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Construction Trades Helpers

California Occupational Guide Number 565
Interest Area:  Mechanical -- Construction Trades
1998

THE JOB

CONSTRUCTION TRADES HELPERS assist skilled trades workers in a variety of construction occupations. They may help carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, cement masons, brick and stone masons, roofers, cabinet makers, floor covering installers, glaziers, painters, and others engaged in home and commercial construction.

Trades Helpers:

  • carry or move equipment, tools, and materials to the work site
  • set up ladders
  • mix cement
  • build forms
  • construct scaffolding
  • cut carpeting
  • carry lumber and bricks from delivery trucks to the construction site
  • dig trenches
  • tear out and remove old building materials on remodeling projects
  • gather equipment and supplies at the construction site
  • clean up at the end of work days

WORKING CONDITIONS

Helpers work where the construction site is located. They may work outdoors, either on ground or rooftops, or inside office buildings, warehouses, or private homes. Helpers working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather.

Helpers do repetitive, physically demanding work. They must be in good health and have above average strength and coordination in order to lift or move heavy pieces of equipment. Some jobs may expose workers to harmful materials, fumes, loud noises, or dangerous machinery. Therefore, workers need to wear hard hats, safety eyegoggles and sometimes masks.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information published by the Labor Market Information Division:

Estimated number of workers in 1993:
Estimated number of workers in 2005:
Projected Growth 1993-2005:
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005:

3,610
6,000
66.0%
1,300

(These figures do not include self-employment.)

Employment for Helpers is expected to grow about twice as fast as the average for all occupations through 2005. Job openings should be numerous because of high turnover and the need to replace retired workers. However, automation of repetitive tasks may affect the number of future job openings.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Wages can vary greatly in different parts of the State. The starting wage reported for Construction Trades Helpers with no experience is minimum wage. However, those with experience can start at $9.00 per hour.

Helpers work eight or twelve hour shifts and may work evening or swing shifts.

Many Helpers and Laborers belong to the Laborers' International Union of North America.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for Helpers jobs. Trade or vocational schools and local laborer apprenticeship programs are good sources for training.

ADVANCEMENT

Possible career paths for advancement include Construction Trade Apprentice, Journey Level Construction Worker, Estimator, and Construction Supervisor.

FINDING THE JOB

Helpers can find work by applying directly to employers such as general building and remodeling contractors and city, county, and federal civil service agencies. Labor unions and apprenticeship councils are also good places to start a job search. The Workforce Services Offices of the California Employment Development Department (EDD) can provide job seekers with job leads and information.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Laborers' International Union of North America
Pacific Southwest Regional Offices:

  620 Sunbeam Avenue
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  (916) 446-3622

  8929 South Sepulveda Blvd.
  Los Angeles, CA 90045
  (310) 338-8702

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

 

Carpenters
Plumbers
Brickmasons

No. 169
No. 173
No. 204

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

 

O*NET (Occupational Information Network) and
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System

Helpers, Construction Trades

983190

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed. Rev. 1)

 

Helper, Electrical
Blaster Helper
Carpet Layer Helper
House Mover Helper

821.667-010
859.687-010
864.687-010
869.687-034

Note:  This is NOT a job opening.  The purpose of This California Occupational Guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.   If you are searching for a job, go to:

California Employment Development Department   >>   Labor Market Information   >>   More Occupational Guides