A career in construction offers physical demands, the chance to work with your hands, and tangible evidence of your work in structures that will last for many years. Many jobs in this cluster are in high demand, pay well, and have lower education requirements than in most industries.
Besides technical and hands-on skills, workers in this cluster need problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills to keep work flowing smoothly at worksites.
Careers that have no formal education requirements include construction laborers, highway maintenance workers, and cement masons.
A high school diploma is usually required for work as a welder, painter, brick and block mason, or sheet metal worker.
Apprenticeship is a great way to enter many fields—it’s a full-time, paying job, with built-in training to learn and advance in the career. Many workers apprentice to enter fields such as bricklayer, carpenter, electrician, elevator constructor mechanic, pipe fitter, and plumber.
A certificate or associate’s degree can help candidates qualify for supervisory or technical specialties, such as civil engineering technicians, building inspectors, HVAC technicians, robotics technicians, or survey and mapping technicians.
A college degree is typically required for positions such as construction managers, architects, civil engineers and designers, or environmental engineers.
Certifications in areas such as OSHA, LEED, and project management can help candidates qualify or compete for jobs.
Is a career in the construction industry for you? Keep these points in mind:
- Safety practices and regulations help to reduce risks, but construction work exposes workers to a variety of hazards including heavy equipment, working at heights or in trenches, extreme weather, and power lines.
- Self-employment is much more common in construction than in many other industries.
- Economic downturns tend to slow construction work, and therefore, job opportunities. Seasonal-only hiring is not uncommon.
- For job seekers who have a criminal record, construction can offer better employment opportunities than many other industries.
- Entry level jobs in construction typically pay more than most entry-level jobs. Jobs with union representation generally offer higher pay and more benefits.
Whatever your career direction, you can find options that fit. Keep exploring at CareerOneStop.org/ExploreCareers
