Construction Career Info Guide


Select a field below to learn more about different careers within the construction industry. 

Architecture


   Watch Video: What an Architect REALLY Does During the Day
 

Ironworking

Specialization Description Video
Reinforcing Ironworker Reinforce concrete structures with steel bars or rebar. They read blueprints and determine the correct placement and configuration of reinforcing steel according to engineering specifications.

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers Career Video

Ornamental Ironworker Create and install decorative and architectural elements made of iron or steel. They work on projects such as ornate staircases, railings, fences, gates, and other custom metalwork.They create beautiful and functional structures, often incorporating intricate designs and patterns.

Ornamental Ironworkers Local 580 Training Facility Tour - NYC

Welding Ironworker Join metal components and create strong and secure connections. They work on-site or in a fabrication shop, where they prepare and assemble structural steel components before installation.

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Careers

Pre-Engineered Metal Ironworker Use prefabricated metal structures. They assemble and erect pre-engineered metal building systems. Skilled in reading detailed assembly instructions and working efficiently to construct metal buildings, such as warehouses, storage facilities, and industrial structures.

Erecting 50' x 100' Metal Building

Rigging Ironworker Rigging and lifting heavy structural components and equipment using cranes, hoists, and rigging systems. They calculate weight of load, select appropriate lifting equipment, and ensure safe rigging practice and proper lifting and positioning of heavy loads.

Inside the Hard Hat: Rigger

Structural Ironworker Install and assemble structural framework of buildings, bridges, and other large structures. They erect steel columns, beams, and girders, ensuring proper alignment and connection. Structural ironworkers often work at significant heights and use cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment to position and secure heavy steel.

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Ironworking Apprenticeship Programs in DC >

 

Glass Installation and Repair

Specialization Description Video
Glass Installers and Repairers Fabricate and install Curtainwalls, Glass and Glazing, storefront systems, heavy glass entrances, Interior Glass, Aluminum Metal Panels, Skylights, Custom Sunshade Systems, and more.

Glazier Technician Apprenticeship Program

 

Excavation

Specialization Description Video
Excavating and Loading Machine Operators Operate machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Careers

 

Sheet Metal Workers

Description Video
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings.

Sheet Metal Worker Careers

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Programs in DC >

 

Carpentry

 

Specialization Description Video
Roofer Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. Also bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.

Roofer Careers

Amazing Roofer Success Story: From Rehab to 20 Employees

Carpenter Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and concrete forms; building frameworks, wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall.

Occupational Video - Carpenter

Carpentry Apprentice Programs in DC >

 

Electricity


   Watch Video: Day in the Life of an Electrician  |  Electrician Careers
 

Master Electrician

Specialization Description
Commercial Master Electrician Installs, repairs and updates electrical systems in office parks, school buildings, hotels or resorts, retail stores, industrial facilities and other buildings used for commerce.
Industrial Master Electrician Installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems and equipment in industrial settings. They work with large machinery, motors, generators, and complex electrical systems.
Maintenance Master Electrician Responsible for the general upkeep of a building's electrical system. They are required to inspect the premises regularly, conduct routine maintenance, perform repairs, and fix faulty wiring when necessary.
Residential Master Electrician Install, maintain, and repair electrical power and wiring systems, communications, lighting, and control systems in residential properties (apartment complexes, single-family homes, condos and townhomes).

 

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)


   Watch Video: A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Description Video
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Careers

 

Insulation

Specialization Description Video
Mechanical Insulator Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.

Insulation Workers, Mechanical Careers

 

Masonry

 

Painter

Description Video
Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting.

Painters, Construction and Maintenance Careers

Occupational Video - Painter and Decorator

 

Dry Wall Installers

Specialization Description Video
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount tiles or blocks, strips or sheet materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound.

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers Career

 

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Specialization Description Video
Bricklayers, Stone and Marble Masons, Cement Masons, Plasterers, Tile Setters, Terrazzo and Mosaic Workers Properly position masonry units (concrete blocks), creating efficient, beautiful buildings and structures

Brickmasons and Blockmasons Careers

Create the Future: Celeste - Brick and Stone Mason Apprentice

 

Miscellaneous

 

Fire Alarm Installers

Specialization Description Video
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Careers

 

Plumbing

 

Specialization Description Video
Sprinkler Fitter Install, inspect, and repair sprinkler systems. Duties typically include installing plumbing fixtures, fixing and replacing defective and outdated sprinklers, and welding pipes, tubes, and fittings designed for sprinklers.

Sprinkler Fitter - What is it and how do you become one?

Steamfitter Install, setup, and inspect pipe systems and building pipes.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Careers

Steamfitters

Gasfitters Install gas equipment like valves, burners, regulators, meters, and gas lines for appliances like boilers, stoves, ovens, and barbeque grills. Repairs pipes and fixtures, as well as tests and services equipment.

Occupational Video - Gasfitter

Job Talks - Gas Fitter - Lovre tells us what it means to be a gas fitter

Plumbers Install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They install bathtubs and toilets, and appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. They clean drains, remove obstructions, and repair or replace broken pipes and fixtures.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Careers

Job Talks - Plumber - Josh Explains the Benefits of Being a Plumber

Plumber - Career Exploration for Teens

Pluming Apprentice Programs in DC >