It doesn't matter what point you’re currently at in your life – maybe you're still in high school, maybe you've already completed a degree, or perhaps you're looking for a second career – because anytime is a good time to get started in the construction industry.
Have you decided which construction career(s) interests you? If not, use the Career Finder to help you narrow down your options. Also check out the Types of Construction section to get a better idea of what kinds of amazing things you could build – maybe this will help you determine which career to pursue.
Once you’ve discovered what interests you, call up local construction companies and see if you can tour a job site, or call some local unions and ask if they can put you in touch with a journeyperson in your chosen trade so you can ask them all about their job. It pays to meet people in the industry and to learn what the work is like.
Check out these construction "insiders" to see how they got started in the industry.
Three basic ways to get started in the construction industry
Once you’ve decided on a career, you can choose which of these options works best for you to get started:
- Register as an apprentice and combine on-the-job training with in-class learning.
- Enroll for post-secondary training at a university, community college or technical institute and study for the construction career of your choice.
- Or, find a job as an entry-level construction worker and learn the skills you need on the job.
Click on any of the sections below to learn more: