Workforce development continues to be an ongoing challenge facing our industry as demand for new homes consistently outpaces the available workforce required to meet this demand.
Build Your Future Indiana’s goal is to encourage Indiana residents to learn about construction craft careers and training opportunities now emerging in our state, and to qualify for and get jobs in these high-demand occupations. BYF provides valuable resources to help connect students, parents and teachers with information about career paths in the construction industry.
CONSTRUCTION EQUALS OPTIONS
“Construction” encompasses much more than just hammer and nails type jobs. It includes home building, commercial construction, industrial and roadway work as well.
Many of these jobs pay well, offer opportunities for advancement, and require little more than a high school education and an apprenticeship program.
It’s important to know there are other avenues for success that do not include a four-year college degree that often results in taking on student loans that leave you with a mountain of debt.
We hope this program creates awareness about all of the opportunities you didn’t know existed, eliminates the stigma of working in the industry, and shows that construction isn’t all about hammers and nails.
When you work in the construction industry, you’re a hot commodity. Homes and businesses always need building or renovating, roads always need paving, and the opportunities are plenty! It’s a secure job field, where you’ll find transferable skills to help you climb the ladder, figuratively (and maybe literally), to maybe even being your own boss someday.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
A four-year college degree isn’t necessarily a requirement for many career paths in the construction industry. Success is achievable through different levels of education and/or experience. It’s important to know the differences in order to make educated decisions about the career path that is right for you.
High School Diploma: is typically studied for over the course of four years, from grade 9 to grade 12.
GED: stands for General Educational Development and is the process of earning the equivalent of your high school diploma, which is called a GED certificate or credential, if you pass the GED Test offered by the GED Testing Service.
Associate’s Degree: an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study intended to usually last two years. It is considered to be a greater level of education than a high school diploma or GED.
Bachelor’s Degree: an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to seven years (depending on institution and academic discipline).
Master’s Degree: usually a second-cycle academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.
Technical School: (or sometimes referred to as a vocational school) is a two year college that provides mostly employment-preparation skills required to perform the tasks of a specific job.
Professional Certification/License or Trade Certification: a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a specific job or task. Professional certification is a process where a person develops the knowledge, experience, and skills to perform a specific job by completing a course of study. Upon completion, he or she receives a certificate earned by passing an exam that is accredited by an organization or association that monitors and upholds prescribed standards for the particular industry.
Apprenticeship Programs: are the oldest form of vocational education in the world, combining academic instruction with on-the-job training in a particular craft. Most of apprenticeship training takes place on job sites, but some learning occurs in the classroom too. Instead of paying for your education, you get paid to attend. Many Indiana apprenticeships offer a free college degree program as part of their curriculum. Construction apprenticeships give you the skills and knowledge needed for many in demand jobs.
On-the-Job Experience: is just that! You learn the job while actually working in that job role. It requires a strong work ethic, self-motivation and a desire to learn.
WHICH CAREERS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Take the Career Match Quiz:
It’s fast and easy! Answer a few questions and see what careers might be a good match for you. Visit Indiana.BYF.org/Quiz to get started
