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Build your future: Careers in Construction
October is Careers in Construction Month, which is the perfect time to break down what a career in construction looks like and get inspired to build the future. Construction is an industry that’s often misunderstood but packed with big opportunities.
Common misconceptions
The biggest myth about our industry is it’s just about heavy lifting and dirty work. Yes, there is a lot of that, but there’s also so much more a career in construction can offer. Heavy civil construction is essential infrastructure that transforms communities across the country. Being a part of that can be incredibly rewarding.
With a career in construction, you have the opportunity to build wealth. Many careers in construction offer competitive pay and evaluate compensation based on experience and skill. At Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS), our employee-owners earn a variety of total rewards, including our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), benefits and bonus potential. The ESOP gives employees ownership of the company they work for in the form of stock. That means our success is collective and our profits stay where they belong – with the people who work hard to make ESS successful.
What about the assumption that you’ll be stuck in the same position forever? Wrong! At ESS, there’s room to grow throughout your career. We have training and mentorship programs to get you there! Need to see the proof? Many of our superintendents started as laborers! Just ask Luke Stevens and Virgil Bradbury, both long-time employee-owners who began at ESS as laborers and are now crushin’ it as superintendents.
Meet Lathan & Matt: the real deal
Dig into what it’s really like to have a career in construction.
Lathan Kerans is a 3-year employee-owner who’s building his future at ESS. Matt Oesch has been with ESS for 17 years but in the industry for 25.
Both employee-owners have been around construction their whole life. As a fourth-generation construction professional, Lathan would visit his dad and grandpa when they were on jobs. “When I was 7 years old my dad let me operate an asphalt paver,” Lathan said.
Matt started as a QC and survey technician, then transitioned to project engineer and project manager. Now, he uses his experience to lead major opportunities as a pursuit manager. The most rewarding part of his career in construction is “building civil projects that improve our communities and change the landscape, often making changes that affect mass populations through one aspect or another,” Matt said.
When asked for advice to those starting a career in construction, Lathan said “Always be willing to learn something new because the industry is always evolving. Also, try to find multiple mentors because everyone does things a little bit differently.”
Why should people consider a career in construction? Matt makes it simple. “This career is poised for long-term growth and opportunity. This is work that can’t be easily replaced by AI. There will be job security and opportunity in this industry for decades to come,” Matt said.
Pick your path
Construction isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. There are a variety of roles you can explore.
Not sure what role is right for you? Take the career paths quiz to figure it out!
The future of construction
Construction is all about innovation. With new tech, AI and sustainable practices, it’s evolving faster than ever. Be part of the team that builds the nation. The industry is available to everyone no matter your background or experience level. Got some grit and determination? Great! That’s all you need to start your construction career.
Ready to get started?
If you’ve been thinking about switching gears or just starting out, now’s the time to explore what the industry has to offer. Visit our careers page for all the opportunities available. Start building your future today!