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Those who dare to enter the construction industry build the world.
Craft professionals work hard and have the skills to show it. Their drive, knowledge and skills can take them all the way to the top – from entry-level to CEO – the possibilities are nearly limitless.
Explore below to find out why construction may be the path to success you’ve been looking for.
From 2015 – 2024, there will be 1,921,200 people entering the labor market with a bachelor’s degree each year, yet 7 out of 10 jobs require less than a four-year degree.
Through industry-recognized credentials and certifications, craft professionals earn competitive wages with minimal to no debt.
The construction industry is closing the gap on equal pay. In fact, women earn 99.1% of what men make in construction – significantly higher than the U.S. average of 81.1%.
In addition, about 13% of construction firms are now owned by women, a 94% growth since 2007. And, 44 of the top 100 construction companies have women executives.
Construction’s not just your granddad’s world anymore – after all, a woman’s place is anywhere she wants it to be.
For more than 7 years in a row, construction skilled trades are the hardest roles to fill. In addition, 54% of construction firms are having a hard time filling both salaried and hourly craft positions according to a survey released by The Associated General Contractors of America.
With 53% of seasoned workers retiring in the next 15 years, the industry is facing a critical skills gap. New entrants to the field have the opportunity to quickly grow their careers, especially if they take the initiative to learn the skills and knowledge from those retiring.
Total student debt in the United States is estimated at more than $1.7 trillion – second only to mortgage debt. Some studies show that the average repayment of student loans could take more than 20 years.
While craft professionals still require education in order to learn the necessary skills and knowledge for their work, their training looks a bit different. One common form of this is an apprenticeship, where trainees are instructed by experienced pros and get on-the-job training. Apprentices actually earn while they learn, being paid for the work they do during their training.
Looking for a path to make your own? From powerline worker to millwright to sprinkler fitter, construction offers the chance to find the niche you’re looking for. Discover the wide range of construction specialties on our construction careers page.
Only those with grit and perseverance rise above the ranks. With multiple paths to success and many craft specialties, there are countless ways to succeed. Hear from the professionals making their way in the industry as they talk about how they did it.
Before planning out a career, checking the job market can let you know the potential for finding a position and where the highest need in that trade is. Explore our construction demand map by both profession and state to see which careers have the highest demand and where.
It’s never too early to start planning. Whether you are in middle school, high school or exploring postsecondary options, there are ways to explore the world of construction and start your career journey. Utilize our planning tool to get started in the industry.
With so many craft specialties, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Use your interests to learn which construction career may be your perfect fit. Find out which careers you’re aligned with and take our personality quiz.
BYF has partnered with several organizations to make sure construction education, whether at a technical school or four-year college, has scholarships available. Check out our scholarship page for details.
Are you ready to get a kickstart on your career? Check out our newest resource, CareerStarter. Students and job seekers can automatically format their resume, connect with employers and explore construction job and training opportunities nearby all in one place.
The Discover More blog explores topics from how to get into the construction industry to why you would want to.
Want to get started on a construction career pathway that aligns with your interests? Check out CareerStarter! This FREE resource supports job seekers, employers and educators interested in making connections in the construction industry.
