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	Do you have a question about Construction Management and Trades? Ask Carl

Hi, I am trying to find a list or lists of tools that a "beginning" carpenter would need to have. We are trying to begin a program where we would teach students with disabilities how to become carpenters or carpenter helpers, etc. We would provide the needed tools and safety equipment, but I can not seem to easily locate such a list or suggested list. Any help would be appreciated.Thanks. - George

Thank you for your inquiry. Here is a list of useful tools for a beginning carpenter. This list is pulled from the tool list for the SkillsUSA Carpentry competition program. I can not stress enough the need for proper safety equipment when working with beginner students. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you.

A Beginner's Tool Box
Framing Mallet, 32 to 48 ounce
Combination Squares
Hand Saws
Planes
Scientific Calculator
Protractor Square
25' tape measure
Carpenters pencils
Blue and red builders crayons
Razor knife (common retractable blade utility knives)
Framing Square
Framing Chisels, 1.5 & 2"
Eye and ear protection
Note paper
Clipboard
Hammer
Level
Tool pouch/belt

Can you tell me what construction distribution is I'm sure a lot of other kids would want to know the same thing? - KerbyThevacuum2@cs.com

Sure can!
Construction Equipment Distribution is the part of the construction industry that sells and repairs the machinery used to build roads, bridges and skyscrapers, pretty much everything. Some of this equipment is also used in mining, waste management and forestry.

The construction equipment distribution industry is similar to the car industry where dealers are used to sell cars to people like you. In the equipment distribution industry distributors or dealers sell new and used equipment to contractors who then use this machinery to complete their projects. And just like the car industry if the machine breaks down the dealer can provide the parts and service to fix it either on the spot or back in the shop.

Today's construction equipment dealerships offer a wide variety of jobs. From sales and marketing to high-tech jobs in computers and service technology (people who repair the equipment). Most of the jobs at a dealership require a good deal of education so if you would like to work in this industry someday, make school a priority.

Thank you for you question,
Robert
ConstructMyFuture.com

Dear Carl: I would like to ask you a question. How hard is it to have your own construction company.? Thank you for your time. - Carl Clay

Dear Mr. Clay: Thank you for contacting Construct My Future with your question. It is not hard to start a company of your own regardless of the type of business chosen. Anyone with a pick up truck and a business card can say they own a construction company. The question is how well can you succeed. The construction industry is made of mostly small sole-propriety business owners. My advice to you is to choose what your interests and skills best suit you. If you are in high school, take as many business-related and technical courses possible. You will need good time management, organization and communication skills to address vendors (your suppliers and banker for business loans), customers and someday workforce (people who will be hired to work for or with you on a project). For Postsecondary education, enroll in a college that has a construction management program to learn the various aspects of business: contract negotiation, safety procedures, estimating and scheduling are a few examples. You may also want to work for a company to "learn the ropes" and enroll in an apprenticeship program to become a journeyman. Many trades professionals after working for a time, start their own company by becoming a subcontractor for the company they previously were an employee. As you can tell, there are many ways to start your own construction company. You first need to develop your skills as with any profession. It is the good ones that make it look easy and it is easy if you have the skills. The Construct My Future website contains a database for you to locate an education/training program. Please keep in mind that the CMF scholarship is available starting in December. The application will be posted at that time. I hope that you will apply for it. The industry needs interested people like yourself. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Regards, Carl

Is there a location/Institute where you can get Forklift Certification? Every time I apply somewhere you must be certified.

Check with the local operators union or (MHEDA) Material Handling Equipment Distributor Association www.mheda.org they may have an idea where their members employees get trained or may be able to direct you to someone. Check at local junior colleges to see if they have programs in this, several do. Groups like the Chicagoland Safety Council offer local training and certification. The Ken Cook Company may have some insights too. The New Jersey Safety Council offers many safety training courses and forklift operation is one of them. Their telephone number is 908-272-7712. VISTA Training has Forklift Training videos and materials, but don't know if they actually do the certification. 1-800-942-2886 mailto:info@vista-start-smart.com They also have some internet based training www.vista-start-smart.comMany equipment dealers also have training and certification available. If it is industrial truck certification, contact the ITA (Industrial Truck Association).

Is high school education necessary?

Every field is becoming more and more competitive. While almost all employers will require a high school education there are some labor jobs that do not require it. In all situations the more you can prove your ability to show up on time and complete a task the better candidate you become. If you've chosen not to finish school an employer might be curious as to why. Your best course of action is to think about what area of construction you're interested in and call a company in your community to ask what they require when they hire for that position. A good place to find businesses in the construction industry is the reference section on the teacher side of ConstructMyFuture.com.

Are there classes I could take in high school that will prepare me for jobs in the construction field?

Many schools have technical classes that will give you a leg up on others looking to get into the field. If your school doesn't you can look into what other schools in your community offer and ask that you attend there for a few classes to receive credit at your school. In addition you may be able to receive credit by working with a company in the field in the afternoons. This is usually called a Co-Op program. Many jobs require calculations, measurements, or report writing so you're best to take classes in math, English and even business or business law.