Hello, and welcome kbrown.

I just thought I would add my $0.02.


One thing I don't recall seeing anybody mention yet is to be prepared for the weather. I did residential work for a few years and let me tell you...work doesn't stop just because winter rolls into town. If the townhouses you'll be working in haven't got heat in 'em yet it will be cold inside, and you need to be dressed for it. And even if they do have heaters inside, you may be required to assist with outside work which could possibly last all day (or week) long.

If you do need to dress for the cold, the key idea is to have several layers of good insulating clothes. If I'm working outside here's what I put on: lower thermal underwear, upper tee-shirt,(if it's really cold I put on full body thermals at this point), pants, light full-sleeved shirt, sweater (fleece is a good choice), overalls, fleece vest, heavy cotton hoody. And I keep my insulated overalls and heavy duty cotton duck winter coat (with hood) nearby. If you are in the cold you need to keep your head covered.

It may sound like overkill, but I can work outside in -25 to -30 weather all day...and you may be required to at some point also.

Some other points:

-If you have something explained to you and you don't understand, for pete's sake, say so. Don't ever say that you understand something if you really don't...ever.

-Don't put every tool that you could possibly need into your pouch and wear it all day every day, it will wreck your back and hips.

-If you need help, ask for help.

-Don't assume anything...assumption is the mother of all @&#*-ups.

-When buying tools, buy the best you can afford. It's cheaper in the long run, and it makes for easier work.

-If you finish a task and don't have anything to do then you should be tidying up, i.e. organize the materials and tools, sweep, clean the truck, put garbage in the bin, etc.


A few points I've seen that I agree with:
-Get a good pair of knee pads, your knees will thank you later
-Watch out for sharp objects, especially a knife with replaceable snap-type blades. These knives can be extremely dangerous, especially when equipped with a fresh blade. You do NOT want to slip with one of these bad boys.
-Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. You need to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, and this includes the other people working around you.

I think the best thing you can do to ensure success in this (or any other) field of work is quite simply to keep at it. If somebody tells you that you won't make it, just smile and keep at it. When you're digging a trench and you feel like you can't do it any more, just grin and bear it and dig another shovel full. If you do get all the dirty, hard "grunt" work, just do it and move on. In five years it will all be behind you and you'll be glad you stuck it out. Trust me, I know. I got into the trade six years ago when I was 28.

Good Luck!


Shawn.