They may help carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, cement masons, brick and stone masons, roofers, cabinet makers, floor covering installers, glaziers, painters, and others engaged in home and commercial construction. They may work outdoors, either on ground or rooftops, or inside office buildings, warehouses, or private homes. Helpers working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather.
Helpers do repetitive, physically demanding work.
They must be in good health and have above average strength and coordination in order to lift or move heavy pieces of equipment. Some jobs may expose workers to harmful materials, fumes, loud noises, or dangerous machinery. Therefore, workers need to wear hard hats, safety eyegoggles and sometimes masks. Employment for Helpers is expected to grow about twice as fast as the average for all occupations through 2005. Job openings should be numerous because of high turnover and the need to replace retired workers.