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Interest in construction on the Cape
Pattie Hunt Sinacole consults Cape construction company's CEO
Q: I have tried college, and it is not my thing. I have already spent thousands on college, and I feel like I am lost. I graduated from high school in 2023, and I have worked in carpentry, shipping/receiving and warehouse roles. I am a new resident of Cape Cod and want to join a company where I can expand my knowledge about carpentry, landscaping, and home improvement. I want to join a reputable company. I know lots of remodeling companies are not trustworthy or respectable. What are companies looking for in full-time year-round carpenters? How can I tell if a company is reputable? I need more than a seasonal job.
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A: You have shared some valuable information. College is not for everyone. There is a high demand for workers in the trades. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in construction and other trades is expected to grow over the next 10 years. These roles often do not require a college degree. Baby boomers are aging, and that is one factor which has impacted the labor market and the demand for workers. Additionally, many boomers are remaining in their homes longer according to both Redfin and Yahoo Finance. As homeowners remain in their primary homes longer, this trend increases the demand for carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople.
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I consulted with Fagner Rodrigues, CEO of Coast Carpentry Home Improvement in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Rodrigues explains that he has certain expectations of his team members. “Punctual, responsible, dependable and detail-oriented” are just a few of the traits that Rodrigues looks for when hiring new employees. Rodrigues shares that his company believes that their work is “tied to the dreams of customers.”
Though construction work on Cape Cod can be seasonal, Rodrigues employs year-round workers as well. Rodrigues says the market will recognize your value if you build a strong reputation. With a year-round schedule, Rodrigues’s crews must be prepared to work in some of the harshest of weather conditions in New England. Construction workers must be open and willing to work in the cold, the heat and even snow, rain, or sleet.
To check a company’s reputation, Rodrigues suggests that you search for online reviews. You can also ask a prospective employer like a construction company, for references. Word of mouth can also help you learn more about construction companies in the area. Rodrigues suggests that you also confirm that the company is properly licensed and insured. How a company treats both their customers, and their employees is also important when making such a major decision.
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Coast Carpentry Home Improvement lives by certain values, including care for their clients, respect for their team members and their “love of the craft.” Rodrigues states that if you share these values, “there is always room to grow with us.”
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