Construction
What is Construction?
Have you ever considered a career in the construction industry but felt apprehensive about entering a field with so few women? Do you love hands-on projects? If so, Construction may be the ideal field for you! As with many skilled trades, there are countless opportunities to learn while you earn via apprenticeship programs. Many of these skills are also transferrable to advanced manufacturing.
Although you can learn any of the skilled trades on the job or with more formal training, this WISE construction industry module is focused on apprenticeships for the trades listed below. These are the Earn & Learn opportunities that you may have heard about elsewhere on this website.
What are Construction Apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship provides an opportunity to earn wages while you are being trained. In addition to classroom instruction, you’ll be paired with skilled mentors who will provide on-the-job training. This training prepares you for success in your new job and potential career!
- Never boring: You’ll always have the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills to move ahead in your career.
- Help when you need it - you're not alone: Mentors and managers on hand to show you how things are done when you have questions on the job.
- Multiple learning experiences: Classroom time, studying on your own or with colleagues, and working in the field are all part of earning while you learn.
- Confidence: The more you learn, the more you’ll feel confident and get the most from your apprenticeship and in working with your fellow apprentices.
- Inside-track career opportunities: Many job opportunities are waiting for you on the other side of all your hard work.
Facts About the Construction Industry
- Employment of construction is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016-2026, faster than the average of all occupations, a gain of about 747,600 new jobs.
- Overall growth in the economy and population will increase demand for new buildings, roads, and other structures, which will create new jobs in construction (and extraction) occupations.
- Wages will vary by region.
Get Started on the WISE Construction Apprenticeship Paths
- Electrician
Electrician responsibilities can include layout, installation and testing electrical service and electrical wire systems used to provide heat, light, power, air conditioning and refrigeration.
- Carpenter
Carpenters perform work basic to most building construction – erecting framework, partitions, studs, joints, drywall and rafters.
- Operating Engineers
Operate and maintain a variety of powerful equipment from bulldozers, backhoes and earth movers to very large power shovels and cranes.
Visit Cleveland Builds to learn about apprenticeship programs in many other skilled construction trades in addition to these on our website.