10 construction skills every team needs

For a top-tier construction team, safety is the name of the game. Having the right skills can mean the difference between a smooth day at work and a serious accident. In this article, we’re breaking down 10 construction skills every team needs to build not only great projects but also a culture of safety. 

What is a construction skill?

Construction skills are any ability or expertise that helps a professional get the job done on a construction site. From physical strength to proper tool handling, every skill is essential to the construction process.

10 Construction skills to hone for your team

Construction skill #1: Safety awareness

Construction is one of the most high-risk industries out there. One in five US worker deaths is from the construction industry. That’s why safety awareness isn’t just nice to have; it’s a necessity.

This skill acts as the first line of defense against accidents. Team members who practice safety awareness are more likely to spot hazards and follow safety protocols to avoid any more trouble. This means less accidents, no downtime, and increased morale.

Test your team with our safety learning management system, SC Training. Here, our Safety at Work course teaches them how to identify potential hazards on the job and take action to promote a safe work environment.

Construction skill #2: First Aid and CPR

First aid is the immediate care given to someone who’s injured while waiting for medical help to arrive. If the situation is more life-threatening, CPR is given to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the person’s brain until emergency responders show up. 

Knowing how to perform proper first aid and CPR creates assurance that immediate action can be taken. People also feel more confident knowing their team has their back if something happens.

Preventing accidents is a must, but teaching your team what to do if something happens is just as important. Deploy SC Training’s First Aid Standards (AU) course to your team so that they can be a valuable team player, especially during emergencies. 

Construction skill #3: Building code knowledge

Building codes act as the rulebook for construction, setting the minimum standards to keep everyone safe and sound. From electrical wiring to fire safety, it’s a set of guidelines that local, state, or even national authorities enforce to keep things legitimate.

Teaching your team what these building codes mean helps them comply with legal standards and avoid risks associated with projects. It also ensures the building is constructed with a certain quality and remains safe to the public.

Make sure your team is all caught up on building codes with quick and easy lessons from SC Training. Designed to boost retention and accommodate short attention spans, this can make it easier for the crew to grasp key concepts quickly and effectively.

Construction skill #4: Blueprint reading

Blueprints are the roadmap for your construction project. It’s a detailed guide showing exactly how a building should be constructed. Blueprint reading is the process of understanding and interpreting these blueprints to bring a project to life.

Proper blueprint reading ensures that everyone is aligned on project specifications. It helps your team accurately follow parameters down to a T and prevents others from making mistakes. On top of that, it also ensures all aspects of the construction project follow legal standards and regulations.

Train your team on blueprint reading using SC Training’s course creation tool. Take advantage of zoom-in image slides, videos, and interactive elements to visualize a blueprint and simulate the blueprint reading process for a more practical application.

Construction skill #5: Specialized access skills

Working in construction poses a big risk to your team as it is, but tricky environments can expose them to unique risks they might not be as prepared for. Specialized access skills refer to the knowledge and techniques your team will need to navigate unusual areas, like high places or confined spaces.

Whether you're 50 feet up on scaffolding or working in a cramped crawl space, knowing how to protect yourself and your team is crucial. These skills give your team the confidence to handle risks without cutting corners.

Go through SC Training’s vast library of construction training courses on these risky environments. Make sure your team is well-equipped with the right techniques when working at significant heights or small spaces. 

Construction skill #6: Tool proficiency

Tool proficiency refers to properly handling various tools and equipment essential for construction tasks. This includes everything from the operation to the maintenance of hand and power tools.

This construction skill helps lessen the risk of accidents and injuries due to improper handling and maintenance. It also ensures work is done according to specifications, making task completion more efficient and resulting in a higher quality of work.

Walk your team through the Handling Power Tools course by SC Training. Teach them the most common injuries that can happen on-site due to improper handling and provide practical guidance on how to use power tools safely.

Construction skill #7: Mathematical skills

The math taught in school is also one of the basic skills for construction needed on the job. Construction workers routinely add, subtract, divide, multiply, and work with fractions when working on a project, so keeping your team’s mathematical skills in check is especially crucial for your project’s success. 

Your team’s math skills are used in other construction skills too. For example, when reading blueprints, a basic understanding of scale and dimension helps translate measurements into real-world dimensions.

Craft quizzes to test your team’s math skills with SC Training’s Rapid Refresh. Fill out a quick form and generate your lesson instantly. From there, you can simulate the calculations they regularly make on the job to put their skills to the test.

Construction skill #8: Physical strength and endurance

Physical strength and endurance often go hand in hand in the construction industry. Physical strength refers to the ability to lift or move heavy objects, while endurance determines how long you can continuously do such tiring tasks before you struggle.

In construction work, it’s common for your team to find themselves lifting heavy objects for hours on end. When fatigue sets in, focus slips, and that’s when accidents happen. A strong level of endurance can help workers stay sharp and responsive in the field.

Through SC Training’s Manual Handling course, you can train your team on lifting techniques to reduce the risk of injury. Test their ability to lift heavy objects at work properly with practical assessments you can track straight from the SC Training platform.

Construction skill #9: Problem-solving skills

From changing weather conditions to subpar site conditions, project delays are no surprise in the construction industry. Equipping your team with problem-solving skills is essential in handling the unexpected challenges that come with the job. 

A crew that can quickly identify problems and come up with effective solutions is worth their weight in gold. This construction skill allows your team to adapt, keeping disruptions to a minimum and staying on track with project timelines and budgets.

Build a crew that shines in the face of challenges with SC Training’s Adaptability course. Customizable to fit your needs, you can insert real-world construction scenarios that can put their problem-solving skills to the test in a context more in line with the industry.

Construction skill #10: Communication skills

Construction projects are a team effort, and without strong communication, things can quickly fall apart. In such a fast-paced industry where every task relies on collaboration, clear communication is the glue that holds everything together.

Construction worker skills like this allow your team to talk about issues and find solutions together, keeping projects on track without unnecessary delays. They’re able to report hazards to prevent accidents and also check if everyone involved is aligned.

Show your crew how strong communication skills can keep everyone safe. SC Training’s  Hazard Communication in Construction (US) teaches them how to identify toxic chemicals and effectively communicate those hazards to keep everyone safe.

Build a team that gets the job done with SC Training.

Empower your crew with the lessons they need to excel, adapt, and thrive on every project. By deploying SC Training’s bite-sized courses to your team, you can build a workforce that meets challenges head-on and works together to deliver outstanding results.

Choose which construction management training lessons are most valuable to the work you do. Navigate through a library of editable courses and customize them to create the best learning experience for your team.

Empower your team with construction skills that can help them succeed. Sign up for SC Training today.