People with careers in architecture and
construction are involved in design and pre-
construction planning, construction, and
maintenance of structures. They may design, build,
restore, or maintain homes, bridges, industrial
plants, dams, hospitals, highways, and shopping
malls. Some careers may involve landscape
architecture, urban planning, and interior design.
Architects design the structures to be built.
Engineers supervise the building of structures
and make sure construction plans are
structurally sound. Skilled craft-workers, such
as carpenters, bricklayers, roofers, plumbers,
and electricians actually build the structures.
You must be licensed before practicing as
an architect. After earning a four-year college
degree and working as an intern-architect for
about three years, you must pass all parts of
the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
in order to become licensed.
Community colleges, technical institutes,
and career-technical schools offer certificate and
degree programs, ranging from one to three
years, for many architecture and construction
jobs. Architects, engineers, and construction
managers require at least a four-year college
degree. Specific job requirements may range
from on-the-job training to advanced degrees for
other occupations in this cluster.
The employment outlook for careers in this
cluster remains steady, especially for workers
in design and construction. Those who
have broad skills in the area of maintenance
operations will have favorable job options in a
slower-than-average growth area.
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