Construction Trade Schools: Opening The Door to a Promising New Career

The construction industry is one of the largest job suppliers in the United States. According to Statista, the sector employed over 7 million people midway through 2021 and generated $1.36 trillion in 2020. Construction employees are responsible for building projects like buildings, bridges, roads, airports, transit systems, and more. 

While this sector is constantly experiencing growth, there’s a shortage of skilled employees. If the construction process interests you, now is a good time to start researching construction trade schools. 

An increasing population has led to more development projects which means more construction jobs for those who are hardworking and dependable. Jobs include site supervisors, laborers, engineers, plumbers, electricians, and architects, with opportunities to advance in specialty areas.

There’s no denying the many ways in which construction contributes to the American economy. While it may come with a fair share of challenges, a career in the industry can also be incredibly rewarding. There are also plenty of different jobs for people with different types of interests and experiences to choose from.

Do You Need To Go to Construction Management Trade School?

With the rise in demand for construction jobs, the expectation of skilled trade people has also increased. Workers with a certified professional constructor degree or specialized training will have an easier time finding work and earn higher salaries than those without training.

Although individuals can learn skills on the job, a construction management degree can make you more marketable to potential employers and help you achieve higher earnings right off the bat. Remember, there are different programs available to help students achieve associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees in construction. The more education you acquire, the higher your earning potential becomes. 

Of course, that path doesn’t appeal to everyone. Students looking to join the workforce sooner rather than may want to stick to trade school options. There, they will receive construction training as well as job search assistance. 

Is Construction for You?

A career in construction is not for everyone. Before deciding to enroll in a construction program, it’s important to ask yourself some specific questions. 

The nature of the construction industry is always changing. You must adopt new technologies and move to new locations to pursue additional opportunities.  You’ll need to maintain some flexibility when it comes to work hours, locations, and responsibilities. 

What Are the Major Construction Trades?

There are many exciting opportunities attached to a construction project. Let’s explore the different types of constructions jobs and their associated salaries: 

Roofers

A roofer installs and repairs the roofs of hospitals, airports, offices, houses, schools, and other buildings. They assess any roof damage from storms and remove the debris or replace the materials to fix any safety concerns. Roofers generally work with metal, shingles, tiles, and asphalt, but some specialize in single-ply roofs. Roofers earn an average salary of $20.95 per hour.

Masons

Masons primarily build houses, walls, fences, chimneys, roads, floors, and buildings using concrete blocks, stone, or bricks. There are different types of masonry work: brick masons, refractory masons, stonemasons, fixer masons, and memorial masons. On average, a mason earns $26.48 per hour.

Carpenters

Carpenters build and repair a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial structures and fixtures. They work on wood, concrete, and steel to build new walls, floors, or door frames. Carpentry jobs are typically associated with interior construction. 

Construction Building Managers

Construction managers ensure that the construction complies with building codes, zoning rules, or other regulations. They visit the sites to monitor the work to see everything is going according to the scheduled plan.

Construction managers monitor the building site. To become a manager, you need to have operational and technical expertise, business and general management skills, and leadership qualities to perform duties efficiently. A construction management degree increases your pay scale and gives you an edge over the competition. 

A construction manager’s The national average salary for a construction manager falls around $46.72 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operators

Heavy equipment operators operate the machinery that moves supplies, drills, or prepares land for construction. These operators drive various machines such as dump trucks, cargo trucks, bulldozers, and hydraulic truck cranes. Heavy equipment operators earn an average salary of $26.61 per hour. 

Electricians

Electricians repair, install, and perform electrical maintenance systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They ensure that electrical appliances are working effectively and safely. On average, electricians earn a salary of $27.36 per hour.

Civil Engineers

Civil engineers design and monitor the construction structures such as buildings, airports, dams, tunnels, bridges, and more. They are often employed through both the public and private sectors to handle large infrastructure projects. You’ll need a certified degree to become a civil engineer. They earn an average salary of $42.58 per year.

Plumbers

Plumbers install and repair the piping fixtures in homes, commercial buildings, schools, and other places. They typically fix toilets and sinks to ensure proper water flow and clean water disposal systems. A plumber earns an average salary of $27.08 an hour.

Carpet Installers

Carpet installers lay carpet in homes, buildings, offices, and restaurants. They replace old rugs with new ones or install a new carpet by measuring the floor intended for carpet. The carpet installation process includes:

The average salary of a carpet installer is $19.94 per hour.

Boilermakers

A boilermaker works on tanks, vats, and boilers used for ships, factories, and buildings. Boilermakers install and perform maintenance on boilers using a robotic or automatic welder. They also repair equipment for water treatment plants or air pollution plants. Boilermakers make an average salary of $31.59 per hour. 

Building and Construction Management Programs

Building and construction management programs offer valuable skills to those who want to work in the building and construction industry. Construction management programs teach students how to manage the construction process. These programs are important because the industry is constantly evolving, and project managers must keep up with innovations, technology, and best practices. The type of program you choose will depend on your interests.

Length of Training

Program Costs

A construction management degree is a more specialized program for those looking to get into the construction industry. The prices of these courses can vary depending on the type of course, school, and state. Potential students should also be aware that they will have to pay for books and materials.

Be sure to get in touch with the financial aid office to take full advantage of the resources available from various federal, state, and private programs.

Typical Courses Included in Construction Management

Construction programs cover all basic job requirements needed to perform efficiently in the field. Topics typically introduced in construction education programs include:

Skills You Learn in Construction Management Schools

While you can learn some skills on the job, it would take years to perform them well enough to work independently. By enrolling in a construction management school, you can accelerate your experience with the technologies and the tools required for the job. 

The best construction programs will teach you:

The Construction Industry Career Outlook

Whether you have some job training or are interested in pursuing a college degree, the construction industry offers a wide range of job opportunities. Still, when it comes to innovation and technology, employers prefer skilled and competent workers.

Average Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average median salary earned by construction managers is $97,180.

Best Job Profiles in the Construction Field

There are numerous jobs in the construction field, particularly for those with managerial training. Listed below are a few opportunities for you to consider: 

Construction Manager

Plan, coordinate, budget, and monitor the construction project from start to finish.

Building Inspector

Ensure that the building meets the code requirements and inspects the structure at intervals.

Construction Safety Officer

Develop and implement safety measures in construction site environments to decrease the chance of injuries to workers.

Future Prospects

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), we can expect about 7.5 million construction jobs to become available by 2026.

The construction workforce is aging, and demands for skilled workers are on the rise. Only a few people are entering the construction industry, leaving many opportunities for additional members to join the workforce. The future of construction looks promising, which means now is a great time to upgrade your skills or earn a degree. 

Benefits of Attending a Building & Construction School

Skilled Professional Training

Construction schools expose you to various skills, from managing construction projects to repairing equipment. Construction management trade schools offer skilled professional training to train construction students in multiple aspects of construction.

Choose Your Specialization

You can be a skilled worker in multiple domains, but specialization gives you the upper hand in a particular aspect of construction. Workers who have a specialization have an advantage over those without. Construction management trade school can be an excellent way to get an official certification for industrial technology training or any specific area of interest.

Increase Your Pay Scale

There are different ways to break into the construction field, but getting a management degree is one of the most lucrative. Employees with a construction management degree can demand higher wages and apply for managerial positions.

Conclusion

Construction employees who have a degree in construction trades have broader career options. Those who are interested in pursuing construction management should look into requirements for titles including construction manager, property manager, supervisor, and building inspector job. These jobs are not that physically demanding and only involve managing and monitoring sites.

For anyone interested in construction, building management, or engineering, attending an accredited institution is a great way to kick off a successful career. If you plan to pursue construction education, it’s important to think about the type of trade you want to focus on throughout your career. 

Start in on a successful career path today with our associate and bachelor degree programs in building technology and construction management and our master degree program in construction management.

FAQs

What Skills Will I Learn in a Construction School?

Popular courses include mechanical drawing, woodworking, safety procedures, arithmetic, and math. If you choose a construction management degree, you will receive information on systems, materials, methods, technology, structures, and building laws. 

Is It Necessary To Go to College for a Construction Job?

A construction worker can work without a degree. In fact, many members of the industry learned their skills on the job. That said, having a construction management degree gives you an advantage when applying for positions such as project manager. These credentials can also increase your earning potential. 

What Construction Job Pays the Most?

The highest-paying job in construction is elevator installer and repairer. They earn a median salary of $88,540 per annum. This job requires extensive technical knowledge and licensure.