A strong demand for workers continues in the Building Trades and Construction industry sector, and that demand increases as populations, businesses, and local economies expand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction is among the top ten of the nation’s industries, constituting almost 5 percent of the total national gross domestic product. In California, the long-term (2004-14) occupational projection for the Building Trades and Construction industry includes a need to fill 17,790 new jobs and provide 17,920 replacement workers as members of the current workforce retire or leave. In some trades in the state, an increase of more than 30 percent in the number of available jobs is expected over the next 10 years. Nationally, more than one million construction jobs will be created over the next decade, with job categories ranging from laborers to engineers to contractors.

In Building Trades and Construction industry sector classes, activities range from general or exploratory skills to job-specific skills that prepare students to select and pursue career paths through postsecondary training, work experience education, apprenticeships, and postsecondary education. The classes incorporate and apply academic core content to career-related education. These interdisciplinary approaches provide students with strong foundation skills and advanced skills in the career field of their choice, allowing students to exit programs and enter occupations directly or pursue further specialty training.
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​Building Trades and Construction​
Industry Sector
Pathways:

  • Cabinetmaking and Wood Products
  • Engineering and Heavy Construction
  • Mechanical Construction
  • Residential and Commercial
    Construction
Entry Level Careers
​Technical Level Careers
​Professional Level Careers
(with high school diploma)
(with AA or AS degree or certificate)
​(with BS or BA degree)
Carpenter Apprentice
Electronic Technician
​Construction Manager
Cabinetmaking Apprentice
Heating/Ventilation/AC (HVAC) Technician
Engineer
Machine Operator
Furniture Maker
Product Designer
Draftsperson
Construction Supervisor
Architect
Electrical Repair Person
Building Constructor
Manufacturing Engineer
Electronic Equipment Installer
Cabinetmaking Journeyman
Environmental and Safety Manager
Maintenance Technician
Plumber​
Quality Control Manager

Building Trades and Construction Courses can be taken at: