As one of the largest industries in the nation, construction is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. More than six million people are a part of the industry, and the demand is continuing to grow. From operating engineers to project managers, well-paying construction careers exist in all areas of the industry.
CHOOSE YOUR PATH
FIND THE PATH THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Whether you want to head straight to the job site or are considering college,
there’s a path for everyone to begin a career in construction. Explore your options.
HEAD TO WORK
By participating in a Registered Apprenticeship Program, you’ll be a full-time employee, allowing you to earn while you learn. Gain valuable skills on the jobsite and in the classroom, and earn pay raises as you meet milestones. Many apprenticeships are sponsored by local unions, giving you the advantage of union representation, including negotiated benefits, working conditions and wages.
Whether you graduate from a traditional high school or a career tech center, when you choose a skilled trade, your career includes an on-the-job component right away. Get to work as a plumber, iron worker, carpenter or another skilled trades professional.
Learn more about skilled trades programs and find the right match for your interests and skills.
FROM CLASSROOM TO CONSTRUCTION
Some people choose to get started in construction through college. Many colleges and universities offer two-year and four-year degree options, and certificate credentials are often available through community colleges and career tech centers.
Is your goal a construction management career? How about civil engineering? Many different college degrees prepare students for careers in construction. After earning a degree, you can start your construction career as an estimator, project manager, safety supervisor and so much more.
With a college degree, you can still experience variety and plenty of time in the field. Many roles require job site visits and some, like construction superintendent jobs and safety managers, require extensive time on site.
Many apprenticeships also include college credit, making it easier to earn a degree or certificate during or after your program. Best of all, you can earn your associate degree or certificate with little to no student loan debt.
CONSTRUCTION ISN’T ALL OR NONE. THE INDUSTRY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
Skilled trades careers are built with room to advance. As your skills grow, so does your paycheck. But what if you want something different down the road? Transfer your skills from the field to another role in construction. Many construction companies have programs that help their team members explore how they can put their skills to work in other exciting roles.