COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION STARTS FROM THE BUILDING UPWARD AND INCLUDES THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR COMPONENTS OF THOSE BUILDINGS AS WELL.

Also known as vertical construction, the commercial construction industry offers a diverse set of rewarding careers with excellent pay and benefits. Commercial construction plays a vital role in shaping the skylines of our cities and the spaces where we live, work and gather. The work involves many different steps and many teams of workers, including architects, engineers, and construction crews, who work together to complete every project.

Some examples of commercial construction include:

SCHOOLS

HOSPITALS

COMMMERCIAL FACILITIES

OFFICE BUILDINGS

WAREHOUSES

— Matt Johnson, Head of Estimating, Settle Muter Electric

“COMMERCIAL BUILDING IS THE BACKBONE OF MODERN SOCIETY –

IT CREATES THE SPACES WHERE WE LIVE OUR LIVES, FROM SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS TO OFFICES, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY CENTERS. EVERY STRUCTURE BUILT IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH, INNOVATION, AND THE WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITIES. CAREERS IN THIS INDUSTRY ARE DEEPLY REWARDING, OFFERING THE CHANCE TO LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT, SOLVE COMPLEX CHALLENGES, AND BUILD A BETTER WORLD-ONE PROJECT AT A TIME.”

TOP TRADES

The construction field offers a wealth of potential. As one of the nation’s biggest and most rapidly expanding sectors, it provides many exciting career paths that are both rewarding and impactful.

The commercial construction industry employs millions of skilled tradespeople, architects, engineers, project managers and support staff.

Explore some of the top skilled trades below and take our quiz to see the ones that would be a good fit for you:

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SOME OF THE TOP TRADES INCLUDE

BRICKLAYER
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Bricklayers in the commercial construction industry are skilled tradespeople who build the strong, durable structures that form the foundation and framework of many buildings. They work with brick, concrete block and other masonry materials to construct walls, partitions, fireplaces and other architectural features found in offices, schools, hospitals and commercial complexes. Using precise measurements and detailed blueprints, bricklayers carefully lay each unit with mortar, ensuring the structure is both visually appealing and structurally sound. This craft requires physical strength, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of patterns, alignment, and load-bearing principles. Whether working on exterior facades or intricate interior designs, bricklayers help shape the look and stability of the built environment.

Apprenticeship Providers
Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Ohio River Valley

CARPENTER
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If you enjoy working with your hands, take pride in craftsmanship and have a strong attention to detail, a career as a commercial building carpenter offers a fulfilling path. Carpenters play a key role in turning blueprints into reality—framing walls, installing doors and windows, and finishing interiors in buildings like offices, schools and hospitals. Their work is critical to both the structure and appearance of the spaces that serve our communities every day.

Apprenticeship Providers
Ohio Carpenters’ Join Apprenticeship & Training Program
Messer Construction Company – Cincinnati

CEMENT MASON
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Independence, pride, demand and craftsmanship are the key characteristics of an excellent cement mason. Their main jobs include leveling, smoothing and shaping the surfaces of freshly poured concrete on a wide variety of projects including foundations, walls, floors and more. Cement masons are masters at their craft, understanding how concrete works, how to prevent defects, and how the weather can affect it.

Apprenticeship Providers
Norton: Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons 109
Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton & Portsmouth: Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons 132
Youngstown & Warren: Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 179
Toledo: Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons 886
Cleveland: Cement Masons 404

ELECTRICIAN
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Electricians bring power and functionality to the commercial building industry. They install wiring, conduit and electrical systems that provide lighting, heating, cooling and power to buildings of all types—from offices and hospitals to schools and retail spaces. Electricians also connect complex machinery, equipment and control systems that are essential to modern infrastructure. Successful electricians are focused, patient and precise—able to interpret detailed blueprints, follow exact measurements and work safely with intricate electrical components to ensure buildings operate smoothly and efficiently.

Apprenticeship Providers
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
IEC Central Ohio
IEC Greater Cincinnati

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
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The commercial building industry relies on a wide range of heavy equipment to bring complex structures to life. From cranes and forklifts to skid steers, aerial lifts and excavators, each machine plays a critical role on the job site—and each requires skilled professionals to operate them safely and efficiently. Equipment operators must have strong coordination, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple controls while navigating busy construction environments. There are also rewarding opportunities as heavy equipment maintenance technicians, who perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues and keep machinery running smoothly to support the progress of every build.

Apprenticeship Providers
Ohio Operating Engineers

IRON WORKER
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Iron workers play a critical role in shaping the skyline of the commercial building industry, creating the strong, towering structures that define our cities. Structural Iron-workers assemble and secure the steel framework for buildings—hoisting, bolting, welding and riveting beams and columns that support the entire structure during and after construction. Reinforcing iron-workers, or rod-busters, place steel bars and mesh inside concrete forms to reinforce floors, walls and columns, ensuring long-lasting strength and stability. Ornamental iron-workers add the finishing touches, installing metal stairways, railings, window frames, gates and other decorative features that enhance both function and design. This is a career for those who thrive at great heights, have steady hands and want to be part of building something that lasts for generations.

Apprenticeship Providers
Dayton Local 290
NE Ohio Local 17
Cincinnati Local 44
Canton Local 550
Columbus Local 172
Youngstown Local 207
Toledo Local 55

LABORER
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Looking for a hands-on role with variety? Laborers are multi-skilled professionals who contribute to nearly every phase of construction—from site preparation and demolition to material handling, equipment operation and final cleanup. Whether working on a quick remodel or a multi-year high-rise project, laborers play a key role in keeping the job site running smoothly. Tasks may include operating power tools, assisting with concrete pours, installing temporary structures, and supporting skilled trades. Laborers often work closely with other crafts but can also take on independent responsibilities. If you enjoy physical, outdoor work that combines strength, skill and evolving technology, a career as a commercial construction laborer could be a perfect fit.

Apprenticeship Providers
Ohio Laborers

PLUMBER / PIPEFITTER
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Pipefitters play a vital role in powering and supporting the commercial building industry by installing and maintaining the complex piping systems that keep buildings running. They work with high-pressure systems that carry water, steam, gas and chemicals—essential to heating, cooling and industrial operations in commercial spaces like hospitals, manufacturing facilities and office buildings. Pipefitters read detailed blueprints and specifications; measure and cut pipe with precision; and assemble systems using welding, threading and soldering techniques. Their work often takes them into mechanical rooms, behind walls and above ceilings, where they ensure everything flows safely and efficiently. This is a career for those who enjoy problem-solving, working with their hands and playing a key role in the inner workings of modern infrastructure.

Apprenticeship Providers
Central Ohio Local 189 | Akron Local 219 | Boardman Local 396 | Cleveland Local 55 | Cambridge Local 495 | Canton Local 94 | Cincinnati Local 392 | Cleveland Pipefitters Local 120 | Dayton Local 162 | Lima Local 776 | Marietta Local 168 | Norwalk Local 42 | Portsmouth Local 577

SHEET METAL WORKER
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Sheet metal workers play a crucial role in the commercial building industry, crafting and installing the systems that support a building’s function, efficiency and comfort. They fabricate, assemble and install metal components used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as roofing, siding, ductwork and architectural features. Using specialized tools and machines, sheet metal workers cut, bend and shape thin metal sheets with precision to meet exact specifications. Their work is both structural and aesthetic—visible in sleek exterior panels and hidden in the vital air systems that regulate indoor environments. This is a career for those who value craftsmanship, accuracy, and the opportunity to combine technical skill with creative problem-solving in every build.

Apprenticeship Providers
Local 24 – Cincinnati/Columbus/Dayton/South Point
Local 33 – Akron/Cleveland/Toledo/Youngstown

WHAT IS A CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICE?

Apprentices are full-time employees who earn while they learn. By joining an apprenticeship program, you are gaining valuable skills on the jobsite and in the classroom, moving up on the pay scale as you meet milestones.

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS