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Building trades career paths
Thinking about getting into the building trades? Below is a breakdown of the various career paths available and the educational paths to take to get there.
Carpentry career path
Mean annual wage: $37,192 carpenters
Source: Labor Market Information Center, SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Average National Wage with 8% Growth through 2028
Carpenters are needed in all areas of construction and are often employed through the entire construction process. Thus, it is one of the most secure jobs within the industry.
In the carpentry trade you will learn to:
- Frame floors, walls, ceilings and roofs
- Build concrete forms
- Apply plywood, roof paper and shingles
- Build and set cabinets and countertops
- Install doors, windows, trim and siding
- Install floor joists, rafters and trusses
- Lay wood flooring
- Operate table saws, power drills, routers, joiners, planers and nail guns
Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:
- Apprenticeship programs
- Home builders
- Sub-contractors
- Remodelers
- Commercial builders
These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
High School level
Career & Technical Education Academy
The CTE Academy has become a leader in providing the highest quality, hands-on learning opportunities for high school students in the region. The curriculum, equipment, and real-world experiences are second to none. Educational courses offered:
- Architecture & Construction Courses -Â View catalog
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- Education covers the following career opportunities: architects, carpenters, construction managers, contractors, drafters, project inspectors, roofers and more.
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Home Builders Academy (on the Harrisburg High School campus)
In the Home Builders Academy building, students learn the basic skills needed to construct a home by building a home. Not only is the Sioux Empire Home Builders Care Foundation the lead investor of the building, but industry leaders will also be coming into the classroom to provide industry expertise.
Post secondary level
Mitchell Technical College
It is the mission of Mitchell Technical College to provide skills for success in technical careers. Educational program offered:
- Architectural Design and Building Construction Program
- Career opportunities: general construction, contractor, commercial construction
Southeast Technical College
Offering pathways in today’s most innovative fields, Southeast Technical College is recognized as one of the region’s best two-year options. They offer career-focused programs developed collaboratively with area industry leaders. Educational programs offered:
- Commercial Construction Certificate
- Construction Management Technology
- Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
- General Construction Certificate
Electrical career path
Mean annual wage:Â $46,535
Source: Labor Market Information Center, SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Average National Wage with 10% Growth through 2028
Modern life would not be possible without electricians. If you like to know how electric currents make things work, then this is the trade for you. Qualified electricians are always in demand.
In the electrical trade you will learn to:
- Cut, bend and install metal conduits and wiring
- Hook up electrical appliances
- Install electrical switches and lighting fixtures
- Wire door bells and fire alarms
- Repair power cords and plugs
- Use equipment for testing circuitry
- Safely handle power tools
- Ensure work is done according to relevant codes
Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:
- Apprenticeship programs
- Electrical contractors
- Sub-contractors
- Maintenance company
Most occupations in this career require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Post secondary level
Mitchell Technical College
It is the mission of Mitchell Technical College to provide skills for success in technical careers. Educational program offered:
- Electrical Construction & Maintenance
- Career opportunities: apprentice electrician, residential electrician, industrial electrician, estimator
Southeast Technical College
Offering pathways in today’s most innovative fields, Southeast Technical College is recognized as one of the region’s best two-year options. They offer career-focused programs developed collaboratively with area industry leaders. Educational programs offered:
Plumbing career path
Mean annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters:Â $44,544
Source: Labor Market Information Center, SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Average National Wage with 14% Growth through 2028
Nearly all areas of construction rely on plumbers. If you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems, then this is the trade for you. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes in residential, commercial and/or industrial buildings.
In the plumbing trade you will learn to:
- Identify hand and power tools
- Cut and install pipes and fittings
- Install fixtures and hot water heaters
- Test water lines for leaks
- Make underground pipe connections
- Install sprinkler systems
- Weld properly
Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:
- Plumbing contractors
- Remodelers
- High-rise and apartment complexes
- Sub-contractors
Most occupations in this career require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Post secondary level
Southeast Technical College
Offering pathways in today’s most innovative fields, Southeast Technical College is recognized as one of the region’s best two-year options. They offer career-focused programs developed collaboratively with area industry leaders. Educational program offered:
HVACR career path
Mean annual wage: $46,220
Source: Labor Market Information Center, SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Average National Wage with 13% Growth through 2028
Install or repair heating, ventilation, and central air conditioning or refrigeration (HVACR) systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces and heating stoves.
In the HVACR trade you will learn:
- How to maintain, repair and diagnose equipment related to HVACR technology
- Energy auditing Green alternatives
- Air conditioning design and layout
- Refrigerant systems
- System charging and system evacuation
- Water treatment
- Boiler operation and safety
Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:
- Commercial service technician
- Heating system installer
- Heating, air conditioning and plumbing contractors
- HVACR mechanic
- Maintain and repair climate control for businesses, schools and hospitals
Post secondary level
Mitchell Technical College
It is the mission of Mitchell Technical College to provide skills for success in technical careers. Educational program offered:
- Heating & Cooling Technology
- Career opportunities: HVAC technician, service technician, environmental technician, commercial refrigeration technician
Southeast Technical College
Offering pathways in today’s most innovative fields, Southeast Technical College is recognized as one of the region’s best two-year options. They offer career-focused programs developed collaboratively with area industry leaders. Educational programs offered:
Masonry career path
Mean annual wage:Â $56,295
Source: Labor Market Information Center, SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Average National Wage with 11% Growth through 2028
Laying brick is one of the oldest and most respected trades in the construction industry. Masonry construction uses brick, stone, marble, granite, travertine, limestone, cast stone, concrete block, glass block, stucco, and tile.
In the masonry trade you will learn to:
- Mix mortar and lay brick
- Lay out building lines and grades
- Lay floors and stairs
- Mix and place concrete
- Create different textures
- Apply various finishes to concrete
Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:
- Apprenticeship programs
- Masonry contractors
- Sub-contractors
- General contractors
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Painting career path
Mean annual wage:Â $35,391
Source: Labor Market Information Center, SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Average National Wage with 6% Growth through 2028
Whenever a home is built, nearly all of the interior and some of the exterior surfaces need to be painted to protect them from damage by water, mold and corrosion. Painting and maintaining painted surfaces improves the appearance and increases the value of a house.
In the painting trade you will learn to:
- Prepare all types of surfaces – wood, drywall, plaster and masonry
- Mix colors and use a tint machine
- Apply paint, stain, clear finishes, sealants and fillers
- Sand or waterblast
- Use typical and airless spray equipment
Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:
- Drywall contractors
- Painting contractors
- Sub-contractors
- Residential contractors
Education
Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Experience
Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.