Select a career below for more information and to connect with local businesses for potential jobs and internships.
Carpenters are responsible for interpreting and implementation of the architect’s/draftsman’s building plans. They erect the “skeleton” and are responsible for the structure of a home. Commercial and industrial carpenters construct, erect, install and repair structures and fixtures – from buildings to highways and bridges to power plants.
Concrete Workers plan and set up the space that needs concrete poured, then pour the concrete and finish it. They also repair concrete in addition to installing new concrete. Concrete Workers must know how to use certain tools, work well with their team, and take initiative as they often work without much supervision.
Construction Laborers perform many basic tasks on construction sites and mostly work full time. Some work at great heights or outdoors in all weather conditions. This occupation would be a great way to get your foot in the door to other career opportunities in the construction industry.
Drywall Contractors pick up where framing and insulation left off. Once everything that needs to go inside the walls is in, the Drywall Contractors come in. They measure, cut and install drywall that makes up the walls of a house.
Energy Engineers oversee anything and everything relating to energy while building a home. From monitoring energy consumption to conducting assessments and audits, they make sure the home meets energy standards and look for ways to reduce energy consumption.
Geo-technical Engineers, a.k.a. Soil Scientists, have to know the “dirt” on dirt. They evaluate soil to understand the environmental impact of building a house or building on a specific piece of land. Geo-technical engineering utilizes the disciplines of rock and soil mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions. Geo-technical engineering evaluations also include a review of the geologic conditions. These investigations are used to design and build foundations, earth structures, and pavement sub-grades.
Heavy Machine Operators know how to use a variety of machines — from jackhammers to dump truck to bulldozers. Being a Heavy Machine Operator is physically demanding, and the work is mostly outdoors in various weather conditions and locations.
Ironworking is the ultimate in hands-on construction. Ironworkers place and install iron or steel girders, columns and other construction materials to form the infrastructure all around us. Ironworkers must always be paying attention to details to check vertical and horizontal alignment with plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits or levels – then they bolt or weld the piece permanently in place.
Masons read and interpret blueprints so that they can cut and measure materials such as bricks, pavers, or stone to the appropriate size. They then install the materials, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the home.
Millwrights work on construction sites and in factories assembling and disassembling machinery. This work can involve intricate technical repairs or heavy machining tools, depending on the project. Millwrights have to be able to understand technical manuals for many different types of machines as well as have a high level of problem-solving skills.
Mobile Crane Operators use state-of-the-art heavy machinery to move construction materials, earth and even petroleum products over short distances. A series
of joysticks, levers and pedals allow the operator to use his or her knowledge of load calculations to place materials around a construction site.
The pipeline industry has a wide range of opportunities, so whether you are looking to work with state-of-the-art technology in a control center, or travel as a service unit operator maintaining wells, there is a career for you. The derricks, pumps, and drilling systems that make up a pipeline system are made up of advanced machinery and require strict qualifications and safety practices. Other craft professionals such as Pipefitters and Welders can also use their skills in the pipeline industry.
Riggers attach loads of construction equipment to cranes or structures using cables, pulleys and winches. Quick load calculations are necessary for each load and engineering principles are always in play. Riggers use various suspension techniques to get their load around obstacles on a construction site to the desired location.
Roofers use a variety of materials to build roofs and other surfaces. These materials include hot and cold applied built-up roofing and waterproofing, asphalt shingles, tile and other materials that protect surfaces from the outside elements. Teamwork is essential, as roofers work in crews.
Sheet Metal Workers cut and mold sheets of metal into products for installing and repairing ventilation and air ducts. They also construct airplanes, automobiles and billboards. Most sheet metal fabrication shops are completely computerized, so Sheet Metal Workers may be responsible for programming control systems on various pieces of equipment.
Structural Engineers take the architect’s design and decide what the best materials (steel, concrete, etc.) are to use given information like location or weather. They essentially make sure the “bones” of the house are appropriate for the environment it is being built in order to keep it standing.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or structural engineering and professional licensing
Tower Crane Operators use their knowledge of load calculations and crane operations to hoist heavy materials off the ground and to significant heights. They must have endurance, agility, and physical coordination, as well as great hand/ eye coordination.
Welders join objects together by applying heat or pressure. Skilled welders have a thorough knowledge of welding principals and metals. They use blueprints and drawings to build anything from ships to cars to bridges. Welders are also crucial in maintaining power plants of all types and have the opportunity to travel throughout the year.
Wind Turbine Maintenance Technicians are responsible for performing the complicated repairs and inspections on existing turbines. Sometimes these repairs take place at the very top of the turbine in the nacelle operating room that houses the instruments that measure wind speed and direction.