Construction is divided into three sub-sectors: general building, heavy construction, and special trade. Some jobs are available year-round but in Minnesota work may be seasonal if it requires outside work. Hours in the summertime may lead to potential overtime pay. Apprenticeship programs provide comprehensive training for all construction trades. You should have some of the following skills:
- Dexterity
- Math and Problem-solving skills
- Dependability
- Organizational
Job Outlook provided by mnCareers.org:
The outlook for construction workers is good. Construction activity is impacted heavily by the economy. If the economy is strong, or interest rates are low, there will be more demand for workers. In Minnesota, the economy has slowed, but interest rates remain low. This has encouraged construction activity, especially in multiunit development, like apartments, town homes and condos. Nationally, growth is average, but the outlook is good due to the need to replace workers who leave construction permanently.
Many construction workers are self-employed or work as independent contractors. This is especially true for carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians.
Bricklayers & Stonemasons: Build and repair stone or brick structures. Employment currently: 2,550. Best Fits into Interest Profile: R (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $18.40 Mid Range: $25.40 High End: $30.80
Education: On-the-Job Training: Long-term on the job or apprenticeship training.
Job Outlook: Good: Demand is related closely to the economy and construction activity.
Growth: 90 Openings per year.
Carpenters: Build, install or repair structures in buildings or houses. Employment currently: 23,870. Best Fits into Interest Profile: R (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $11.70 Mid Range: $18.60 High End: $27.90
Education: 1-2 Years: Technical College courses or apprenticeship training is fairly standard in the carpentry field.
Job Outlook: Good: Turnover creates opportunities, but they may only be seasonal.
Growth: 650 Openings per year.
Electricians: Install, maintain or fix wiring. Keep electrical systems up to building code and may have to read blueprints. Employment currently: 10,960. Best Fits into Interest Profile: R (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $15.00 Mid Range: $26.50 High End: $34.50
Education: 1-2 Years: Technical College courses or apprenticeship training is fairly standard in the electricians field.
Job Outlook: Very Good: High demand is reported by experts in the sector demand is tied to the economy however.
Growth: 370 Openings per year.
General Construction Workers: Perform many different tasks including preparation of building sites or assisting other workers in their jobs. Employment currently: 10,930. Best Fits into Interest Profile: R (Click Here, to determine your interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $10.20 Mid Range: $18.50 High End: $27.10
Education: On-the-Job Training: Most have a GED or high school diploma, employers normally train on the job.
Job Outlook: Very Good: Demand is related directly with the amount of construction occurring at any given time.
Growth: 270 Openings per year.
