Developing a skill is not an easy feat. You might think all it takes is some motivation and determination, but in reality there are many other components to the winning formula. Precision, attention to detail and cunning are some of the examples we could list, but we could easily last hours listing even more components.
These skills and their facets are more pronounced in employment settings. This is for a variety of reasons. For one, you are being paid to do a job. The transaction involved includes two parties: yourself and your employer. Your employer expects you to perform your role to a certain degree, and in return you are paid for your services, plus some additional amenities depending on the role.
Because there is a clear transactional nature behind this relationship, mistakes and drops in confidence can be manifested easier and potentially have long lasting effects. It would signify gaps in knowledge and experience that could have otherwise been avoided in the training stage.
An industry that faces scrutiny is the construction industry. Because of its standing as a pillar in the Australian economy, there is a certain expectation that professionals are trained up to a point of competency. The worry is warranted, as a lack in skilled professionals has a direct hand in poor infrastructure which threatens not only safety of structure, but trust in the industry.
It is imperative that as an aspiring entrant into the building and construction industry, you enjoy what you do. This is the most important thing to have because enjoying your job means you are more likely to perform to a higher standard.
This starts early on in training for building and construction. As a student, you will learn the trade and develop skills through rote learning in tandem with gaining hands-on experience.
The word that symbolises comfortability and enjoyment in this sense is confidence. When you possess confidence, you have a certain level of efficacy for most tasks. Everything becomes more clear and easier to execute.
Possessing confidence early on in your construction training is a huge plus. But how do you develop it? Here are some of the ways to build confidence while completing training in the construction industry.
Set realistic goals for yourself.
With many things in life, it is a common habit for people to shoot for the stars too early, or overestimate their capabilities at any point in their growth. You should look to avoid this trap. Instead, set goals that are actually attainable. One way in doing this is setting short term goals. Try to focus on completing tasks in sequence rather than putting all your attention on the big picture.
It makes sense to do this considering the position of being a trainee in building and construction. The amount of information and skills you will need to develop is expansive, therefore the way to gain these is to break apart things you want to achieve bit by bit. Then, create strategies to achieve your goals. Ask yourself: what do I need to do to achieve this goal? What steps or provisions should I take to do so? That way, you will eventually develop a higher level of efficacy and confidence.
Take your time.
There is a common saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s safe to say that your construction career will have a somewhat similar trajectory. Rushing the process does not help you in the slightest. In fact, it only hinders your development as not only a professional but a person as well.
Look to enrich yourself in your studies and training. Take the opportunity to soak it in and appreciate where you are. You will be more appreciative as a professional in building and construction, but also will have a level of cool-headedness and confidence that many others do not have.
Get involved in your training.
In a lot of study spaces, it is common to do the required work, leave, return the next day and repeat. This monotonous cycle is bound to keep your confidence levels at an average to low level as all you are engaged in is the bare minimum.
The more engaged you are in your training, the more likely you are to retain what you’ve learned. If you’re not sure how to get started, ask your instructor for help.
Practice, practice, practice.
Practice is an age-old abstraction. The best in anything did not get to where they were without taking the time to continuously hone their craft. Indeed, some people are just naturally talented. But talent is not enough.
One of the best ways to build confidence in your building and construction training is to practice what you’ve learned. If you can find a way to use your new skills in a real-world setting, all the better.
Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.
Ask for feedback.
Getting constructive feedback from your instructors and peers can help you gauge your progress and identify areas where you need to continue working. This will help you to build up a certain level of confidence as you are able to converse with others without worry or shame.
Celebrate your successes.
No one got anywhere without recognising their feats with emotion. Be sure to celebrate your accomplishments along the way! This will help keep you motivated and remind you of how far you’ve come.
Get organised.
When you’re taking on a new task, it’s important to be organised. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed. Organisation allows you to focus and achieve tasks succinctly. This helps to strengthen your confidence in your ability to complete objectives with consistent output.
Seek out support.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek out support from your instructors or fellow students. They can offer valuable advice and encouragement. This rings especially true in construction where there are a plethora of job roles that people preside in. you can receive advice solicited or unsolicited from a variety of perspectives.
Have faith in yourself.
Remember that you’re capable of anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed in the construction industry.
Take things one step at a time.
Don’t try to do too much at once or you’ll just end up feeling overwhelmed. Focus on taking things one step at a time and celebrating each accomplishment along the way.
Seek out mentors.
Mentors can provide guidance and support as you navigate your training. Find someone who is experienced in the construction industry and ask for advice.
Believe in yourself.
One of the most important things you can do is to believe in yourself. Remember that you have what it takes to succeed in your training and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. With these tips, you can build confidence while doing construction industry training. Just take things one step at a time and focus on your goals. Soon, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
Confidence is not bought at the confidence shop. It is something you need to develop. By following these tips, you can surely build enough confidence to succeed in your construction industry training.
Parker Brent is an accredited provider of courses in building and construction. For more info about what we offer, enquire here today.
