secure the appropriate certifications along the way.

The field for electricians is also wide open right now and moving forward, he said.

For individuals with a mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn on the job, it can be a good fit.

Nottingham noted jobs in the construction industry not only have strong demand, but will also require backfilling positions because many currently in the field are nearing retirement age in the next five to 10 years.

"These skilled trades have big benefits," he said. "The money you can make, and you don't have a huge debt load coming out of a four-year university program."