The Construction Career Cluster focuses on planning, building, and maintaining the built environment—from homes and office buildings to streets and highways, sewers, bridges, and more.
Besides construction companies, the major employers in this industry include engineering and architecture firms, government agencies, real estate developers, and maintenance contractors.
The construction industry is closely linked with the country’s broader economic status. Growing cities, along with changes in interest rates and government investing, influence construction growth.
When construction grows, it triggers spending on related products like equipment, furniture, and appliances. When there’s a downturn in the economy, construction slows, and related industries shrink their production and lay off workers.
Automation and digital tools are improving construction efficiency and safety in a variety of ways: 3D modeling software helps builders and architects visualize projects at each phase of development; robots can lay bricks, weld, and move materials; drones may be deployed to survey sites and inspect a project’s progress.
The new technology requires new skills, as workers need to operate and work with these machines.
Quick facts to know:
- As the current workforce ages, there is a growing need for skilled tradespeople—such as plumbers, electricians, and welders. The word is getting out—as data shows more young adults are choosing a career in the skilled trades.
- Sustainable building practices are becoming mainstream, such as using green materials, integrating energy-efficient systems, and diverting waste from landfills.
- Regulations play a major role in this industry, as they help ensure worker safety, protect the environment, and maintain building standards.
- Modular and prefabricated products are used to speed up project timelines and reduce costs. Products ranging from 4-foot insulated panels to multi-story buildings are pre-built off-site, then transported to building sites.
Whatever your career direction, you can find options that fit. Keep exploring at CareerOneStop.org/ExploreCareers