Career Clusters

Construction

Description

The Construction Career Cluster focuses on professions involved in designing, planning, managing, and executing projects in the built environment. It emphasizes sustainable building practices to ensure that structures are both environmentally responsible and resilient. Careers in this Cluster are pivotal in creating durable infrastructure that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own, covering a range of roles from architects and engineers to construction managers and skilled tradespeople.

Sub-Clusters

ARCHITECTURE & CIVIL ENGINEERING

Careers combining the planning, design, and drafting of infrastructure, structures, and landscapes with the application of technical expertise through architecture and civil and structural engineering. Professionals in this field develop sustainable, safe, and esthetically pleasing spaces while ensuring compliance with regulations. This Sub-Cluster spans residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects, requiring a blend of creativity, technical precision, and problem-solving to meet modern societal and environmental challenges.

Example Programs of Study

Architectural Design

Drafting

Landscape Architecture

CONSTRUCTION PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Careers emphasizing the critical initial stages of construction and development projects, including preconstruction activities, property development, and land use planning. This field involves site analysis, surveying, cost estimation, securing required permits, conducting feasibility studies, environmental compliance, and construction management. Professionals in this field engage in meticulous planning and preparation to integrate sustainable practices and reduce potential risks and delays, ensuring project success from start to finish.

Example Programs of Study

Construction Management

Surveying

EQUIPMENT OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

Careers skilled in managing and servicing the heavy equipment and machinery that are essential for building and infrastructure projects. Professionals in this field ensure that these vital tools operate efficiently and safely, combining technical knowledge with mechanical skills. This Sub-Cluster is crucial for the smooth execution of construction tasks, maintenance of machinery reliability, and adherence to safety standards.

Example Programs of Study

Diesel Mechanics

Heavy Machine Operation

SKILLED TRADES

Careers focused on skilled work that is essential to constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and infrastructure including carpentry; welding; masonry; electrical; plumbing; and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R). Professionals in the skilled trades play a key role in shaping the environment, combining hands-on skills with technical knowledge to ensure functionality and safety in both new and existing infrastructure and structures. Many skilled trades are also in high demand in the Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Energy and Natural Resources Clusters.

Example Programs of Study

Carpentry

Electrical Systems

Green Construction

HVAC-R

Welding Technology

The career information and data on this page incorporates information from Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work, O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.

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