Nefesh BNefesh

A special thank you to Josh Adler for participating in this interview.

Please provide us with a brief description of your work.
I work in construction management and supervision. People hire me to oversee their construction projects. I only do residential projects.
 
How did you find your job?
Many years ago, before and after serving in the army, I worked as a construction worker. Then I worked for a company that imported building materials from the USA. With all of the experience I had gained in the field, I began to work as a general construction site “overseer”. Eventually, I gained enough knowledge and experience to run my own construction management company.

What experience do you need to get into your field?
It’s a must to have hands-on construction experience and knowledge of the business. It’s also very helpful if you have a degree in structural engineering (Handasai Binyan).

Do you need Hebrew to work in your field in Israel?
To work in construction in Israel you need to have basic conversational Hebrew and “trade Hebrew” – vocabulary for materials, tools, methods, etc. The more you know, the better off you’ll be – and the faster you’ll learn the trade.

What training should someone making Aliyah come with, in order to work in your field?
Other than personal, hands-on experience, you could study project management, construction site safety or management, or basic structural engineering.

Does it make any difference whether you trained in Israel or abroad?
Yes, the construction methods that are primarily used in Israel are completely different than those used in most western countries. In order to be absorbed successfully into the industry here, it is best to retrain in Israel. To learn more about courses that are offered here, see Vocational Courses and Retraining Programs for Olim.

It’s also a good idea to seek an apprenticeship for hands-on training.

How can you obtain a license in Israel?
You don’t need a license to work in the general building trade. Specific crafts of the trade may require certification of some sort, such as electricians, gas technicians, etc. For the construction management trade, it’s best to get engineering certification (Handasai).

What are the upcoming areas of specialization that you would recommend?
Construction methods that are more modern than those typically used in Israel, such as steel frame construction, are catching on here -- especially for  commercial projects. I would recommend gaining knowledge of this field. Also, any knowledge or experience in “green” construction is good to have.
 
Is there a professional organization in your field?
Yes, there is the Association of Contractors & Builders in Israel, www.acb.org.il.  

How do you feel about working and living here in Israel?
I love working in the construction industry here! Being part of the building of Eretz Yisrael gives me a sense of accomplishment. I also try to bring an ethical code to an industry that sometimes does not have a great name.