Hot Jobs for 2005 – Jobs in Construction
An In Depth Look

This is our second installment of 2005’s “hot jobs” feature that began in the February Top Colleges newsletter.  The data for these jobs came from a report by the Department of Labor forecasting the most in demand jobs through 2012.  These jobs tend to have higher wages and demand than comparable jobs in each main category. 

This article will break down what’s involved with getting the “hot” jobs in construction:

• Carpentry
• Electrician
• Construction Manager

Construction

Construction of homes and businesses in the United States has reached an all time high.  Population expansion, a robust economy and low interest rates have contributed to an increase in residential and commercial construction.  Renovations of existing structures have also taken place to improve safety, bolster for earthquakes and update electrical wiring and plumbing.  To aid in completing all these projects, there is a great need for construction workers.  Leading this category of “hot jobs” are carpenters, electricians and contractors.

Carpentry

Carpenters lay the framework for construction projects.  They work with wood to make frames, doorframes, cabinets, staircases, trim and even make forms for setting concrete.  Carpenters must be able to read blue prints, measure accurately and make precise cuts and fits.  Being a construction carpenter can be a dangerous and uncomfortable job, having to work in construction sites in the cold and heat with dangerous materials and power tools.  However, the pride and feeling of accomplishment of creating a building that can last a lifetime must be very rewarding.  The money isn’t too bad either, with the median wage for carpenters being $33,932.  Carpenters in the commercial arena tend to make a bit more.

What are the educational requirements to become a carpenter?  

Carpenters often learn through on the job training and there are apprenticeships available through the union and homebuilding associations.  Key aspects of training to be a carpenter are blueprint reading, math, safety, carpentry techniques and sketching.  These courses are also taught at career colleges and community colleges.  Advancement as a carpenter can lead to management positions and 30% of career carpenters start their own business.

Electrician

If I had to choose a career in the construction field, it would be that of an electrician.  In the construction business, electricians are charged with installing all the wiring in a new construction.  This wiring also includes cable TV and antenna wiring as well as telephone, network and security wiring.  Electricians use sophisticated electronic test equipment to troubleshoot and verify wiring connections.  For construction work electricians read blueprints and install and bend conduit that is metal piping the electric wiring is fed through.  Like any construction job, an electrician can expect to work on job sites that are cold or hot, dirty and possibly dangerous.  Construction electricians can expect a median wage of $19.36 per hour.

What are the educational requirements to become an electrician?

Due to the dangerous nature of electricity and the safety issues related to proper installation, the training period to become an electrician is quite extensive and requires licensing.  A three to five year apprenticeship program is offered for electricians, or training can be acquired through a three-year trade school program.  Electricians in training can expect to take classes in blueprint reading, electronics, math, safety and electrical codes.

Construction Management

At the high end of the construction spectrum are Construction Managers who oversee construction projects from beginning to end.  These construction professionals are in charge of projects, or sections of projects from conception to completion.  They coordinate and manage people, secure materials and equipment and make sure projects are completed on time and on budget.  Construction managers typically have an office they work out of, but do often have to be on a job site to perform their job duties.  Construction management is much less dangerous than that of electricians and carpenters.  Annual salaries average $63,500 per year.

What are the educational requirements to become a construction manager?

Experience is a key factor in securing a job as a construction manager.  Many construction managers advance to that position after holding other construction jobs and learning in “real time” how the business works.  Many corporate construction firms like to hire construction managers who posses a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management or civil engineering.  Construction managers should be proficient in architectural drawing, contracts, construction methods and regulations and job costing, estimating and scheduling.

As you can see, even in an industry like construction, there are a lot of well paying, high skilled jobs available for individuals who have the right education.  If you’re interested in any of these jobs, Top-Colleges.com can help you find a school near you.  We’ll complete our series of today’s hot jobs in next month’s newsletter.