Italy has been a country that was always envied due to its historical buildings, beautiful rural sceneries and congested cities. But behind the masterpieces and skyscrapers are teams of skilled people who bring the masterpieces into life. Others are construction assistants who make preparations of structures that can sustain time. Some of them include construction helpers, who prepare foundations of structures that can withstand time.
This guide is the one you need to consider in case you are thinking about working as a construction helper in Italy. It discusses all aspects of life of a construction helper, his/her career advancement and suggestions on how to become successful in this profession.
The Reasons to Choose a Career as a Construction Helper in Italy
Italy is in the middle of an urban development and restoration process which is supported by construction helpers. Italian construction industry is booming, a combination of both infrastructure upgrading and the increased interest in modernizing both residential and commercial premises.
This is why this position may be interesting to you:
- Stable demand: The construction sector in Italy is highly developed and therefore provides a lot of employment opportunities to skilled workers.
- Useful experience: You can learn the necessary tools and methods, becoming a helper first and gaining access to a higher position.
- Cultural experience: Working in Italy would mean being in a land with a great history of construction dating back to the ancient ruins to the ultra modern skyscrapers.
- Good salaries: Although the basic jobs may be low, chances of earning more are increased with experience and specialization.
What is the Job of a Construction Helper?
Construction helpers aids skilled workers and helps in the smooth running of projects. They might have different duties in different sites but usually have the following duties:
- Cleaning and sorting out construction sites.
- Unloading, loading and setting up of tools and supplies.
- Helping skilled workers such as masons, carpenters and crane operators.
- Combining concrete, sand and other building materials.
- Adherence to safety measures in ensuring a safe working environment.
- Being an intermediary between supervisors and labor teams and frequently organizing work.
It is labor intensive and needs good work ethic. However, to people who are interested in construction, it is a rewarding career in which you are able to see the physical results of your efforts.
Italian Qualifications to become a Construction Helper
In case you are willing to assume this position, there are a few fundamental requirements and qualifications that you will be required to fulfill:
1. Criteria and Qualification
- You should be over 18 years old.
- Non EU citizens will require a valid work visa. You should be ready to fill in required permits and documentation prior to commencement of work.
2. Language Skills
- It is a great advantage to be able to speak Italian since it is the main language spoken on worksites and safety instructions.
3. Physical Fitness
- The construction work is labor-intensive and requires a lot of lifting, climbing and standing.
4. Safety Training
- According to the Italian labor laws, the construction workers must have basic training on health and safety. INAIL (Italy national institute dedicated to workplace safety) training certifications are especially useful.
5. Soft Skills
- The ability to work as a team, communicate and pay attention to details is essential in the high-paced construction work.
Life in the Work Place
Curious to know how a day in the life of a construction helper is? And here is the picture:
- Morning Team Briefings: On most days, safety briefing and allocation of tasks is done.
- Manual work: You will have manual work, e.g. preparation of materials or assistance of skilled workers.
- On-the-job learning: Construction helpers are in a special position to learn a trade by working with the professionals such as crane operators or plumbers.
- Problem-Solving: There are always crises that you may not anticipate such as equipment breakdown or delays in delivery of materials that you need to be flexible and innovative.
At the end of the working day, the tools are usually cleaned and arranged so that the worksite is prepared to be used the following day.
Moving up Your Career as a Construction Helper
The construction industry presents a huge scope of career development to individuals who are ready to go the extra mile and specialise. These are some of the pathways to take:
1. Skill Development
- Take up training in specialized trades such as masonry, carpentry or crane operation. As an example, to become a certified crane operator, one will have to undergo formal training and have certain certifications like the Patentino per carrelli e gru.
2. Networking
- Develop contacts with contractors, architects and site managers. Good professional connections usually result in good employment and promotions.
3. Work at Well-Known Companies
- Work with large contractors in large profile projects in order to get a wide range of experience and exposure.
4. Entrepreneurship
- Some of the professionals end up setting up their own construction firms or specialized service firms after developing a lot of experience.
The Challenges of Being a Construction Helper
This is a challenging job as any other career. Being aware of what is expected of you may help you get ready:
- Physical Requirements: The work involves stamina, endurance and resilience to labor intensive work.
- Exposure to Weather: Working outdoors implies working with different weather conditions.
- Safety Hazards: There are precautions against safety, but construction sites are risky in nature.
- Long Hours: This is because there may be the need to work long hours to meet deadlines.
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, there are numerous construction helpers who derive a lot of satisfaction in their jobs. The creation of something solid and permanent is worth all the struggles.
Success Tips for Construction Helpers in Italy
In order to succeed in this position, remember the following hints:
- Be a Learner: Watch and seek the opinion of older workers on how to do things better.
- Safety Guidelines: Safety guidelines should be followed at all times to ensure safety of yourself and other people.
- Buy Good Equipment: Buy comfortable and durable clothes, boots and gloves to last long.
- Be flexible: Prepare to change with changing job demands and working environments.
Begin your Career as a Construction Helper Now
Being a construction helper in Italy is a working and professional experience, as well as an opportunity to become a part of the architectural heritage of the country. It is a challenging but satisfying job that leads to a satisfying career in construction.
Being new in the field or wishing to enlarge your skill set, the Italian construction business is a great place to begin with. Start by looking into training programs, refreshing your Italian or looking into possibilities with local companies.
Be prepared to go through the journey with strength, wonder, and desire to make something great.
