General Laborer positions are common in industrial environments. You’ll find General Laborers in pretty much every industry dealing with heavy machinery, parts, vast arrays of products, and dirty environments. This includes warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, construction, and more. General labor typically can’t be defined in one particular way, as it can include a wide variety of responsibilities and can change from one day to the next. We’re here to outline what might go into a general labor job and what you can expect from industry to industry.

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What is General Labor?

General Laborers, in short, are support staff who handle excess tasks that help keep the work environment fully operational. The tasks assigned to general laborers can vary depending on the industry they work in, but common duties include:

• Manual Labor: General laborers often handle physical tasks like lifting, moving materials, digging, or cleaning up job sites. These duties are often required where a machine isn’t available or able to perform them.
• Operating Machinery: Many general laborers operate basic machinery, such as forklifts, cement mixers, or drills. While these tasks don’t always require a certification, some companies may provide on-the-job training for specific machines.
• Site Preparation and Cleanup: On construction sites or in warehouses, laborers often help prepare the workspace. This could include setting up scaffolding, laying out tools, or organizing supplies. After a project or shift is done, they may also be responsible for cleaning up, ensuring everything is safe and organized for the next phase of work.
• Assisting Skilled Workers: General laborers support tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders. They help these professionals by gathering tools, holding materials, or handling simple tasks that allow skilled workers to focus on more complex duties.

For more duties that a General Laborer could be assigned, check out this link.

Key Skills and Qualities

While formal education isn’t usually required, general laborers should possess certain skills and qualities, such as:

• Physical Strength and Endurance: Since the job can involve heavy lifting and long hours on your feet, being physically fit is essential.
• Attention to Detail: Laborers need to follow instructions carefully, whether it’s for safety reasons or to ensure tasks are completed correctly.
• Adaptability: Work environments can change quickly, especially on construction sites. Laborers must be able to adjust to new tasks, schedules, or weather conditions.
• Teamwork: General laborers often work as part of a larger team, so good communication and a willingness to help out wherever needed is key.

Career Paths for General Laborers

While general labor might not be the most glamorous job, it can open up pathways to other careers. For example, General Laborers who work in warehousing might learn how to drive forklifts and get certified, which opens up forklift operation as a potential career. A General Laborer might also be able to work up the ladder and eventually get promoted to higher-level positions, including Foreman, Supervisor, or Management roles. The career path from General Laborer to these roles requires a lot of work, dedication, and learning, and it might not be a good fit for everyone.

If you’re interested in trying out a general labor position, get in touch with us today to learn how you can get started.