Construction Career Info Guide
Select a field below to learn more about different careers within the construction industry.
- Architecture
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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Apprentice Programs in DC >
- Carpentry
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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. 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. Carpentry Apprentice Programs in DC >
- Electricity
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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)
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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. - Masonry
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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. 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. 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
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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. - Plumbing
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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. Steamfitter Install, setup, and inspect pipe systems and building pipes. 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
Pluming Apprentice Programs in DC >