Building Futures and Pioneering Sustainable Horizons
The Construction Career Cluster focuses on professions involved in designing, planning, managing, and executing projects in the built environment. It emphasizes sustainable building practices to ensure that structures are both environmentally responsible and resilient. Careers in this Cluster are pivotal in creating durable infrastructure that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own, covering a range of roles from architects and engineers to construction managers and skilled tradespeople.
Careers combining the planning, design, and drafting of infrastructure, structures, and landscapes with the application of technical expertise through architecture and civil and structural engineering. Professionals in this field develop sustainable, safe, and esthetically pleasing spaces while ensuring compliance with regulations. This Sub-Cluster spans residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects, requiring a blend of creativity, technical precision, and problem-solving to meet modern societal and environmental challenges.
Example Programs of Study
Architectural Design
Drafting
Landscape Architecture
Careers emphasizing the critical initial stages of construction and development projects, including preconstruction activities, property development, and land use planning. This field involves site analysis, surveying, cost estimation, securing required permits, conducting feasibility studies, environmental compliance, and construction management. Professionals in this field engage in meticulous planning and preparation to integrate sustainable practices and reduce potential risks and delays, ensuring project success from start to finish.
Example Programs of Study
Construction Management
Surveying
Careers skilled in managing and servicing the heavy equipment and machinery that are essential for building and infrastructure projects. Professionals in this field ensure that these vital tools operate efficiently and safely, combining technical knowledge with mechanical skills. This Sub-Cluster is crucial for the smooth execution of construction tasks, maintenance of machinery reliability, and adherence to safety standards.
Example Programs of Study
Diesel Mechanics
Heavy Machine Operation
Careers focused on skilled work that is essential to constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and infrastructure including carpentry; welding; masonry; electrical; plumbing; and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R). Professionals in the skilled trades play a key role in shaping the environment, combining hands-on skills with technical knowledge to ensure functionality and safety in both new and existing infrastructure and structures. Many skilled trades are also in high demand in the Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Energy and Natural Resources Clusters.
Example Programs of Study
Carpentry
Electrical Systems
Green Construction
HVAC-R
Welding Technology
Explore Construction in the state of WI, including careers and training requirements.
Courses in this Cluster Pathway
Metals I
16123
Building & Moving
9th Grade
Course Type:Semester
Department:
Technology
Sub-Cluster:
Construction Planning & Development
Prerequisite:
None
Description:
This entry-level course introduces students to the fundamentals of working with metals and is recommended for 9th and 10th graders. Students learn about shop safety, materials, and industrial processes while gaining hands-on experience with various tools and machines. Areas of study include types of metals, machining methods, and the use of equipment such as the lathe, milling machine, drill press, and sheet metal tools.
This course is part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. A $20.00 shop fee is required to cover supplies and consumable materials. Upon successful completion, students may advance to Metals II.
Architecture & Construction
Occupations with the most projected openings
Occupation
Annual Job Openings
Salary
Required Education
Entry-Level
Experienced
Carpenters
166
$30,514
$49,986
High school diploma or equivalent
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
164
$24,765
$35,531
No formal educational credential
Construction Laborers
147
$26,212
$47,860
No formal educational credential
Electricians
121
$37,206
$70,903
High school diploma or equivalent
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
82
$49,498
$81,849
High school diploma or equivalent
Highway Maintenance Workers
82
$34,266
$48,534
High school diploma or equivalent
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
73
$36,089
$52,458
High school diploma or equivalent
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
68
$47,245
$77,786
High school diploma or equivalent
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
65
$51,246
$82,694
High school diploma or equivalent
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
51
$32,184
$52,059
No formal educational credential
Occupations with the highest projected salaries
Occupation
Annual Job Openings
Salary
Required Education
Entry-Level
Experienced
Construction Managers
33
$71,029
$125,490
Bachelor's degree
Civil Engineers
26
$57,817
$93,298
Bachelor's degree
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
7
$56,510
$88,230
Bachelor's degree
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
16
$70,208
$87,209
High school diploma or equivalent
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
65
$51,246
$82,694
High school diploma or equivalent
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
82
$49,498
$81,849
High school diploma or equivalent
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
6
$47,388
$80,093
High school diploma or equivalent
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
