Build A Future In Construction

A career that will take you where you want to go

Many people think that the only way to a lifelong successful career is by going to college, sitting in a cubicle five days a week and moving up the office ladder.

But that's just not true.

Joining the building and construction trades can bring you a lifetime of economic security and satisfaction—with more action and hands-on experience than an office job.

If you enjoy working with your hands, being part of a team, and building something you can be proud of, the building trades are for you.

There are many different options for careers in union construction and not every position keeps you on the job site. You can rise through the ranks to become a business manager or owner, which puts you in charge of hundreds of people and projects with budgets ranging into the millions.

Whether you want to work with your hands or work in the corner office, the union construction industry has a career path for you.

Getting started as an apprentice

No matter where you want to go you have to start at the beginning – the apprenticeship. Unlike any other program of its kind, the union apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn. First-year union apprentices earn approximately the same amount most college students pay for a year's tuition.

Once you become an apprentice, you work and attend classroom training. The classroom training provides you the entry-level skills you need to get started. You also work under a skilled journey-level crafts person on the job, learning to become the very best in your craft.

With more than 23 trades to choose from, and 33 apprenticeship programs across Massachusetts, there is sure to be one that interests you.

Did you Know?

• In Union Construction, you earn while you learn through classroom and on-the-job training!

• Union apprentices are offer the opportunity to earn an associate degree upon completion of their apprenticeship program.

• Journey-level craftspeople earn up to $60,000+ annually once they have completed an apprenticeship program.

• Over 30,000 jobs are expected to open in the Massachusetts construction industry from 2004-2014. On a national level, the construction industry is expected to grow 11% during this period. That's 790,000 new jobs!

• Union construction workers receive comprehensive health and pensions benefits that follow them from job to job.

• You are guaranteed a raise every year!

• Massachusetts unions and union contractors jointly invest over $28 million each year to train apprentices and to upgrade the skills of journey-level workers.

• Only 4 out of 10 college graduates will earn more than a skilled craftsperson!

Editorial provided by The Construction Institute.