Looking for a career in construction, DFW area.

[clayton_10]

Seeking help.

I am looking for some construction work in the DFW area. I am moving to Valley Ranch in a couple of days and am planning to attend a construction management program at Northlake College until I find something or finish the program. I already have a BS in Agriculture from Texas State. I have experience in construction, just have not held a position with a construction company.

I am curious if anyone on here has any contacts for companies that actually hire people with little formal experience? I have applied for countless entry level positions online with no luck.

I really have no preference at this point as I am just seeking experience or a possible career. Residential, Commercial, Civil, etc... I am interested.

I would also be interested in a part time job for someone in the industry that is willing to work around my school schedule. I will work for peanuts just to get the experience. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[mikemorvan]

Try some of the larger production home builders: DR Horton, Highland Homes, MHI, Meritage, etc. They'll hire inexperienced people. However, before you get into construction life, and particularly the life of a residential construction manager, take inventory. It's a lot of work, it takes a toll. Be sure it's what you want to do. And if you get into it and don't LOVE it, get out. It's all the same, and doesn't get better by changing company logo's. Good luck.

Finding a part-time position will be a challenge.

[clayton_10]

Mikemorvan, thanks for the response. I tried several of those companies at their entry level openings. I have applied for about 70 positions and never heard a word from any except Beck. I got a phone interview from them and a call back later saying they chose someone with more experience. That was at least appreciated. I have been considering some less conventional tactics like showing up at on site offices or calling offices directly so I can speak with a person prior to sending an application. Im certain they are filtering my resume out before they get a chance to even glance at it due to some means of checking for experience. I built my house from the ground up so I consider that a year of experience. Maybe they want more, im not sure. Thanks again! I will keep trying, that is for sure.

[mikemorvan]

I will tell you this, it's a very competitive environment. I mean there are many people competing for scarce jobs. All "construction" business in the D/FW area is better than it has been in awhile. But business is far from what it was a few years ago. You are competing, even for part-time work, with people that have a lot of experience. If you haven't done so already, you might try applying for work at equipment rental yards. They might be able to offer part-time employment. I think the part-time requirement might be the larger challenge. Just a thought...

[lab man]

Have you looked at being a technician for a construction materials testing lab? It may not be the route you want to take but that is what I did when I was in college. They will teach you how to read plans and understand construction terminology. You will also learn the sequencing of construction activities. This experience along with your degree and any connections you may make during this time should help open doors after you graduate.

[txhunter33]

I think of the 2014 Job hiring thread Terracon in Dallas was looking for a tech. Clayton 10 being in construction can be really difficult at times, you have to be a masochist to be in our line of work.

[clayton_10]

If there is a full time position available, and I don't need any construction related degree, I will drop the courses and take the position. As I mentioned earlier, I already have a degree, and I am not dead set on completing another degree if I can get in a good company with what I already have. It was really more so to open up doors and put me in the DFW area. I need a challenging career as I have already had a couple of jobs since graduating college in 2009. Thanks for the responses, keep them coming. I will check out Terracon for positions.

[K. Lane]

Man,,,,,,,,,,,If you were in the houston area I'd put ya to work next week

Good luck in your search

[mikemorvan]

I think of the 2014 Job hiring thread Terracon in Dallas was looking for a tech. Clayton 10 being in construction can be really difficult at times, you have to be a masochist to be in our line of work.

a sado-masochist at that...

[Gummi Bear]

Finding a college kid with a degree isn't much of a stretch.

Finding someone with a degree and some practical experience is a real find. That is what I am desperately looking for right now.

Get a job for at least a couple of years in a trade. The MEP trades will pay the best.

[lab man]

If there is a full time position available, and I don't need any construction related degree, I will drop the courses and take the position. As I mentioned earlier, I already have a degree, and I am not dead set on completing another degree if I can get in a good company with what I already have. It was really more so to open up doors and put me in the DFW area. I need a challenging career as I have already had a couple of jobs since graduating college in 2009. Thanks for the responses, keep them coming. I will check out Terracon for positions.

I am friends with some guys over there. Let me send a few emails and see if I can get you in touch with the right person.
They are going to be more commercial type construction and very little residential.

[cpadgett]

I am in the environmental remediation field and work in Fort Worth. Environmental is up and down but there is always work and there is always a shortage of skilled labor. It has been a good way of paying the bills for me. And its usually easy for entry level guys to work there way up. pays not great to start but it gets better.

to name a few that are usually hiring
ES&H-Grand Prairie
TAZ-Fort Worth
SWS-Saginaw

[clayton_10]

Thanks for the responses. I will be looking into the companies mentioned. Y'all are awesome. I have a little experience in a lot of things. That's another reason I'm not too picky. Any other thoughts or ideas are welcome. Maybe this thread will help others in the area that are searching as well.

[clayton_10]

Up for the evening crowd.

[ClayW]

Not sure what you're interested in, but we're hiring multiple positions

https://www.teamlandmark.com