Construction and craft training offer life-long learning, continual development, and unlimited growth opportunity, both personally and professionally. All too often, however, skilled careers in a specialty craft are overlooked.
Construction is the second largest employer in the United States, second only to government. The construction industry provides, good, well-paying jobs, with opportunity for unlimited growth potential following the “construction career path.”
This industry has tremendous opportunity for growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the US Department of Labor, estimates that the construction industry needs to attract 240,000 workers each year to replace those who are retiring or leaving the industry, as well as to allow for growth.
This is a complex industry, and the required technical skills can’t be learned in a classroom alone. According to the US Department of Education, 80% of future jobs will require post-secondary training, but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. The US Department of Labor states that vocational-technical skills are among the top-10 in-demand job skills on employers’ wish lists. Apprenticeship, the “other four year degree,” couples on-the job training (paid work experience) with formal classroom training. These formal apprenticeship programs are registered with the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a formal certificate of completion, and are recognized at the journeyman’s level.
Construction is about a career path, one that offers students many opportunities for learning, training, growth, and advancement. There are numerous entry points along the path, and various avenues one can take along the way (craft training, apprenticeship, community college, university, management and leadership training, etc).
Typical Salaries:
Architect: $49,230 - $88,220
Boilermaker: $37,640 - $55,200
Carpenter: $31,920 - $53,960
Electrician: $39,790 - $66,170
Equipment Operator: $31,850 - $54,330
Estimator: $42,340 - $79,260
Foreman/Superintendent: $43,080 - $68,450
HVAC Technician: $30,160 - $48,200
Ironworker: $35,750 - $60,190
Mason: $40,260 - $61,880
Plumber: $36,220 - $63,400
Project Manager: $55,640 - $95,120
Welder: $26,170 - $41,000
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, average mid-top level earnings)
Construction is a powerful career choice for today’s youth. It is a lifelong career path–not just a job, a path with unlimited opportunities for professional and financial growth and success!