Construction
Construction involves more than just wearing a hard hat. They’re jobs that require problem-solving abilities and math skills like calculating measurements, weights, and the ability to read blueprints.
Possible career paths include:
- Carpenters
- Construction Laborers
- Construction Supervisors
- Electricians
- Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters
Construction careers mean success: 
Jakob Soper, Journeyman Welder
Jakob Soper has construction work in his blood. After years of growing up around his brother’s successful construction business, he knew he, too, wanted a skilled trade. Jakob chose welding and began down the manufacturing path as an entry-level light builder at Full-Spectrum Solutions in Jackson, Michigan.
Jakob’s welding career really sparked after completing two U.S. Michigan Department of Labor-registered apprenticeships over a five-year span. He earned a journeyman’s license and his AWS D1.1 welder certification through technical career apprenticeships offered by the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association in partnership with The Enterprise Group of Jackson and South Central Michigan Works! And the best part for Jakob? He’ll be able to use his licenses and certifications wherever he goes across the United States.
His future is as strong as the welds he creates―and all because he chose a skilled trade path less taken.
Key occupations in the Construction industry sector are expected to grow by 8.4 percent and have just under 34,800 average annual openings from 2020 to 2030.
Between 2011 and 2021, employment in Construction has grown by 50.6 percent, well above the 7.4 percent observed for total statewide employment. Construction currently employs 316,000 individuals across the state.
Construction has a nominal average salary of $76,500. This is significantly greater than the average salary for total statewide employment which sits at $61,700.
Many of the key occupations within the Construction sector only require some form of on-the-job training or an apprenticeship and have median hourly wages that exceed the statewide median ($21.73).
The Construction industry sector is a traditional apprenticeship sector with nearly 12,000 active apprentices in 2021, most of which were in the specialty trade contractor industry.
Tom Daldin talks to children about early curiosities and Skilled Trade jobs in Michigan.
YOUR FUTURE
The growing demand for trades jobs has opened new windows of opportunity. Apprenticeships provide expert, reputable training for young individuals looking for a career in construction.