Industry
Fact-checked

At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Construction Industry?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

Construction is a vast industry that is made up of many types of building and civil engineering jobs. The construction industry includes jobs in carpentry, road construction, bridge development, and home design. This industry is one of the largest in the world because it is responsible for creating the infrastructure for cities, towns, and countries.

There are three major parts to the construction industry. These are general contractors, specialty trade construction, and civil engineering construction. Each area has a specific function within the overall industry.

Home design and building is part of the construction industry.
Home design and building is part of the construction industry.

General contractors build buildings and roads for residential and commercial construction projects. These companies manage multiple sub-constructors on each project. A general contractor is responsible for the organization and oversight of plumbers, painters, and electricians working on building sites.

The construction industry also includes many specialty trade groups. These include brick layers, floor installers, and carpenters, to name a few. Most specialty trade groups work under the direction and guidance of the general contractor.

Civil engineering construction is another area of the industry. This area specializes in building roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure.

Constructors are required to wear safety gear, including hard hats and gloves.
Constructors are required to wear safety gear, including hard hats and gloves.

The working conditions of the construction industry are difficult and demanding. These people are required to work outside in harsh environments that include both extreme cold and heat. A construction worker must be physically fit because he works long shifts that require intense physical exertion.

Most people in construction use dangerous tools and equipment. Many are required to work in unfinished buildings at extreme heights. Construction work has caused many injuries, which makes it a risky job. Construction workers are required to wear safety gear, including hard hats, gloves, and eye protection. This helps reduce the risk of injury due to falling material or debris.

Many construction jobs, including excavator operators, require licensing.
Many construction jobs, including excavator operators, require licensing.

There are many jobs in the construction industry that only require a high school diploma. These include general helpers, laborers, or apprentices. More advanced positions require education and certification, which is designed to ensure the individual is trained in a specific trade. Some examples include electricians, plumbers, and heating and air conditioning experts.

Civil engineering construction specializes in the building of tunnels, roads and bridges.
Civil engineering construction specializes in the building of tunnels, roads and bridges.

Many construction jobs require licensing, especially for those who work in commercial or home development. Electricians, plumbers, and crane operators are a few examples of positions that require a specific license to work. These licenses are designed to ensure safety standards are followed.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Home design and building is part of the construction industry.
      By: auremar
      Home design and building is part of the construction industry.
    • Constructors are required to wear safety gear, including hard hats and gloves.
      By: Aleksandar Kosev
      Constructors are required to wear safety gear, including hard hats and gloves.
    • Many construction jobs, including excavator operators, require licensing.
      By: amadorgs
      Many construction jobs, including excavator operators, require licensing.
    • Civil engineering construction specializes in the building of tunnels, roads and bridges.
      By: viappy
      Civil engineering construction specializes in the building of tunnels, roads and bridges.
    • Construction workers must know how to safely operate power tools, including miter saws.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Construction workers must know how to safely operate power tools, including miter saws.
    • General contractors can work on building sites and road construction sites.
      By: Andreas Karelias
      General contractors can work on building sites and road construction sites.
    • Construction workers may utilize cordless power tools such as a drill.
      By: abhbah05
      Construction workers may utilize cordless power tools such as a drill.
    • Work-related injuries can be common in the construction industry.
      By: Halfpoint
      Work-related injuries can be common in the construction industry.
    • The working conditions of the construction industry are difficult and demanding.
      By: ndoeljindoel
      The working conditions of the construction industry are difficult and demanding.