Construction laborers need good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and balance. They also need the ability to read and comprehend all warning signs and labels on a construction site and reading skills sufficient to understand and interpret plans, drawings, and written instructions and specifications. They should be capable of working as a member of a team and have basic problem-solving and math skills. Employers want workers who are hard-working, reliable, and diligent about being on time.
Construction laborers clean and prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards, dig trenches, mix and place concrete, and set braces to support the sides of excavations. They load, unload, identify, and distribute building materials to the appropriate location according to project plans and specifications on building construction projects. They also tend machines; for example, they may mix concrete using a portable mixer or tend a machine that pumps concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through a spray gun for application to ceilings and walls. Construction laborers often help other craft workers, including carpenter, plasterers, operating engineers, and masons.
At heavy and highway construction sites, construction laborers clear and prepare highway work zones and rights of way; install traffic barricades, cones, and markers; and control traffic passing near, in, and around work zones. They also install sewer, water, and storm drain pipes, and place concrete and asphalt on roads.
At hazardous waste removal sites, construction laborers prepare the site and safely remove asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous materials. They operate, read, and maintain air monitoring and other sampling devices in confined and/or hazardous environments. They also safely sample, identify, handle, pack, and transport hazardous and/or radioactive materials and clean and decontaminate equipment, buildings, and enclosed structures. Other highly specialized tasks include operating laser guidance equipment to place pipes, operating air, electric, and pneumatic drills, and transporting and setting explosives for tunnel, shaft, and road construction.
ABC’s Laborers program is designed to allow entry into the construction industry and to prepare individuals for careers in other construction associated trades.
Outside linemen build and maintain the electrical power line systems. They work in an industry that builds the entire job from start to finish. The activities of a Journeyman Lineman are diversified and non-routine. The duties of the Apprentice lineman include everything necessary to bring power from its’ origination point to the end user. Linemen often assemble and erect metal towers and wood poles along with the installing footings, hardware, conductors and other related equipment. They perform work on conductors, underground cables, and related electrical apparatus possibly energized at voltages up to 500,000 volts. Climbing, lifting, hoisting, and pulling, while installing or repairing equipment, often at considerable heights are a large part of lineman work. The work is physically demanding on all kinds of terrain and in extreme weather conditions from freezing blizzard conditions to temperatures over 100 degrees.
Outside Power Lineman Work Report Form (PDF)
Reading blueprints or drawings, plumbers estimate materials, and install or repair water supply lines, drainage systems, and gas systems. Plumbers measure, cut, and install plastic, copper, steel, and cast iron pipe. Depending on the type of pipe the connection is made with silver solder and a torch; by simply screwing pipe together with a plumbing fitting; or, just applying glue to the fitting over a pipe. In the rough-in phase, plumbers cut holes in walls, ceilings, and floors to attach or hang pipes for connection to fixtures. In the trim-out phase, they install plumbing fixtures - bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets - and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters.
Plumbing Work Report Form (PDF)
Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain air-conditioning, heating, ventilation, and pollution control duct systems; roofs, siding; rain gutters and downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; and many other building parts made from metal sheets. They may also work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Training in math and geometry are needed to calculate angles for fabrication and installation of mechanical systems. Some workers may specialize in testing, balancing, adjusting, and servicing existing air-conditioning and ventilation systems.
Sheet Metal Work Report Form (PDF)
Sprinkler fitters install and repair both high- and low-pressure pipe systems used in automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings. There is a sharp increase in the demand for theses fire-fighting measures in residential and multi-family construction. Sprinkler fitters work from blueprints or drawings. They layout the job and perform such tasks as measuring, marking, cutting, and threading pipe for installation. They connect fittings and sprinkler heads to pipe, then test the system for leaks.
Sprinkler Fitter Work Report Form (PDF)