Part Two Exploring Career Options
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People in this career cluster design and
build roads, bridges, and buildings. They
construct homes, offices, shopping centers,
hospitals, and factories. Engineers make
sure all structures are sound. Employees in
maintenance/operations inspect and move
new equipment into position. They deter-
mine the correct placement of machines in
a plant, repair structures and machinery,
and perform preventive maintenance. Most
careers involving planning, designing,
and engineering require college degrees or
completion of certificate programs.
Many other workers with special train-
ing actually build, restore, repair, and
maintain the structures. These workers
include roofers, bricklayers, cement masons,
ironworkers, welders, glaziers, and painters.
They work on-site wherever structures are
built. Much of their work occurs outdoors
and in potentially dangerous conditions.
Most construction workers learn their
skills in technical schools or apprenticeship
programs. Industry plays a major training
role by supporting apprenticeships, craft
training, joint industry/training programs
leading to certification, and college training.
Many opportunities exist within this
high-skilled field. Employment opportunities
vary by specialty and level of responsibility.