Author: Calvin Graham

Editorial Assistant

Popular Careers in Construction

Construction workers are currently in high demand. Infrastructure projects happening coast to coast and the need for more housing are two of the reasons for the growth in this field. There are also opportunities in renewable energy. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that job opportunities for many construction workers between 2018 and 2028 will increase at rates that exceed the national average job growth rate. Individuals interested in entering this career field will find they have a lot of opportunities to choose from. 

Construction Workers

The BLS projects that opportunities for construction workers will increase by 11 percent by the end of 2028. This is a notably higher rate of job growth than the BLS expects for all occupations during the same time period. Construction workers receive training once hired. No prior experience or post-secondary education is required. Their duties involve cleaning the worksite, unloading supplies and materials, digging trenches and operating construction equipment. As of 2018, the BLS reported that the median income for construction workers was over $34,000 per year.

Roofer

Roofing companies train their staff once they hire them, so it’s possible to enter the field without experience.  If you’re interested in joining the roofing business, all you have to do is Google “roof repair [insert your city here]” to find the closest roofing company near you. For example, you could search for “ roof repair Raleigh” to find an available roofing position in North Carolina.

The BLS reported median annual incomes of $39,970 for roofers in 2018, which is a little higher than the reported $38,640 median annual income for all occupations. Their duties involve inspecting roofs, identifying the cause of damage to a roof, repairing the damage, or replacing the roof and installing ventilation. Demand for roofers is currently strong, with the BLS reporting a job growth rate of 12 percent by 2028.

Elevator Installers and Repairers

In 2018, the BLS reported elevator installers and repairers earned median annual salaries of $78,780. The BLS also indicated that jobs for these professionals were expected to grow at double the national average job growth rate. Elevator installers and repairers can learn through on-the-job training. They assemble elevators and other types of equipment, such as escalators. They investigate the cause of operational problems with elevators and escalators and perform repairs. Elevator installers and repairers may also provide routine maintenance to prevent elevators and escalators from breaking down. 

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

When dangerous materials need to be cleaned up, hazardous materials removal workers ensure the materials are thoroughly and safely removed. Examples include removing asbestos from an old building or cleaning up spilled chemicals. The BLS expects job opportunities for hazardous materials removal workers to grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. It also reports that the median income for these construction workers was over $42,000 as of 2018. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers can learn once employed, meaning a high school diploma is all that’s required to enter this career field. 

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

The demand for natural energy sources has contributed to the job growth for solar photovoltaic installers. These professionals specialize in working with solar panels. They install them and maintain them so that they work properly. The BLS expects jobs for these workers to increase by 63 percent between 2018 and 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing jobs in any field. With a high school diploma, aspiring solar photovoltaic installers can learn the skills needed once employed. The median income for these construction workers was over $42,000 per year as of 2018, per the BLS.

Woodworkers and Carpenters

Working with wood is common in construction. New buildings require individuals who can put up wood frames. There is an ongoing demand for products built from wood, such as the custom millwork in Middletown, PA that customers seek out. These professionals build a range of products based on specific client needs. Carpenters enjoyed annual incomes of more than $46,000 as of 2018, per the BLS, and expected steady job growth of 8 percent between 2018 and 2028. They typically complete an apprenticeship, enabling them to earn a living while learning their trade.

Tips to Create a Soothing, Safe and Fun Sensory Atmosphere at Home

Millions of children have sensory issues or fall on the autism spectrum. There are many different ways people take in information or process the world around them. Signs can emerge as early as a year old but usually diagnosed around three years old. Your child may begin to miss certain developing marks like making eye contact, repetitive behaviors such as spinning toys (or themselves) or flapping their hands. 

You can help your child discover calming and entertaining toys at home that, for example, encourage muscle growth and motor skills. With a little TLC and some DIY, it’s easy to make a variety of great projects and special spaces to relax in. Here are some tips to create a soothing, safe, and fun sensory atmosphere at home. 

Sensory processing disorders and autism spectrum disorders have many similarities. Kids with both SPD and ASD may also have a variety of compulsions or hyperactivity, making concentration at school or home difficult. A child with autism can have sensory processing issues too, such as finding specific noises, music, or lights to be disturbing or frightening. They may cover their ears, cry, or even hide until the trigger stops. 

Sometimes what people see as tantrums are responses to sensory overloads. Developmental delays can frustrate a child trying to express their feelings or words. This can leave them to express themselves by hitting, crying, or even avoiding those around them. Many children with these disorders have low muscle tone in parts of their bodies or have trouble with gross and fine motor skills. Early intervention programs offer IEPs in a school district. This helps create a personalized program for a child who has one or both of these disorders. 

Experts such as autism spectrum disorder specialist, physical, occupational, or speech therapists may even come to your home for additional services. With a team of teachers, doctors, and specialists, kids can greatly benefit from their IEP. 

Continuing successful behaviors and rewards at home are important. Games, toys, and sensory safe areas in the home are a great way to teach and work with your child. A light table or box can be created with soft white Christmas lights, wood, and a translucent plastic cover to illuminate see-through magnetic toys, colored pieces of plastic, or even used for artwork. The glow isn’t harsh, lowering the risk of bothering those with light sensitivities.

Directions for DIY lightboxes can be found as well as ones already made on various websites. Chose a corner of your child’s bedroom or a play area filled with their favorite sensory toys, pillows to lay on, calming sensory bottles, and soft lighting. This can also be a place your child can go to when they’re feeling stressed. 

Keep loud, flashing toys out of reach if your child becomes anxious from them. Over-stimulation for a child who has sensory issues can be overwhelming. A child can become upset, angry, frustrated, or scared from loud noises and bright lights. Keeping televisions and devices volumes on low or using noise-canceling headphones may also help reduce traumatic episodes. 

Sensory toys are incredibly important to encourage the development of gross and fine motor skills. Low muscle tone in the hands, for example, can cause difficulties such as grasping eating implements, buttoning a shirt, trouble zipping a jacket, or tying shoes. Underdevelopment of gross motor skills can affect jumping, kicking a ball, and proper core or trunk support. Kneading toxic-free dough can strengthen fingers and wrists while your child creates their own projects and sculptures. Colorful and edible play dough can be made from an easy to follow recipes for picky eaters. Eating different textures and consistencies of food that require your child to chew more helps strengthen jaw muscles to decrease drooling and speech troubles. 

Additional sensory implements are kinetic sand, squishy ooze, and archaeology kits containing hidden toys like dinosaurs that need to be dug up. These are all great ways to find out which sensory toys your child enjoys and encourages muscle development in the fingers.