Construction Schools and Careers

Apprenticeships and trade schools offer skills

Almost anyone can get an entry level job in construction with no education or even experience. But these days professional training is becoming more desirable for laborers who want to stay competitive and quickly earn opportunities for advancement. Not only that, people working in the construction trades who have a related education will start out in higher paying jobs.

A few things most construction careers have in common is physically demanding work performed on a variety of job sites, in a variety of weather conditions. It's not uncommon for reduced hours or layoffs when work is slow, but construction employment potential is generally favorable.

How long will it take?

To become a skilled construction trade worker takes two to four years of in-class instruction and on-the-job training. In general those with formal training are most in-demand because of higher skill levels. Training can consist of apprenticeships or other vocational or trade school courses. Some prefer to start working first, while others complete schooling first. Apprenticeships last between three and fours years but are in limited supply for some vocations.

Skills and requirements

Classroom instruction is different depending on the trade chosen, but courses can include blueprint reading, mechanical drawing or sketching, math, algebra, geometry and general construction techniques. Those interested in a construction career should possess hand-eye coordination, balance, an aptitude for math and an adequate level of physical fitness.

Programs typically offered at construction schools:

Carpenter - The largest of the construction trades, carpentry work can include a wide variety of tasks such as drywall, flooring, roofing, framing walls, installing windows and doors and much more. For some companies (generally larger ones) carpenters will specialize in a few jobs. With other companies they'll have a wide variety of responsibilities. Almost all will be working with hand and power tools, following the direction of blueprints or a supervisor. They plan the task to comply with building codes and when it's finished they check it over and make necessary adjustments. Areas of work include home building, remodeling and commercial. Generally, workers in remodeling are expected to posses a wider range of skills.

Brickmason/ Blockmason/ Stonemason - The job of these trade workers is essentially to create structures and surfaces, such as walkways, walls, building exteriors and floors. Materials can include brick, concrete, masonry and natural or artificial stone. Aspects of the job include planning, cutting, following blueprints or drawings and making repairs.

Cement Mason/ Concrete Finisher - These workers manipulate cement to build foundations for homes and businesses, lay sidewalks and driveways and participate in large scale projects such as building dams and roads. They also finish concrete by adding color or texture and sealant, all-the-while determining that the concrete is curing correctly to avoid flaws. These jobs can be fast paced and very strenuous and employees often work closely in teams.