Construction Technologist

While it may be obvious that someone in construction uses tools to complete their projects, did you know they rely on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to blend construction with technology? The field of construction is increasingly relying on technology to complete projects, and they need construction technologists to help manage and update the technology used on the job. Are you ready to see how technology is connecting to the construction industry?

Personal Connection

Becoming a construction technologist is all about incorporating the latest technology to complete projects efficiently and safely:

Do you like working with others in a team setting?
Do you tend to stay up-to-date with the latest technology?
Are you good with computers?
Would you want to get hands-on with a project that will be around for years after you’ve worked on it?
Do you want to work outdoors?
Are you interested in learning more about how buildings and homes are constructed?

Other Connections

Even if you don’t end up becoming a construction technologist, there are several different career paths similarly incorporating new science and technology into existing industries that also get you outside of an office setting, including:

Calculating how much heat a roof can handle or estimating cost and energy savings as a roofer.

Working with wood and other materials using a variety of tools to complete structures as a carpenter.

Using drones to monitor crop fields, robots to assist with a variety of tasks, and the latest in biology and ecology as a farmer.

Ensuring workers follow proper safety procedures while using equipment or technology as a site safety manager.

Monitoring conservation areas for violations using thermal imaging and other sensors as a fish and game warden.

Servicing mechanical equipment at residential or commercial properties as an HVAC technician.

Living on an oil rig and using technology to minimize environmental damage as a service unit operator.

STEM Connection

From robotic workers to wearable tech, STEM is transforming the construction industry into a field deeply intertwined with technology. Here are just a few ways that new and emerging technologies are impacting the construction industry:

Robotic workers help bridge the employment gap:

In Japan, there is a serious labor shortage, so researchers have developed a humanoid robot that can autonomously install drywall. The robot can move joints that flex to degrees people generally can’t and has fields of view beyond that of a human worker. These features make up for its lack of movement compared to a human. Read more and watch a video of these robots in action:

Wearable technology showcases practical applications for the Internet of Things (IoT):

Although many people are familiar with wearable technology like smart watches and fitness trackers, few are aware of how such technology is used in the construction industry. With smart helmets, the health of workers can be monitored, reducing the risk of accidents. If an accident happens, these helmets can alert someone for help to get treatment as soon as possible. Similar technology has also been incorporated in boots.

Drones reduce costs while increasing safety:

It seems like drones are everywhere nowadays, and the construction industry is no exception. Drones are able to quickly survey large areas, reducing the cost of creating topographical maps by up to a factor of 20! In terms of safety, drones are able to monitor workers and make difficult measurements, which have resulted in a 55 percent reduction in accidents. Read more:

Augmented reality improves collaboration:

Communicating ideas to a client or coworker can be difficult, especially on a technical project. With augmented reality, plans or changes can be visualized in real-time, allowing everyone to get on the same page. Additionally, construction technologists can verify measurements by taking them in real-time with augmented reality technology. Read more:

Journeys to Becoming a Construction Technologist

The path to working as a construction technologist may seem like a faraway dream, but did you know that you can get started on that path even in high school?

Read about one construction technologist’s journey to gain the respect she deserved:

Patty Vitale is a project manager in the construction industry, but her background as a construction technologist was crucial to succeeding in the field. Despite her family owning an excavating and general contracting company, Patty had a hard time kickstarting her career. “I was jealous because my father would take my brothers to work but not me. [. . .] He really didn’t want me working in construction.”

Patty got a degree in Business Administration from college before her brother was able to convince their dad into letting Patty help with the family business. “I love it, but it was a man’s world, and I was always questioned.” Patty knew she had to pursue a skill or area of expertise to make her stand out and show she knew what she was talking about on the job site. Through a state program in Colorado, Patty got trained to be an engineering tech and worked as one type of construction technologist on and off for the next thirty years. Eventually, Patty’s father became one of her biggest fans, bragging about her work on different projects.

One project, though, inspired Patty to reconsider her role in the construction industry. “The job had one of the biggest degrees of difficulty and we encountered so many different challenges — a fire in tunnel, a flood in the island portion of the tunnel. It was interesting to see the ideas and the methods they used to solve these problems. It was so fascinating I really wanted to be in it more.” Years passed and then Patty found herself needing to support herself after a divorce, putting her in the position to finally enter construction management. She enrolled in an online program at 53 years old, completed it while working two jobs, and landed her current job as a project manager. She values the network of support she has in the National Association of Women in Construction, her dedication to the team atmosphere, and her organizational skills as all being central to her success.

For Patty and others looking to pursue a career as a construction technologist, courses in math and science are essential in helping prepare for a technical career and rigorous college curriculum. If your high school offers relevant clubs, such as a robotics club or a Technology Student Association, you can join these to gain hands-on experience with technology. Since construction technologists don’t require a degree, you have a lot of options when furthering your education. Knowing which role you want to play in the construction industry can help you select the degree, certificate, or apprenticeship programs that are the best fit for you. For example, if you are excited about the work and day-to-day career of a construction technologist, you might consider tailoring your education more toward computer science and engineering to help you adapt to advancements in technology within the construction industry. If you want to move into project management as Patty did, a degree in business administration or construction management can be helpful. Summer jobs in construction and job shadowing different people at a construction business can help you figure out early what is and isn’t for you.

Articles, Videos, Podcasts of Interest

Looking for an overview of the degrees and certificates that could help you on the journey to becoming a construction technologist? Check the Career Roadmap here:

See how project managers incorporate technology into construction projects:

Watch Now

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides accurate information on average salaries and wages alongside employment growth projections in the construction industry here:

To see how the gender gap has played out in the construction field, check out this blog:

O*NET provides an in-depth look at the skills you’ll need and the technology you’ll use:

Listen to an expert in combining tech and construction in this TEDx Talk on how technology is transforming the construction industry:

Watch Now

Fun Facts

Some fun trivia about construction technologists:

Building equality on the job site:

In the United States, there is a gender pay gap in which women on average earn 82 percent of what their male counterparts earn. In the construction industry, however, women earn an average 95.7 percent of what the men make in the same jobs. While this sounds like an exciting step for women in closing the pay gap, it only helps the very few women who make up the 9.1 percent of the U.S. construction workforce. Of the women who have made it into the industry, 45 percent are in sales and office roles and another 31 percent are in professional management roles. Learn more here about women breaking into the industry and efforts to build up diversity and equity in the field:

Smart cities need construction technologists:

Smart cities may sound like some science fiction concept, but they’re quickly becoming a reality. These cities use an array of sensors connected to the Internet of Things to transform cities into modern masterpieces. For example, sensors can track cars, communicating with autonomous vehicles and traffic lights to drastically reduce traffic. Construction technologists will be needed to understand and implement these features during the design and building processes. Read more:

Modern costs of ancient wonders:

Ever thought about what it would cost today to rebuild some of the oldest and greatest buildings in the world? Sure, there have been replicas or derivatives built of some of the ancient wonders of the world, such as the Parkroyal Hotel in Singapore that would be similar to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or a replica Colosseum in Las Vegas. But adjusting for the cost of labor, materials, and using some basic modern construction equipment can really put into perspective the economic cost of the original structures. For example, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt was made with 2,300,000 limestone blocks, and those blocks alone would have cost $1.14 billion in 2018! Read more here:

A future construction site may not have humans:

While construction technologists will be needed for the foreseeable future, some analysts are projecting construction sites to be fully autonomous within our lifetimes. Over the next decade, it’s expected that robots and other autonomous systems will begin to be integrated into construction, with construction technologists supervising these systems. Read more:

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