These programs enable you to earn money while being trained by a skilled professional or professionals in a building trade or craft. For example, at the end of this training you could be a certified electrician, plumber or HVAC technician. The training is for a pre-determined length of time, usually two to four years. Labor and trade unions traditionally sponsor apprenticeships. Your real-world experience can provide you with the credentials you need to pursue a management or engineering position.
Many universities have construction engineering programs or construction management programs.
In order to increase the chances of having your pick of companies, starting positions and salaries, it is recommended that you earn an academic degree or degrees. This is especially true if you are interested in the engineering, management or administrative sides of Specialty Construction. These undergraduate and graduate degrees can be in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering and industrial engineering. Full academic degrees in construction technology, construction management, construction science and environmental engineering can also be used to launch your management and engineering career. You may also enter Specialty Construction through traditional business degrees such as accounting, business management and marketing.