You can get started in many construction and construction-related careers with on-the-job training. The training can take a few months to a year or more, depending on the job.
Moderate-Term Training: Equipment Operators and More
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines moderate-term training as more than one month and up to 12 months of combined on-the-job experience and informal training needed for the worker to develop the skills to attain competency in the occupation.
Do you want to operate the bulldozers and backhoes needed on the construction site? Or maybe you want to build and pave roads. You can often get training for these jobs from employers themselves. If you have a background in engine maintenance and can repair your equipment, employers might pay you extra for those skills.
Other construction jobs you can get with moderate-term training are roofer, painter, building inspector, and alarm systems installer.
- Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators: 9.37 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 811 to 887 jobs. Median wage $39,176.
- Roofers: 0.65 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 1,386 to 1,395 jobs. Median wage $40,351.
- Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators: 0.77 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 5,215 to 5,255 jobs. Median wage $49,426.
- Painters, construction and maintenance: 1.22 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 3,266 to 3,306 jobs. Median wage $37,363.
- Construction and building inspectors: 7.34 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 1,035 to 1,111 jobs. Median wage $53,887.
- Security and fire alarm systems installers: 9.29 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 786 to 859 jobs. Median wage $49,292.
Long-Term Training
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines long-term training as more than 12 months of on-the-job training, or, alternatively, combined work experience and formal classroom instruction, needed for workers to develop the skills to attain competency in an occupation. This category excludes apprenticeships.
Working with materials like plaster, stucco, marble and tile is a skilled craft, but if you’re willing to take the time to learn it, you’ll find it can be rewarding. Physical stamina and a background in art, math, and vocational classes are helpful here.
- Tile and stone setters: 14.43 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 402 to 460. Median wage $41,731.
There’s always a need for the people who can install the equipment that keeps buildings cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers: 4.52 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 4,340 to 4,536 jobs. Median wage $42,137.
Utility companies need people to install (and repair) telecommunications and electrical power lines for new construction.
- Telecommunications line installers and repairers: 7.7 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 901 to 971 jobs. Median wage $42,494.
- Electrical power line installers and repairers: 13.54 percent increase from 2018 to 2028, from 2,754 to 3,127 jobs. Median wage $68,224.
Figures from the Kentucky Occupational Outlook to 2028.