Do I need a special degree or specialty in order to apply for construction jobs?

Unskilled labor, no.

No.

In my neck of the woods, a lot of people get their start in construction as a laborer.

For residential construction, one can inquire about work at job sites. For commercial construction, one usually has to join a union, even as a laborer.

^^However, there can be an upside to joining the union. Most unions have apprenticeship programs which involve training and progressive pay increases.

Licensing and certification requirements vary state-to-state depending on the type of contractor classification you choose. Make sure you check with your city or county for local requirements.

@Yetanotheruser wrote, ‘However, there can be an upside to joining the union.’

Absolutely. Union construction jobs are the way to go if you can find them.

Welcome to Fluther.

Your qualifications for most entry-level construction jobs (non-union, at least) are your abilities to demonstrate or at least plausibly explain what you can do – to get in the gate and get started – and then your continued demonstration of capability to show up on time, do what you’re told, not do what you’re told not to do, and work safely and maintain a safe area around you.

If you can weld and inspect welds, read and interpret drawings, take accurate measurements, write legibly when asked and answer questions honestly and correctly, then you can go far.

If you are interested in going this route I would suggest going to your local BOLI office. They have a big book of paid apprenticeships you can look through. They list all the requirements you need and will help you start. I started a HVAC apprenticeship. It was fairly easy to get hired and I probably would have continued if I wasn’t extremely claustrophobic. I lasted about three days.

For some aspects it is helpful particularly if you are going into the management end of the business.

Training in planning, cost estimating, scheduling, supervision, graphic use, construction material characteristics, a working knowledge of how MEP systems function successfully, business management skills, and such are taught in college level courses and having a broad base of knowledge to draw upon makes dealing with engineers, architects, and owners to solve problems much simpler.

Generally if you just want to work as a laborer no, there are no special requirements. The requirements, licensing, etc would be for the guy who’s employing you.