The purpose of the construction industry is to build and maintain all kinds of structures, including homes, manufacturing plants, office buildings, streets and highways, sewers, irrigation projects and more. The industry also includes related activities such as painting, electrical work, and plumbing.
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Carpenters

Average Salary: $49,520

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.  

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Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Average Salary: $55,080

Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.

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Construction Managers

Average Salary: $97,180

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. 

Industry Recognized Certificates/Credentials, Employability Skills, and Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Applications

Industry Recognized Certificates/Credentials

Students have the potential to earn an industry recognized certificates and credentials through their experiences in our CTE programs. The following certificates and credentials could include the following:

Employability Skills

While enrolled in the Construction Trades program, students will be expected to work on various employability skills that could be related to the industry recognized certificate/credentials listed above. See some examples of how students will work on these skills below:

  • Communication Skills:
    In the construction field, effective communication is essential when working in a team. Workers need to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, relay information about project progress and safety concerns, and coordinate with colleagues. For instance, a construction site supervisor must clearly communicate safety protocols to workers, ensuring everyone understands the potential hazards and the necessary precautions to take.
  • Problem-Solving Skills:
    Construction workers often encounter unexpected challenges on the job, such as unforeseen structural issues, material shortages, or equipment malfunctions. Having strong problem-solving skills is vital to adapt to these situations. For instance, if a construction worker discovers a flaw in the project plans, they must find a solution quickly to avoid delays and additional costs.
  • Attention to Detail:
    Precision and accuracy are crucial in construction trades, where small errors can lead to significant problems. Paying close attention to detail ensures that measurements, cuts, and installations are done correctly. For example, a carpenter needs to ensure that all measurements for a new window frame are accurate to prevent gaps or misalignments, which can affect the window's functionality and the building's energy efficiency.

CTSO Applications

Students who enroll in a course within the Construction Trades program have the opportunity to engage in in a CTSO. Below are some potential applications to a CTSO that student could be involved when participating in this CTE program:

  • SkillsUSA: Carpentry
    This contest utilizes both written and practical exercises to evaluate the contestants’ abilities and knowledge of the field. Students are are asked to complete an array of carpentry  (ex: soffit installation, framing walls, etc.) 
  • SkillsUSA: Teamworks>
    This contest utilizes both written and practical exercises to evaluate the contestants’ abilities and knowledge of the field. Students work together to display their combined carpentry, electrical, plumbing and masonry skills to create an "action plan" that they present to judges.
  • SkillsUSA: Cabinetmaking
    Colorado CTSOs are ready and motivated to guide CTSO leaders to kickoff their year of leadership.  Students build a cabinet from the drawings, materials, and tools supplied to them.   

Which High Schools Offer this Program?

CTE Advisory Board

Allison Stepnitz
Operations Manager
BuildStrong Academy

Lisa Seaman
Workforce Director
Construction Education Foundation of Colorado

Bryan Cook
Executive Director
Construction Education Foundation of Colorado