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C a r e e r C o r n e r
- How to figure out what
you want to do.
For specific job
postings, click on "Job Postings - Get Connected" from the menu.
Careers in Construction - Looking
Up
If you are looking for a rewarding career with high
wages and an unlimited future, look no further. California's
construction industry is for you. From carpenters and CEOs to
accountants and engineers, the industry offers unlimited
possibilities for everyone. The construction
industry is like no other. How many other industries let you help
build a city? When driving by the new city hall, theatre or stadium
that you helped build, you will feel immense pride in knowing you
made a valuable contribution to your community.
Deciding which part of the industry interests you is
a key decision. Answering a couple of simple questions will help
you decide which area of construction may be right for you. One
factor is the type of environment in which you want to work
(inside, outside, no supervision, working in a team). The amount
and type of education you want will also shape your future in
construction. As in many industries, good math and
communication skills are important. Problem solving ability and a
good work ethic will also contribute to your success in
construction.
There is a wide range of career choices, so pick the
one that is right for you and build your future.
Skilled
Trades: These are the skilled
professionals who make construction happen. They are experts in
their fields and have tremendous opportunities to move into
management positions, own their own companies or transition into
other fields. These are high-wage jobs. While the average
California construction worker earns about $24 per hour, many
journey-level construction workers earn over $70,000 per
year. While these positions do not require a college
degree, participating in a structured training program through an
apprenticeship school or community college is the key to your
success. State approved apprenticeship programs allow you to "earn
while you learn," and enjoy good employment benefits as well. In
addition, these programs are free, so rather than racking up tens
of thousands of dollars in students loans, these programs actually
pay you to learn a skill!
A few of the key trades are: carpenters, sheet
metal workers, electricians, plumbers, and roofers. For information
on training programs contact the California Division of
Apprenticeship Standards at (415) 703-4920 or go to http://www.calapprenticeship.org/.
Management: These are
the people who keep the business side of construction moving. They
manage the money and materials, market their services and products,
and help move their firms in the right direction.
Key jobs in this sector include: Owner/CEO; Project
Manager; Sales; Marketing and Finance.
A college degree is very helpful for these
management careers. Many successful construction managers have
degrees in construction management or business administration.
Check out http://www.cpec.ca.gov/CollegeGuide/CollegeGuide.ASP
for a list of colleges with construction management
or business administration programs.
Technical: These are the
visionaries who design the buildings, roads and structures. They
assure that construction projects will be safe through appropriate
design measures. Many of these positions require college degrees
and/or licensure, certifications or registration. Check with the
college of your choice to see if they have programs that will get
you into these exciting careers. This sector includes a wide range
of career choices, including: Architect; Engineer; Draftsman;
Inspector and Plans Examiner.
Click on www.cpec.ca.gov/CollegeGuide/CollegeGuide.ASP
for a list of educational programs.
Apprenticeship Programs: California's construction industry is booming. There is a major
shortage of workers -- the United States needs 240,000 new
construction workers each year -- so now is the time to plan how
you can have a successful career in construction. Visit an
apprenticeship program. Participate in "job shadowing." The
construction industry needs you.
Call us at (916) 617-2505 or the Division of
Apprenticeship Standards at (415) 703-4920 for more
information.
  Helpful Links - Education & Careers
This website is great. It has a section for students,
teachers adn parents. Many very useful links as
well.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/descOfAppr.html
Search for Apprenticeship Programs in your area.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/aigstart.asp
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Construction
Employers' Association
