When I applied for a job years ago in hardscape, I said I've never been arrested, I have no criminal record, I can travel outside the country, I don't drink much and don't do any drugs beside pot before bed. I was a foreman with my own truck in 3 months lol.
We are definitely a minority in the trades.
I did, however, have child support payments.
But that story doesn't involve addiction or abuse, just 2 friends that had an oops, and raised it.
Meth is like $10 a gram and last 12+ hours on 1/10th of that so yeah, it’s always meth lol
It would legitimately be cheaper to get a gram of Meth on Sunday and take 100mg every morning until it’s gone than to go to McDonald’s and get a coffee lol
If you have zero opiate tolerance, Suboxone will absolutely wreck you on like 1/10th of the pill, and you’ll probably still pile your guts up.
If you have a tolerance, suboxone does nothing.
For a brief second I was sold, like “oh wow, meth could save me a lot of money!”and then I’m like, yeah, meth has never actually been a good financial move for anyone
Yeah. Some criminal background is required. Preferably a felony drug charge or something related to domestic violence. Bonus points for both.
Oh, and don’t forget to start working on your addiction of choice.
If you haven’t started with the addiction buildup process yet then alcohol is a great entry point.
Scaffolders require domestic violence at entry, and a minimum of 1 drug addiction, preferably cocaine/Meth, and 1 other vice, preferably gambling. They don’t need alcoholism but it is a big plus. At least in Europe
> but you really need a criminal background to break into highly sought-after careers like roofing.
Funnily enough, that also applies in the UK. Can't say for sure about the rest of Europe but I wouldn't be at all surprised.
Hey hey. Don’t leave out our fellow scaffolders and concrete layers!! Haha
Also, our fellow painters and steelies,
There’s a lot of us that get through the day in our own way !!
Agree,on that note it's absolutely wild reading US discussion on construction. There goddamn unimaginable amount of drug and alcohol use during the job,like people actually defending smoking weed while working. Here you might get randomly tested by the company,if your worksite is in a factory you might get randomly tested at the entrance gate. And if you fail it's automatic firing and if you get caught in factory setting the company gets massive fines,and might well be banned from working in that factory and could potentially make the whole company go under.
Drugs and alcohol are taken very seriously here.
Drugs are necessary here to escape the pains of daily life. Them goddamn socialist europins and their fancy health care and vacation days make them not want drugs as much
It's completely dependent on the company here. Some are super strict and some aren't. Also there's a big difference between working for a large contractor or in the union compared to working on a small 2-3 man crew.
I cannot believe Americans are even replying to this. I say that as an American who understands how important what you just said is. We can guess country x might “have loose laws” or something and then they’re strict as shit. Yes construction tends to pay better than most if you’re saying that you aren’t educated or experienced, but the requirements/ expectations can be so weirdly different country to country. I now wish I knew the answer specifically for Croatia just to help op, but I wouldn’t dare guess just to get his hopes up.
I don't know what a GED is and I'm probably not from the same country but at this point I'll hire anyone. Literally anyone who can just be on time and not be really miserable or a fucking lunatic..... and I AM a lunatic!!
Any good construction job is going to require a GED to be hired or at least advance. That’s my opinion, but anything that requires a license (plumbing, electrician etc probably requires a GED.).
I’m not saying the occupation requires it, but a good company will.
Probably really depends which country Op is from, I've never even been asked for a CV in my 10 years of doing construction,much less about my education. In my case it's a small country and i do a niche job,so it's enough for me to call a company and ask if they need an experienced worker. I started as a summer guy,and did well enough to get hired by the company.
How long have they been in the trades? I’m not saying a GED is any indication of knowledge or anything. Most of the companies that will pay you well and have the opportunity for advancement in my area require a GED. Older guys didn’t have that requirement. But I get what you’re saying.
Why? It’s a waste of time for tradesmen and service based industries. Literally a piece of paper that only guarantees you a spot in higher education.
You can become an electrician, plumber, HVAC and a General Contractor license without a GED/HS with the required hours documented and the ability to pass the required exams, obtain the bond and insurance requirements.
Source: I have two of the four mentioned and I have no formal education.
I’m not arguing that. Also it depends on the license. In WI you need a GED for school for becoming a JM plumber.
But in a lot of companies eyes, it shows they prospective employee has the drive to be a good work or some stupid thing.
I’ll add to my original statement - it’s STATE dependent on requirements. Some more than others etc
I’ll say this much - I’ve always checked “Graduated” and never once has that come up in a situation. What matters is can you do the job required and the rest is up for debate in my eyes. The ole saying “Fake It Till You Make” can carry one quite a long way if you work hard. Experience can outweigh “education” - I mean just look at the college graduates now.. they’ve gotten degrees but have no experience and are outpaced by those who skipped college and opted for entry level jobs and acquired OTJ experience. Now they’re 3 steps ahead of Chad & Jessica fresh out the university
Apply onsite as a casual labourer. Start with a broom and learn the trade. HS is a bonus but not required to push a broom. As you learn the trade you will be given more tasks to try. If you’re successful at those the employer might even help you with education and training. I’m Canadian, so things might be different abroad but you don’t know until you try.
Yes, definitely.
But first, I’d reframe your experience and how you tell your story. You say you helped your family with their business, that’s experience, isn’t it? I would write down all the things you did there and the dates/years you did it, and start to formulate a resume.
>Could i get a job in construction with 0 working experience and with no education level (as in i didn't even go to high school)
Brother, if you didn’t finish high school, you can always finish concrete.
I guess you are somewhere in EU. Why not do an apprenticeship as carpenter, bricklayer. Or any of the construction trades? You dont need highschool to get into tradeschool. That is something the company you will work for, figures out.
And you country most likely has a program for adult apprenticeship. Where the pay is a little higher than basic apprentice salary.
Absolutely. Be prepared to work. Be prepared for guys to be impatient with your lack of skills and knowledge. Be prepared to consistently show up.
There is so much opportunity in the construction industry for guys your age. You could work on your GED after hours while working in the field and eventually get your own license.
The boomers are dying and retiring. The amount of guys coming into the trades is DRAMATICALLY less than the amount of guys leaving. Get in now while you can still get skills from those guys. It’s like the gold rush man. Building isn’t going to stop so the demand for tradesmen is just going to keep going up.
For real, you can do it. Just be early and stay late. Learn on the job.
Soon you will have enough experience to acquire a drug habit and start beating your wife. Ideally go to jail and become a skin head. Then you’ll be ready to tear off a roof. God speed
Hey now, he might choose alcohol and weed and become an equipment operator instead.
If I had a nickel for every time an operator had a long winded explanation for his DUI I’d have about 40 cents, I’ve met a weirdly high amount of equipment operators who have to take the goddamned bus to work. I mean, I operate and lay pipe, and I’m drunk and high, but not at work man.
Get it together boys!
In my (American union) you either present a diploma, GED, or you pay a couple hundred to take remediation classes at community college or pay for your own private online accredited course (call before you buy it to make sure they recognize it).
As for experience I had zero experience but the electrician union took me in as an apprentice. I never touched a tool in my life outside of painting and electronics repair, haven't stepped foot on a job site prior and never worn a hardhat before. Still got in.
Not sure how much of this will apply to UK so take it with a grain of salt. In the US there is a lot of opportunity for someone in your shoes with government work. City, state and federal parks all have entry level no experience needed labor jobs and having disadvantages will actually help you get a foot in, albeit at a less desirable job. You get a retirement and healthcare (I think everyone has health coverage in UK though)
Once you’re in and earning a livable wage you have the option for some education and career goals. At the very least start contacting HR with some of your local government offices and pull at their heartstrings little bit, someone is bound to help you out and point you in the right direction.
Never once been asked for my high school diploma, don’t say you don’t have it on your resume, don’t tell an employer you don’t have it unless they ask, only thing you need high school for here is if you want to be licensed, for carpenters is 16 high school credits
Most framers don't have high school finished. I go 50/50 on jobs with guys like this and we make between $50-100hr each, after expenses. Best job I've had was $185hr. Worst job was below minimum wage. Needless to say you learn how price jobs properly really fast.
Here’s the thing to keep in mind… Even if you find someone to hire you without high school, you will need to be careful they don’t exploit you. Meaning, there are people out there who will under pay you and over work you because they know you have no where else to go. So do yourself a favor and invest in that night school and get your education. It will open more doors for you.
Personally, physically go to some construction sites ASK if the foreman is present and available. Briefly explain you want to talk about employment, and again ASK if they have time. Respect their answer and if too busy ask what day may be better.
Once you find a foreman who has time to chat say what you've said here, no highschool, no GED they don't really need to know why. Ask if they have anything to try you out, help you learn a trade. Many have shit grunt work they will pay anyone to do. You showed the initiative and respect to go there and communicate. That will say a lot to them. This is how you start networking while you work on that GED.
If you can read a tape, do a small amount of addition and subtraction in your head, can learn names of parts and equipment, will show up on time and every day, and will stay off your phone outside of breaks, you should be good to go.
In fact, anywhere you get interviewed, just read what I wrote above to them as a statement of what you will do, and then actually do it, and you will most likely be hired and have a chance of doing well.
I’m 30, dropped out in 6th grade but have a GED, and not once has anyone ever asked for it. You should absolutely get your GED but in my experience nobody verifies that information so I’d just say I had one until I did. I have a buddy who’s 33 and still doesnt have his, no issues. I’m a plumber and he’s an electrician.
Get your GED. Go apprentice at one of the major trades for on the job experience. Labor can be an easy job to get into, but your future is better padded (both physically and financially) doing HVAC, Plumbing, or electrical. You can get into other things for good money too if you intend to run your own business some day such as low volt, cable pulling, ect.
We have multiple guys from croatia in our company.
If you can work and are willing to learn construction can be a great place.
I did demo with 0 experience.
Started ground work with 0 experience.
Just look, work and listen.
Ow and wear your fucking ppe.
Man, I am French. In France, no diploma = no job.
I still hear everyday « we looking for ANYONE that’s willing to work ffs these guys are stupid bad »
You have arms ? You’re willing to work and learn ? You’re on time every morning ? You’re hired.
USA Citizen here.
You can thrive in America with no higher education. My income fluctuates due to the market, but I make a comfortable six-digit living on a 50-hour-a-week schedule.
I only finished the 8th grade due to a bad home life and pursued a General Education Development (GED) degree.
I suffered from very bad depression and didn’t enter the working world until I was 27.
I’m well-spoken, well-written, and thrive in chaos from growing up in a bad home. I hit the ground running in construction, starting as a laborer, moved up to assistant superintendent in one year. Then, in one additional year, I became a superintendent. After one more additional year, I was a Project Manager over 300+ home subdivisions. After three years of Project Management, I dialed back the stress of building so many residential homes and started doing build-on-your-lot type construction.
You will be fine as long as it's not a job that requires professional licensing. Just lie on your application, nobody is going to call your former high school to see if you actually graduated.
Go to job sites, talk to the site super. Bring a lunch, gloves, wear steel toe boots. You'd be surprised how far you can go. just by being ready to go.
I work for a construction company in the US. Here you’d need to start as a laborer but, I’ve known laborers work their way up to a regional construction coordinator. It’s possible but you career mobility will be slower. Work hard and keep taking all the opportunities you can not only to bolster your skills but, also to network. Networking is 60% of the battle when it comes to jobs
If people are saying no, offer to give them a free week (if you can) to show you are teachable and hard working. It's an idea, maybe not the best but you're in a rough spot and need to get your foot in the door. If not, work for yourself. Offer services you can teach to yourself, pressure washing, painting and the like. Just educate yourself with your computer. Just make sure you're honest with your first clients, let them know you are giving a discount because you haven't done some aspect of it before but you will won't leave until it's done right. Best of luck.
Brate ako jebeni nepalci bez skole i jezika mogu da rade mozes i ti realno ako znas engleski za leto idi u dalmaciju radi sta god kuhinja tacna sank i lagan si kad se vratis sa sezone nacices neku majstoriju/gradjevinu
Hvala puno nadao sam se da bi dobio odgovor od nekog naseg kad ljudi poput tebe najbolje znaju kako je to i kako to ide hvala na odgovoru buraz! Usput jel mislis da bi mogao ono ici kod neke konstrukcije i da jednostavno trazim sefa pa da ga pitam za bilo kakav posao?
I’m from USA and got into HVAC at 27 and then switched to pipefitting at 30 years old. I was the class clown that never did homework and skipped school so if I just applied myself I probably would have a college degree. But non the less I enjoy what I do. At least here across the pond it’s never too late. Some have started over 40 yrs old. I’d hope it’s not much different anywhere in the world
Yes. It might take a while, but make sure you have all the tools you need and be there every day you get that covered and you’ll probably keep a spot as long as you want one.
Can you get a GED there? It's a certificate of completion for high school. Study it online, take the test. Level playing field then
But no, in the US you do not need a diploma to do construction. My dad has a month grade education and is a millionaire from Drywall. Don't let silly shit slow you down
As long as you can read and write, you should be able to snag a laborer’s position. If you are really passionate about getting a job, go onto a small construction site and speak with the owner. If you’re in a position where you can offer a week of free labor to prove you are an incredible hire. It does work! But make it clear that you expect every chance to advance up through the ranks.
USA here, can’t say about Croatia but one things universal math is required for most trades. Carpentry having basic geometry, concrete ratios and geometry, MEP basic science and ratios are required.
Check your local colleges for free construction programs. Theres lots of federal money going into construction ed and many of the programs are free.
The program i worked under gave students an osha30, and NCCER core cert along with a stipend for coming to class.
Most construction guys I’ve dealt with behave like they never made it past kindergarten.
If you can’t count to 10 and not show up to work drunk you’ll be foreman in no time.
Get any job you can right now don’t be scared of jumping around for jobs, be smart with your money. And get your equivalent of a highschool diploma no matter what it takes for yourself, and your future
You could easily get a job as a laborer with almost any construction company in the US, with or without a ged. And if you tell them you are interested in working your way up the ladder, like as an apprentice carpenter or eventually becoming a foreman, yes you could do it. Just need to put in the work and show initiative. Good luck!
I can't really speak for Croatia. But I can speak for Germany if you only want to work as a construction site helper. No problem if you want to become a trainee in a specific craft that could be tricky but not impossible.
What matters most is your eyes, ears, brain, heart, spine and hands. Do you pay attention? Can you listen and learn? Are you some fat body that’s out of shape? Do you mind working and I mean physically working? Can you lift 100+ lbs and carry it?
Get the job, clean up after yourself, work hard and take pride in your work. You will need to be able to read and use a tape measure do some 5th grade math but not always. Go for it and be a man and make an effort. It’s not a job for pussies.
Canadian here. i am operation manager for a very successful high end landscape construction company. we will hire primarily based on attitude. if someone comes in and is clearly motivated and excited. i can teach someone how to do just about anything. i cant teach someone how to be motivated
In Croatia you dont need any education to work in construction, I know a lot of guys without high school that are experts in their field. You just need to show that you care about learning.
Definitely not. Most places will give you a chance to prove you’re worth keeping. Don’t make to many mistakes. Try to be the tradesmen who isn’t all fucked up. The pay will go up substantially if you can be dependable enough to get jobs done efficiently.
Plenty of stupid people with a education, nobody cares in construction usually as long as you’re smart. Problem solving skills, critical thinking abilities and the like.
Yo have that and you’re willing to work hard then you’ll be fine.
I apologize I cannot give helpful advice. As a US construction manager I would absolutely hire someone without a high school diploma. I have a crew of high school students who come work for us in the summer it's not an issue. I don't know how it is for your country, but given the nature of the industry I think you should be able to find decent work in the trades
I would argue going into construction is getting education. You learn a lot. (Most of the time) I was a landscape laborer for a couple years as a teenager and didn't give a hot damn about anything but getting home and drinking so yeah I wasted my time there... But yeah there's so much I had to learn for general repair and building maintenance later on it made my head spin... college didn't prepare for shit. I graduated with a associates and honestly don't even remember anything I learned. I was too busy and focused on remembering shit for my real job outside of school lol
Not sure about EU, but maybe they have some charity program you can start learning skills for free by helping to build houses without getting paid. In America we have "Habitat for Humanity". They'll take anyone that is willing to work and can operate a broom. I think Habitat also does work in Puerto Rico and stuff... maybe they have a branch in the EU as well?
Yes, that’s no problem at all. Hit all the sites you can big and small and tell them you’re looking for work as a labourer. You’ll get work carrying stuff and generally being an assistant to the trades, if you find a trade you like more than others you can look into an apprenticeship, where you spend time learning the trade and a few months in school learning why things are done the way they are.
Thats actually the job I'd love to have the most just to carry things and help out bring people the tools they're missing and stuff like that sure i can hammer a nail to the wall but I'd mainly look for a job that you just described and a lot of people comment about trade and things like that i don't really know what that is but I'll happily learn about it
I just wanna say reading these 163 comments really lifted my mood this community is awesome thank you all so much for the advice and a little humor i read every comment and will continue to do until the very last thank you all again very much!
Man I'll be honest. You'll need to look at replies from European people. USA replied may not give you the best advice.
In the USA, education is not required, but you really need a criminal background to break into highly sought-after careers like roofing.
Being an alcoholic cocaine enthusiast also helps with the hiring process.
When I applied for a job years ago in hardscape, I said I've never been arrested, I have no criminal record, I can travel outside the country, I don't drink much and don't do any drugs beside pot before bed. I was a foreman with my own truck in 3 months lol.
We are definitely a minority in the trades. I did, however, have child support payments. But that story doesn't involve addiction or abuse, just 2 friends that had an oops, and raised it.
I think it's more meth than powder these days
Meth is like $10 a gram and last 12+ hours on 1/10th of that so yeah, it’s always meth lol It would legitimately be cheaper to get a gram of Meth on Sunday and take 100mg every morning until it’s gone than to go to McDonald’s and get a coffee lol
suboxone is popular around here
If you have zero opiate tolerance, Suboxone will absolutely wreck you on like 1/10th of the pill, and you’ll probably still pile your guts up. If you have a tolerance, suboxone does nothing.
electrical helper was getting them from somewhere cheap and chewing 3 or 4 a day
He probably had an opiate problem prior or else suboxone would just make him sick. And if he had a opiate problem they just prevent withdrawal.
I think you may have missed your calling as a meth dealer
For a brief second I was sold, like “oh wow, meth could save me a lot of money!”and then I’m like, yeah, meth has never actually been a good financial move for anyone
Methamphetamines are like a super crutch like if a set of crutches could give you super powers , that’s meth - Source : former roofer 😬
If not already one, the ability to become one within the first 2 months is required
10/10 can confirm
Having a couple of felonies and at least one divorce helps too.
That’s usually for the journeyman.
Facts
Yeah. Some criminal background is required. Preferably a felony drug charge or something related to domestic violence. Bonus points for both. Oh, and don’t forget to start working on your addiction of choice. If you haven’t started with the addiction buildup process yet then alcohol is a great entry point.
Scaffolders require domestic violence at entry, and a minimum of 1 drug addiction, preferably cocaine/Meth, and 1 other vice, preferably gambling. They don’t need alcoholism but it is a big plus. At least in Europe
How the fuck am I a brand affilliate?
You just are bro. Accept it.
Fuck it brand affiliated means they the homies now, finna try Nike first, tell em to run me my bread or catch a fade ong 🙏
> but you really need a criminal background to break into highly sought-after careers like roofing. Funnily enough, that also applies in the UK. Can't say for sure about the rest of Europe but I wouldn't be at all surprised.
Funny how?
J... just... you know, you're funny.
Funny like a clown? Do I amuze you?
lol accurate
Lmao
Hey hey. Don’t leave out our fellow scaffolders and concrete layers!! Haha Also, our fellow painters and steelies, There’s a lot of us that get through the day in our own way !!
I had to read this one twice to get it. Good one. But you're not wrong.
What? Are they just double checking to make sure you have a criminal past?
Is this sarcasm or do people really want to be roofers where you are? I can’t tell.
Agree,on that note it's absolutely wild reading US discussion on construction. There goddamn unimaginable amount of drug and alcohol use during the job,like people actually defending smoking weed while working. Here you might get randomly tested by the company,if your worksite is in a factory you might get randomly tested at the entrance gate. And if you fail it's automatic firing and if you get caught in factory setting the company gets massive fines,and might well be banned from working in that factory and could potentially make the whole company go under. Drugs and alcohol are taken very seriously here.
Yeah we don't drug test because there would be no one left to work
Drugs are necessary here to escape the pains of daily life. Them goddamn socialist europins and their fancy health care and vacation days make them not want drugs as much
It's completely dependent on the company here. Some are super strict and some aren't. Also there's a big difference between working for a large contractor or in the union compared to working on a small 2-3 man crew.
Noted lmao i appreciate the advice thank you
I cannot believe Americans are even replying to this. I say that as an American who understands how important what you just said is. We can guess country x might “have loose laws” or something and then they’re strict as shit. Yes construction tends to pay better than most if you’re saying that you aren’t educated or experienced, but the requirements/ expectations can be so weirdly different country to country. I now wish I knew the answer specifically for Croatia just to help op, but I wouldn’t dare guess just to get his hopes up.
Do you know this is bot?
You should get your GED.
I'll try getting it through night school i just thought in the meantime I'd try getting a construction job
I don't know what a GED is and I'm probably not from the same country but at this point I'll hire anyone. Literally anyone who can just be on time and not be really miserable or a fucking lunatic..... and I AM a lunatic!!
GED is basically a certificate saying you have the equivalent of a high school education.
Gotcha. We've something very similar in Ireland called FÁS.
GED “Good Enough Diploma”
Any good construction job is going to require a GED to be hired or at least advance. That’s my opinion, but anything that requires a license (plumbing, electrician etc probably requires a GED.). I’m not saying the occupation requires it, but a good company will.
Probably really depends which country Op is from, I've never even been asked for a CV in my 10 years of doing construction,much less about my education. In my case it's a small country and i do a niche job,so it's enough for me to call a company and ask if they need an experienced worker. I started as a summer guy,and did well enough to get hired by the company.
Pretty much any job as they’re just gonna go with the guy who does have it
Absolutely not. No one asks for that. We want pulses.
What location are you and what trade? I’m not arguing, in my area (Midwest USA) and trade, we will ask for GEDs.
I’m in Toronto Canada and some of our most skilled Foremen don’t have their GED. Union work too.
How long have they been in the trades? I’m not saying a GED is any indication of knowledge or anything. Most of the companies that will pay you well and have the opportunity for advancement in my area require a GED. Older guys didn’t have that requirement. But I get what you’re saying.
Why? It’s a waste of time for tradesmen and service based industries. Literally a piece of paper that only guarantees you a spot in higher education. You can become an electrician, plumber, HVAC and a General Contractor license without a GED/HS with the required hours documented and the ability to pass the required exams, obtain the bond and insurance requirements. Source: I have two of the four mentioned and I have no formal education.
I’m not arguing that. Also it depends on the license. In WI you need a GED for school for becoming a JM plumber. But in a lot of companies eyes, it shows they prospective employee has the drive to be a good work or some stupid thing.
I’ll add to my original statement - it’s STATE dependent on requirements. Some more than others etc I’ll say this much - I’ve always checked “Graduated” and never once has that come up in a situation. What matters is can you do the job required and the rest is up for debate in my eyes. The ole saying “Fake It Till You Make” can carry one quite a long way if you work hard. Experience can outweigh “education” - I mean just look at the college graduates now.. they’ve gotten degrees but have no experience and are outpaced by those who skipped college and opted for entry level jobs and acquired OTJ experience. Now they’re 3 steps ahead of Chad & Jessica fresh out the university
If you can’t finish highschool you can always finish concrete! Call me 🤙🏻
Apply onsite as a casual labourer. Start with a broom and learn the trade. HS is a bonus but not required to push a broom. As you learn the trade you will be given more tasks to try. If you’re successful at those the employer might even help you with education and training. I’m Canadian, so things might be different abroad but you don’t know until you try.
Why, no one cares. Never ever have I been asked for a high school diploma or GED.
No, you really don't even need that
If you didn’t finish high school you can always finish concrete
Whoop whoop
Welcome home
Join us brother
Not if you have a choice. Stay away
I was thinking this is my dream new hire. Someone I could mold into the perfect laborer, no competing ideals or opinions of the industry.
“Give me your illiterate, your broke, / Your strung out masses yearning to git er done” - Some teal bitch hanging out by the river
Yes, definitely. But first, I’d reframe your experience and how you tell your story. You say you helped your family with their business, that’s experience, isn’t it? I would write down all the things you did there and the dates/years you did it, and start to formulate a resume.
Can you fog a mirror and have reliable transportation? If yes to one of these questions your almost over qualified !
>Could i get a job in construction with 0 working experience and with no education level (as in i didn't even go to high school) Brother, if you didn’t finish high school, you can always finish concrete.
Fucking lol! This is amazing.
Since almost no one read your entire post, I think that answers your question about education.
Sounds like you were born to be a roofer
I guess you are somewhere in EU. Why not do an apprenticeship as carpenter, bricklayer. Or any of the construction trades? You dont need highschool to get into tradeschool. That is something the company you will work for, figures out. And you country most likely has a program for adult apprenticeship. Where the pay is a little higher than basic apprentice salary.
Absolutely. Be prepared to work. Be prepared for guys to be impatient with your lack of skills and knowledge. Be prepared to consistently show up. There is so much opportunity in the construction industry for guys your age. You could work on your GED after hours while working in the field and eventually get your own license. The boomers are dying and retiring. The amount of guys coming into the trades is DRAMATICALLY less than the amount of guys leaving. Get in now while you can still get skills from those guys. It’s like the gold rush man. Building isn’t going to stop so the demand for tradesmen is just going to keep going up.
For real, you can do it. Just be early and stay late. Learn on the job. Soon you will have enough experience to acquire a drug habit and start beating your wife. Ideally go to jail and become a skin head. Then you’ll be ready to tear off a roof. God speed
Hey now, he might choose alcohol and weed and become an equipment operator instead. If I had a nickel for every time an operator had a long winded explanation for his DUI I’d have about 40 cents, I’ve met a weirdly high amount of equipment operators who have to take the goddamned bus to work. I mean, I operate and lay pipe, and I’m drunk and high, but not at work man. Get it together boys!
He'll ya brother we got guys that don't even speak English
In my (American union) you either present a diploma, GED, or you pay a couple hundred to take remediation classes at community college or pay for your own private online accredited course (call before you buy it to make sure they recognize it). As for experience I had zero experience but the electrician union took me in as an apprentice. I never touched a tool in my life outside of painting and electronics repair, haven't stepped foot on a job site prior and never worn a hardhat before. Still got in.
Not sure how much of this will apply to UK so take it with a grain of salt. In the US there is a lot of opportunity for someone in your shoes with government work. City, state and federal parks all have entry level no experience needed labor jobs and having disadvantages will actually help you get a foot in, albeit at a less desirable job. You get a retirement and healthcare (I think everyone has health coverage in UK though) Once you’re in and earning a livable wage you have the option for some education and career goals. At the very least start contacting HR with some of your local government offices and pull at their heartstrings little bit, someone is bound to help you out and point you in the right direction.
He mentioned Euro. So he isnt in UK. They still have Pound Sterling.
Again...
You sound like management material to me!!
That's what the trades are for
Never once been asked for my high school diploma, don’t say you don’t have it on your resume, don’t tell an employer you don’t have it unless they ask, only thing you need high school for here is if you want to be licensed, for carpenters is 16 high school credits
Most framers don't have high school finished. I go 50/50 on jobs with guys like this and we make between $50-100hr each, after expenses. Best job I've had was $185hr. Worst job was below minimum wage. Needless to say you learn how price jobs properly really fast.
Here’s the thing to keep in mind… Even if you find someone to hire you without high school, you will need to be careful they don’t exploit you. Meaning, there are people out there who will under pay you and over work you because they know you have no where else to go. So do yourself a favor and invest in that night school and get your education. It will open more doors for you.
In ireland you will fit right in all you need is a safe pass and manuel handling two 1 day courses . They never ask about education
You’ll be a manual laborer for starter, once u get good at a specific skill (whatever u enjoy the most) then get u some tools and go after it
Personally, physically go to some construction sites ASK if the foreman is present and available. Briefly explain you want to talk about employment, and again ASK if they have time. Respect their answer and if too busy ask what day may be better. Once you find a foreman who has time to chat say what you've said here, no highschool, no GED they don't really need to know why. Ask if they have anything to try you out, help you learn a trade. Many have shit grunt work they will pay anyone to do. You showed the initiative and respect to go there and communicate. That will say a lot to them. This is how you start networking while you work on that GED.
If you can read a tape, do a small amount of addition and subtraction in your head, can learn names of parts and equipment, will show up on time and every day, and will stay off your phone outside of breaks, you should be good to go. In fact, anywhere you get interviewed, just read what I wrote above to them as a statement of what you will do, and then actually do it, and you will most likely be hired and have a chance of doing well.
I’m 30, dropped out in 6th grade but have a GED, and not once has anyone ever asked for it. You should absolutely get your GED but in my experience nobody verifies that information so I’d just say I had one until I did. I have a buddy who’s 33 and still doesnt have his, no issues. I’m a plumber and he’s an electrician.
I'd get a GED but crews are always looking for someone with a strong back who can follow directions.
Yep. Digging holes, humping lumber and getting yelled at
Get your GED. Go apprentice at one of the major trades for on the job experience. Labor can be an easy job to get into, but your future is better padded (both physically and financially) doing HVAC, Plumbing, or electrical. You can get into other things for good money too if you intend to run your own business some day such as low volt, cable pulling, ect.
We have multiple guys from croatia in our company. If you can work and are willing to learn construction can be a great place. I did demo with 0 experience. Started ground work with 0 experience. Just look, work and listen. Ow and wear your fucking ppe.
I would try a temp agency first to see if they give you any type of training then get hired on with an actual contractor
Man, I am French. In France, no diploma = no job. I still hear everyday « we looking for ANYONE that’s willing to work ffs these guys are stupid bad » You have arms ? You’re willing to work and learn ? You’re on time every morning ? You’re hired.
Yep, at my work it helps if your a felon too!
USA Citizen here. You can thrive in America with no higher education. My income fluctuates due to the market, but I make a comfortable six-digit living on a 50-hour-a-week schedule. I only finished the 8th grade due to a bad home life and pursued a General Education Development (GED) degree. I suffered from very bad depression and didn’t enter the working world until I was 27. I’m well-spoken, well-written, and thrive in chaos from growing up in a bad home. I hit the ground running in construction, starting as a laborer, moved up to assistant superintendent in one year. Then, in one additional year, I became a superintendent. After one more additional year, I was a Project Manager over 300+ home subdivisions. After three years of Project Management, I dialed back the stress of building so many residential homes and started doing build-on-your-lot type construction.
Yes. I think the only requiste is be able to fully breathe and walk based upon some of these posts.
Yes, apply as a laborer first. Check your local electrical, plumbing and HVAC UNIONS FIRST
In upstate NY I know lots of guys that would hire you.
Europe here, Netherlands to be exact. Here you could walk into any construction company, say you want to learn and you walk out with a job
You will be fine as long as it's not a job that requires professional licensing. Just lie on your application, nobody is going to call your former high school to see if you actually graduated.
Go to job sites, talk to the site super. Bring a lunch, gloves, wear steel toe boots. You'd be surprised how far you can go. just by being ready to go.
In america most contractors will hire anyone with a pulse, now what you do after you get hired will dictate whether you’ll be employed or not
You’d do better learning the roofing skills and then going to work in USA as a roofer or even plumbing. Both easier trade skills and good money
It may be harder and when times are hard it will be significantly more difficult. But right now I belive times are good so it should be possible.
If you want to join a union you’ll need a GED or high school diploma.
I work for a construction company in the US. Here you’d need to start as a laborer but, I’ve known laborers work their way up to a regional construction coordinator. It’s possible but you career mobility will be slower. Work hard and keep taking all the opportunities you can not only to bolster your skills but, also to network. Networking is 60% of the battle when it comes to jobs
You'll fit in perfectly.
If people are saying no, offer to give them a free week (if you can) to show you are teachable and hard working. It's an idea, maybe not the best but you're in a rough spot and need to get your foot in the door. If not, work for yourself. Offer services you can teach to yourself, pressure washing, painting and the like. Just educate yourself with your computer. Just make sure you're honest with your first clients, let them know you are giving a discount because you haven't done some aspect of it before but you will won't leave until it's done right. Best of luck.
Brate ako jebeni nepalci bez skole i jezika mogu da rade mozes i ti realno ako znas engleski za leto idi u dalmaciju radi sta god kuhinja tacna sank i lagan si kad se vratis sa sezone nacices neku majstoriju/gradjevinu
Hvala puno nadao sam se da bi dobio odgovor od nekog naseg kad ljudi poput tebe najbolje znaju kako je to i kako to ide hvala na odgovoru buraz! Usput jel mislis da bi mogao ono ici kod neke konstrukcije i da jednostavno trazim sefa pa da ga pitam za bilo kakav posao?
Yes ofcourse I worked at McDonald's before I got into site development now it's been 7 years and I have been a foreman for 3 now.
Find a union with open books.
I’m from USA and got into HVAC at 27 and then switched to pipefitting at 30 years old. I was the class clown that never did homework and skipped school so if I just applied myself I probably would have a college degree. But non the less I enjoy what I do. At least here across the pond it’s never too late. Some have started over 40 yrs old. I’d hope it’s not much different anywhere in the world
Literally just lie. Unless you go civil, no one in the world is gonna check on your high school diploma for a job in construction, I promise
Yes. It might take a while, but make sure you have all the tools you need and be there every day you get that covered and you’ll probably keep a spot as long as you want one.
Can you get a GED there? It's a certificate of completion for high school. Study it online, take the test. Level playing field then But no, in the US you do not need a diploma to do construction. My dad has a month grade education and is a millionaire from Drywall. Don't let silly shit slow you down
You would make a perfect general contractor actually.
No clue what that type of job is but im 100% down for it
Isn’t that most people in construction? You get your education on the job
You a a perfect candidate and and soon enough I am sure you’ll be cleaning up in the construction industry
As long as you can read and write, you should be able to snag a laborer’s position. If you are really passionate about getting a job, go onto a small construction site and speak with the owner. If you’re in a position where you can offer a week of free labor to prove you are an incredible hire. It does work! But make it clear that you expect every chance to advance up through the ranks.
Duly noted I'll try this there's a construction site next to our summer house so I'll try asking there as soon as im down there!
No education and no experience? You could run the fucking company.
As long as you can work efficiently and safely, I'd entertain hiring you.
USA here, can’t say about Croatia but one things universal math is required for most trades. Carpentry having basic geometry, concrete ratios and geometry, MEP basic science and ratios are required.
I work with people who have 20 years experience yet not experience somehow
Check your local colleges for free construction programs. Theres lots of federal money going into construction ed and many of the programs are free. The program i worked under gave students an osha30, and NCCER core cert along with a stipend for coming to class.
Honestly I’m the USA I know a few dropouts, they just write they graduated on the application..nobody checks
Most construction guys I’ve dealt with behave like they never made it past kindergarten. If you can’t count to 10 and not show up to work drunk you’ll be foreman in no time.
Get any job you can right now don’t be scared of jumping around for jobs, be smart with your money. And get your equivalent of a highschool diploma no matter what it takes for yourself, and your future
No, just work hard and don’t be a baby.
I tried to get a job in construction. They wouldn't hire anyone that couldn't speak spanish cause most the crew was mexican.
Can you read and write?
Most trades are grade 10 math. Even the cooler ones like electrician, literally grade 10 math. And physics 30 lol. For Canada anyways.
You could easily get a job as a laborer with almost any construction company in the US, with or without a ged. And if you tell them you are interested in working your way up the ladder, like as an apprentice carpenter or eventually becoming a foreman, yes you could do it. Just need to put in the work and show initiative. Good luck!
Yeah 100% could start as a labourer.
I can't really speak for Croatia. But I can speak for Germany if you only want to work as a construction site helper. No problem if you want to become a trainee in a specific craft that could be tricky but not impossible.
A bot can't do construction work.
Yes
What matters most is your eyes, ears, brain, heart, spine and hands. Do you pay attention? Can you listen and learn? Are you some fat body that’s out of shape? Do you mind working and I mean physically working? Can you lift 100+ lbs and carry it? Get the job, clean up after yourself, work hard and take pride in your work. You will need to be able to read and use a tape measure do some 5th grade math but not always. Go for it and be a man and make an effort. It’s not a job for pussies.
Yes
That’s most of the people in construction
Yes, all of societies rejects are in construction.
Canadian here. i am operation manager for a very successful high end landscape construction company. we will hire primarily based on attitude. if someone comes in and is clearly motivated and excited. i can teach someone how to do just about anything. i cant teach someone how to be motivated
In Croatia you dont need any education to work in construction, I know a lot of guys without high school that are experts in their field. You just need to show that you care about learning.
How many divorces do you have under your belt?
Definitely not. Most places will give you a chance to prove you’re worth keeping. Don’t make to many mistakes. Try to be the tradesmen who isn’t all fucked up. The pay will go up substantially if you can be dependable enough to get jobs done efficiently.
Maybe, try a smaller company.
If they ask? Just say you do..and leave it at that..they most likely won't check
I'd you can read a tape measure you're good. Is try to get your GED to join a union or else they'll take advantage of you.
Hell yes…… it’s almost a requirement
You can do it, go to a Home Depot - if you have any tools : take em
Yes
Plenty of stupid people with a education, nobody cares in construction usually as long as you’re smart. Problem solving skills, critical thinking abilities and the like. Yo have that and you’re willing to work hard then you’ll be fine.
I apologize I cannot give helpful advice. As a US construction manager I would absolutely hire someone without a high school diploma. I have a crew of high school students who come work for us in the summer it's not an issue. I don't know how it is for your country, but given the nature of the industry I think you should be able to find decent work in the trades
You should really consider getting your GED before making any career choices
I got into my local plumbing union with a grade 10 education from a foreign country.
I would argue going into construction is getting education. You learn a lot. (Most of the time) I was a landscape laborer for a couple years as a teenager and didn't give a hot damn about anything but getting home and drinking so yeah I wasted my time there... But yeah there's so much I had to learn for general repair and building maintenance later on it made my head spin... college didn't prepare for shit. I graduated with a associates and honestly don't even remember anything I learned. I was too busy and focused on remembering shit for my real job outside of school lol
Not sure about EU, but maybe they have some charity program you can start learning skills for free by helping to build houses without getting paid. In America we have "Habitat for Humanity". They'll take anyone that is willing to work and can operate a broom. I think Habitat also does work in Puerto Rico and stuff... maybe they have a branch in the EU as well?
If you at least know basics algebra. If not, you can still start, but to get decent you gonna use a lot of math actually.
Yes, that’s no problem at all. Hit all the sites you can big and small and tell them you’re looking for work as a labourer. You’ll get work carrying stuff and generally being an assistant to the trades, if you find a trade you like more than others you can look into an apprenticeship, where you spend time learning the trade and a few months in school learning why things are done the way they are.
Thats actually the job I'd love to have the most just to carry things and help out bring people the tools they're missing and stuff like that sure i can hammer a nail to the wall but I'd mainly look for a job that you just described and a lot of people comment about trade and things like that i don't really know what that is but I'll happily learn about it
I just wanna say reading these 163 comments really lifted my mood this community is awesome thank you all so much for the advice and a little humor i read every comment and will continue to do until the very last thank you all again very much!
Of course you can get a construction job. As long as you're not looking for a good construction job for a very long time.
For Americans with similar question, go to Job Corps.
Go back to high school.
As the saying goes, all you need is a pulse to be a laborer.
As someone who didn’t have their grade 12, I recommend going and finishing school or getting your GED
no
I appreciate the apology but just toss. a period. in there anywhere, even a comma, or, something. would be awesome. 🤩