Contractors are their own boss. They work independently, providing goods and services to people under written or oral contracts, not with organizations. They study, get licensed, and get opportunities based on their knowledge and experience. Sounds pretty awesome right?
To find out more about what this position really is, here’s a complete guide to becoming a contractor.
What is a Construction Contractor?
Although the term ‘contractor’ refers to any self-represented individual working under an individual contract and not as a salaried employee, it’s often used in the context of the construction industry. In this article, we will focus on construction contractors.
A construction contractor is a person who manages construction projects. This includes repairs, renovations and projects utterly from scratch. The jobs themselves range from large industrial buildings to residential homes. While they often do it independently, they may be hired by a construction company to work on a selected project.
Since contractors are the big decision makers behind construction projects, their insights make an impact. Therefore, it is necessary for contractors to have quite a lot of training. You cannot just jump into the industry. You must be willing to work hard, get quite a lot of training and dedicate quite a lot of time to gain experience, degrees and education to become a contractor.
Three Ways to Become a Contractor
1. Get a License
Obtaining a Contractor’s License is the only way to become professional as fast as possible. This license is a legal requirement in most states, and it is the only way you can work on certain contracts like public buildings.
There are several licensing agencies you can work with to get your license, and while it may require more training and be a bit pricey, it is certainly worth the investment!
2. See College Degrees
While college degrees aren’t make-or-break if you want to become a contractor, they certainly help. They can teach you important leadership skills, provide you with the knowledge you will need once you become a full-time contractor, and help you stand out in a sea of competitors.
Many contractors have a highschool diploma and work experience, so why not give yourself an additional edge? You can even get a certificate in a specialty like carpentry or painting, which gives you practical knowledge and an enhanced resume!
There are hundreds of graduate degrees appropriate for aspiring contractors out there, but some of the most popular are listed below:
- Build knowledge
- Architecture
- Construction science
- Construction engineering
- Construction management
3. Gain Work Experience or Onsite Training
Something as important as education in this industry is experience. You can start by becoming a construction worker to learn the essential skills. Or, you could work in a selected construction field such as carpentry or masonry to help you learn the ins and outs of a particular niche. There are also many internships for aspiring contractors, but they’re often competitive.
A good alternative route is to combine practical experience with education. You can do this by becoming an assistant or apprentice to an established contractor. They will have the ability to tell you what you need to know and supply you with the skills and experience necessary for you to progress.
The main thing is
As lucrative as being a contractor, getting certified is no easy feat. You still must work hard to get to a position where you are recommended for work. However, once you get there, you will enjoy this independent position and never regret leaving your desk job.
