in indemanddemand construction...on top of that, the hurricanes of 2005, especially katrina, caused...

InDemandInDemandInDemand

A Wealth of Careers

One million jobs will be added in construction

by 2012. One of them could be yours!

Connecting today’s students with the careers of tomorrow Issue 1

Careers in Construction

CAREERVOYAGES

Career Voyages provides information about career options that can help you choose your future and find education and training opportunities needed to get there.

Visit CareerVoyages.gov to find links to job descriptions and job listings in your community.

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In Demand | 1

No, this isn’t a class quiz…but if you answered yes to any or allof these questions…this publication is for you! It will tell youall about the construction industry, which might give you anidea for your future career. It talks about what you need tolearn and do to get that first great job. Whether you want to be an environmental engineer…a skilled ironworker…ormanager of a skyscraper being built, there are lots of careers in construction that pay well.

I’m Emily DeRocco, Assistant Secretary of Labor forEmployment and Training, and I run the federal agency thathelps American workers find rewarding jobs and build suc-cessful careers. Since you will soon be part of the workforce,the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and TrainingAdministration wants you to have this publication, InDemand-Careers In Construction. It will let you know what thisindustry is all about, and how you can build your future in it.

There’s lots of great information in here! Please read it, andshare what you find with your parents, teachers and guidancecounselor. They can help you find the right college or universi-

ty to study for a construction career, or the right apprentice program to gainskills and job experience!

So what’s In Demand? You are! Your knowledge…your energy…your creativ-ity…and your skills are all In Demand—and so are the many high-growth jobsthat you will learn more about in this publication. Also look for future copies of In Demand that tell you about great careers in fields such as energy. You andyour friends could also visit the web site careervoyages.gov to get electroniccopies of this magazine and to explore all kinds of careers. The sky is the limit!Break new ground…Build YOUR future!

Emily Stover DeRoccoAssistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training

Assistant SecretaryDeRocco (left) talksconstruction with

ACE Mentor studentsin St. Louis.

Do you like to draw or build things? + Are you strong in mathematics or science and do you have fun with technology? + Do you like to help others or enjoy running events in school or in your community, andthink you might be good at managing people one day?

Dear Student:

4 How ConstructionInfluences Your LifeEverything man-made has a construction connection.The places where you live,go to school and go out toeat all had to be constructed.

6 OpportunitiesThe construction industry

needs workers and pays well.

The U.S. Dept. of Labor esti-

mates that one million new

jobs will be added to the con-

struction industry by 2012.

2 | www.careervoyages.gov

How It All Fits Together

ContentsContentsContentsContents

10 ARCHITECT11 CARPENTER12 CONTRACTOR14 ENGINEER18 ELECTRICAL

WORKER

19 ESTIMATOR20 EQUIPMENT

OPERATOR21 IRONWORKER22 MARKETING23 OWNER

Construction is a com-plicated process thatstarts with a projectneed, moves to designby architects and engi-neers, and construc-tion by builders.

Construction Industry ProfilesPeople join the industry in many ways and have a variety of jobs to pick from. A few tell why they choseconstruction and what they hope for in their careers.

InDemandCareers in Construction

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOREmily Stover DeRoccoGardner CarrickKatherine A. AllenDan AustellRachel CowgillDenise KennedyMonte Lutz

THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES EDITOR-IN-CHIEFJanice L. TuchmanMANAGING EDITORSJohn J. KosowatzWilliam G. KrizanPUBLICATION DESIGNShostak StudiosAnna Egger-SchlesingerMaritza C. HurtadoSENIOR EDITORSJoann GoncharTimothy J. GroganDebra K. RubinTom SawyerWRITERSAnna AntoniakHousley CarrPam HunterScott LewisCarrie McGourtyTom NicholsonLia SteakleyPHOTO EDITORJackie DiMitriEDITORIAL PRODUCTIONAgnes Barbara B. Montalban-SalvioVirginia J. CamascaSwati ScindiaGOVERNMENT & BUS. DEV. MANAGERJames KerrEDUCATION ADVISORSCharlotte Frank, McGraw-Hill EducationCathy Scruggs, Glencoe/McGraw-HillMANUFACTURING, DISTRIBUTIONMichael VincentTed FreedmanKathy LavelleCIRCULATIONMaurice Persiani FINANCIAL DIRECTORIke B. ChongASSOCIATE PUBLISHERPaul L. BoningtonPUBLISHERMark KellyGROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTORRobert IvyGROUP PUBLISHERJames H. McGraw IVPublished for the U.S. Department ofLabor by McGraw-Hill Construction,Norbert W. Young Jr., FAIA, President; andGlencoe/McGraw-Hill, Steven E. McClung,President. McGraw-Hill Construction andGlencoe are units of The McGraw-HillCompanies.

InDemand available oncareervoyages.gov and construction.com

InDemand was written and produced by The McGraw-Hill Companies under contractto the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. No officialendorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor of any product, group, commodity,service or enterprise mentioned in this magazine is intended or should be inferred.

26Fun FactsHow high is the tallestbuilding? What’s the longestbridge? What’s the biggestdump truck? ...and more.

24 How Technology Has Changed the Construction IndustryOn job sites, in architectural and engineeringoffices and in research labs, young people arebeing drawn to the digital revolution.

28 ReferencesHow to contact organizations that can helpyou get started in construction careers.

30 Calling All MentorsThe key to a successful career is to have caringpeople already in the industry showing you theropes and opening doors to opportunity.

U.S. Department of Labor

Cover Illustration by Ron Chan


also built the factories that make our cars, the refineries that pro-duce the gas to fuel them and the roads and bridges we drive on.Ditto for airports, train stations, cell-phone towers, powerplantsand schools. There is very little in our world that is not affected insome way by construction.

Construction is the second-largest industry in the nation,employing about 7 million workers. It contributes about 5% of all domestic U.S. economic activity and accounts for nearly 10% ofall businesses—mostly small, privately owned firms.

Construction has been a part of people’s lives since they firstcrawled out of caves many thousands of years ago. They needed shelters andstructures to shield themselves from the elements and slowly developed thetools and the techniques to build whatwas needed.

The industry has grown andchanged tremendously over time.Today, construction is not just aboutbricks and mortar and hammers andnails. Contractors use high-tech toolsand machinery to build highly sophisti-cated facilities such as hospitals, indus-

trial plants or research laboratories.The construction industry can build

big, like the Empire State Building orHoover Dam. It also can build small,like a house in your neighborhood. Butlarge or small, construction projectsmake a difference in the lives of peoplearound them.

New Ball GameTake, for example, the new sports arenafor the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte,N.C. The 780,000-sq-ft arena, complet-ed this fall, is home to the NBA’s Char-lotte Bobcats and the WNBA’s CharlotteSting. But buildings like this offer more.People can see basketball games in thearena—it seats more than 20,000—butit also offers a stage large enough for

ext time you are outside, take a lookaround. All of the buildings that wework, live and play in were built by con-struction industry professionals. They

How

By Pam Hunter

Everything man-made has a construc tion connection

Influences

highways

Your LifeConstructionConstructionConstruction

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houses

remember the sacrifices and reflect onthe consequences.

And where there are such projects,there is a need for bright, talented people to fill the jobs at architecture and engineering firms and constructioncompanies. The future is bright.Government statistics show that con-struction is the only goods-producingindustry that can expect to see employ-ment growth in coming years.

To be able to walk through your town,city or state and be able to say,“I builtthat,” is a rewarding and even awe-inspir-ing experience. So the next time you takea walk, look around. Without much effort, you will see the results of a lot ofhard work, dedication and inspirationfrom the construction industry.

stadiums

acts such as Cold Play, Tim McGraw,local high school basketball games andice-skating performances.

Such projects can transform entireneighborhoods. San Diegos’ PETCOPark, home to the Padres, has generateda construction boom in a neighborhoodthat previously had deteriorating build-ings, warehouses, empty parking lotsand little else. It now is full of life, withnew restaurants, nightclubs, theatersand condominiums. Similar activity istaking place in other neighborhoodsacross the nation.

Even works of art are constructed.The new World War II Memorial inWashington, D.C., is visited each year bythousands of veterans and tourists fromaround the world to learn about the war,

StartingOverWe don’t realize how muchconstruction touches ourlives until a monster likeHurricane Katrina destroyseverything in its path.

The storm wrecked275,000 homes on the GulfCoast. Whole towns sud-denly were thrust underwater and a way of lifeended. Not only were homesand businesses destroyed,but also facilities for drink-ing water, wastewater,power and communica-tions. Nothing worked.

Cleanup, planning and re-building has started, but itwill take years to restore theregion to a level that peoplewould consider “normal.”

uc tion connection

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The

The construction industry needs workers and it pays well.

Perfect TimePerfect TimePerfect Time

In Demand | 7

match—when it all comes together?That’s what’s happening now in the con-

struction industry.Just look around your neighborhood,

along the highway, or downtown. There isa lot of construction work going on. And

not just new houses, but new shopping centers, of-fice buildings, and stadiums. Not to mention all thenew roadwork, the new sewage treatment plants,and the airport terminal expansions.

On top of that, the hurricanes of 2005, especiallyKatrina, caused billions of dollars in damage, andrequire tens of thousands of reconstruction andnew-construction projects.

All of that work is demanding a lot of workers.Architects and engineers to design what’s beingbuilt. Project managers to oversee the construction.Laborers and skilled craftsmen–carpenters, electri-cians and plumbers–to do the actual building.Overall, the U.S. Department of Labor estimatesthat one million new jobs will be added to the con-struction industry by 2012.

Luckily for you, this country’s building boom ishappening at a time when there is a real shortage ofconstruction workers. And just like you pay morefor a hot concert ticket, construction companies pay

more to find the scarce workers they need.The need for new workers is so great that the

construction industry itself is working with highschools, community colleges and four-year collegesto encourage students to consider careers in con-struction, and is providing them with training andsummer-work opportunities.

High school and college graduates entering theconstruction industry “can earn very good money,”says Dr. Richard Judy, chief executive officer atWorkforce Associates Inc., Indianapolis, which

Construction issearching for

young workersto help it buildthe structures

needed to keepAmerica grow-ing and strong.

The

ou’ve picked the perfect time to think about a career in construction.You know those moments—a dive into a pool, the

swing of a bat, a win in a heated Xbox or PlayStation

y needs workers and it pays well.

ByHousleyCarr

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helps states develop pro-grams to attract workersto construction.

A significant portion ofthe skilled constructionworkforce is in their 40sand 50s and will be retiringover the next few years, hesays. But there are nowherenear enough youngerworkers to replace them.

“There’s a misconcep-tion among a lot ofyounger people that con-struction jobs are hard and dirty, andthat they don’t offer a lot in terms of ca-reer advancement. But that is not thecase,” says Judy. There are a wide rangeof opportunities available in the con-struction industry, both for high schoolgraduates who want to go directly intothe workforce and learn a trade, andthose who want to go on to college.

Judy looks at the big picture. Peoplecloser to the action agree with them,though. “We are really in a bidding war”for good workers, says Karen Hall, direc-tor of human resources at Flintco, acompany that builds sports facilities,prisons and schools.

“The opportunities for jobs are un-limited,” Hall says. “There are all kindsof positions that are available. And notjust running a jackhammer, but for allkinds of skilled and professional jobs.”

Hall says that to grab the best collegestudents graduating from construction-related programs, Flintco targets a fewstudents early on, usually in their junioryear. Many companies “may even pay[the student’s] tuition the last year ortwo” to help ensure the student joinsthem after graduation, she says.

College graduates joining Flintcotypically would start out as either an as-sistant superintendent or an assistant

Architect $70,280Landscape architect $81,990Architectural/civil drafter $45,290Construction manager $78,290Cost estimator $60,690Engineering manager $90,890Civil engineer $63,560Civil engineering technician $45,990

Electrical engineer $79,680Health and safety $59,010engineerMechanical engineer $71,110Mechanical drafter $48,720Environmental engineeringtechnician $45,980Purchasing manager $79,730Purchasing agent $56,360Surveyor $53,410Surveying technician $30,830

Boilermaker $49,220 Brickmason $46,530Carpenter $38,730Concrete finisher $35,820Drywall installer $34,010Electrician $41,760Equipment operator $42,210Crane operator $39,660Glazier $36,940Painter $33,320Plumber $47,190Rebar worker $39,610Steel worker $40,960

WAGES, SALARIES VARY BY REGIONSOURCE: U.S. DEPT. OF LABOR BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Average annual salariesfor construction professional staff

project engineer. A newhire might make $42,000to $45,000 the first year.

The sky’s the limitfrom that point on. KnudHermansen, a professor atthe University of Maine’sConstructionManagement Technologyprogram, said that theCMT program not onlysurveys its graduatingseniors about the jobs

they take, but about howtheir careers are progressing five and 10years after they graduate. For the pro-gram’s most recent graduating class, stu-dents received an average of about threejob offers and an average starting salaryof just over $42,000. “They stick withconstruction, and have a very high levelof career satisfaction,” he says.

Hermansen says that it is not uncom-mon for CMT graduates to see theirsalaries double within seven to 10 years,and to be earning “six-figure” salaries bythe time they are in their mid-30s.

Betsy Tondreau is a real-life example.She picked a construction major at theUniversity of Arizona and was hired byPerini Corp., one of the nation’s largestgeneral contractors, after graduating.Thirteen years later she is second incommand on a $450-million hotel/casi-no project in Las Vegas. “I love it. Everyconstruction job is like a big puzzle. Andyou work with a great group of peopleto put it together,” Betsy says.

The bottom line is that work in theconstruction industry is interesting, thepay is good, and the job security is defi-nitely there with a shot at managementpositions “where you aren’t necessarilytied to a desk,” says Marsha Freeland,head academic counselor at PurdueUniversity’s College of Technology.

“Every constructionjob is like abig puzzle.”–Betsy Tondreau

Average annual salariesfor skilled crafts

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In Demand | 9

here are careers for all kinds in the construction industry, with more than 70 dif-ferent job titles from acoustical engineer to truck driver. There is something for al-

most everyone from hands-on crafts (mason) to creative types (architect) to nature lovers(landscape contractor) to number crunchers (cost engineer) to high-tech (CAD opera-tor). Some people think all construction jobs are dirty. You can get your boots muddy ata construction site for sure. But other industry jobs are as clean as a computer lab or aswhite collar as an owner’s board room. Some people say there aren’t many women or mi-norities in construction. The numbers are still low, but industry leaders know thesegroups make up the work force of the future. We will detail 14 popular career paths in

construction on the following pages and answer some of the questions you may have aboutthese careers.What do the people who have these jobs do? Why are these jobs important? Howmuch money can you make? The stories should help you decide,“Is this job for me?”

Construction IndustryConstruction IndustryConstruction IndustryJob titles range so broadly they

almost make it from A to Z

There’s something for everyone in the

Acoustical Engineer + Architect (10) + Arbitrator + Attorney + Bricklayer + Building Products

Manufacturer + Business Developer + CAD Operator + Carpenter (11) + Cement Mason

+ Civil Engineer (15) + Code Writer + Contractor (12) + Concrete Subcontractor

+ Construction Manager + Cost Engineer + Detailer + Developer + Educator + Electrical Engineer

+ Electrical Worker (18) + Elevator Constructor + Environmental Designer (15)

+ Equipment Manager + Equipment Manufacturer + Equipment Operator (20) + Estimator (19)

+ Fabricator + Fire Protection Specialist + Geotechnical Engineer + Glaziers + Hydrogeologists + Industrial Hygienist

+ Insulation Worker + Ironworker (21) + Landscape Architect + Landscape Contractor (13) + Lineman

+ Lobbyist + Marketing Specialist (22) + Mason + Materials Manager + Materials Testing Consultant

+ Mechanic + Mechanical Engineer + Millwright + Operating Engineer + Owner’s Representative (23)

+ Owner + Painter + Pipefitter + Planner + Plasterer + Plumber + Project Manager + Project Executive

+ Remediation Contractor + Roofer + Safety Official + Scheduler + Sheet Metal Worker

+ Software Developer + Specialty Contractor + Steel Erector + Structural Engineer (14)

+ Superintendent + Surveyor + Technology Officer + Truck Driver + Value Engineer + Writer


What will I do?Architects plan and design allkinds of buildings from hous-es and schools to airport ter-minals and skyscrapers. Manyof the buildings where weshop, eat, work and worshipwere designed by architects.Architects work with ownersto figure out the kinds ofspaces needed for differentactivities in the building andhow people using the build-ing will move from one areato another. They select thematerials that will be used

and work with engineers tofigure out how strong thebuilding has to be. Architectsare responsible for makingsure that buildings followlocal safety codes.

What training will I need? Architects should be good atart, math and science. Highschool students interested in acareer in architecture shouldtake courses in English, histo-ry, art, social studies, math,physics, and computer sci-ence. Good communicationskills, creativity and the abilityto work alone and with teamsare also important. To be-

come an architect, you willneed a professional degree inarchitecture, practical train-ing and a license.

How can I get it?You can complete a five-yearBachelor of Architecture pro-gram. Another option is anundergraduate nonprofes-sional degree plus a degreefrom a Master of Architectureprogram. Architectural stu-dents also need career-relatedexperience in an architecturefirm. Most start while theyare still in school and learncomputer-aided design anddrafting technology.Architects have to complete athree-year internship, super-vised by a licensed architect,before they can become li-censed. Once licensed, theycan manage projects, becomeassociates in a firm or starttheir own firm.

What will I get paid?The average salary of an architect in the U.S. is about$56,000. Thelowest 10 percentearned less than$36,000 and thehighest 10 per-cent earnedmore than$92,000. Internsand entry-levelworkers shouldexpect to earnabout $30,000.

Q: What do you do at your job?A: My firm designs single-family houses. It is whatI enjoy the most, and what I am focused on for thenext five years. This year we are starting to develop a community of green homes, a green prefabricatedhouse for low-income people and a greening pro-gram for large hotel chains. I also teach other archi-tects how to be green, and volunteer for non-profits.

Q: What do you mean by “green” ?A: Green buildings are both beautiful and environ-mentally friendly. They use energy efficiently. Theydon't pollute, and they use energy and materialsfrom renewable sources.

Q: Why is architecture important?A: Architecture goes beyond creating shelter.Architecture can help solve social problems (afford-

able housing), create a sense of community(shopping centers), tie us to our history(civic buildings) and even raise our spirits(cathedrals).

Q: Why do we need architects?A: Architects are problem solvers. Rightnow they are working on the problem thatbuildings consume almost 40 percent ofthe energy used in the U.S. Architects withvision will help find solutions to issues likethis facing us today.

AtoZConstruction Careers

ArchitectSalaries

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If you aregood at art,math and science...

Eric Corey Freed, 35Owner and founder of OrganicArchitect, San Francisco, Calif.

CHART SOURCE: PAS INC.

ARCHITECT

Q: What do you do?A: As a carpenter apprentice I’m learning all the ba-sics of building. I do everything from hanging doors toworking with sheet rock. I’ve learned how to buildsteps, which can be pretty complicated, and even howto build a domed roof. There is a lot math involvedand a carpenter always has to do a lot of thinking.

Q: Why did you choose to be a carpenter?A: I like the fact that it’s always different. There is al-ways something new to learn. I’ve always liked work-ing with my hands rather than sitting behind a desk.I was working as a cook in a restaurant before, and Ilike this much better.

Q: How are you getting your training?A: I joined the carpenter’s union and began attendingthe Carpenters and Joiners Apprentice Program.We goto school one day per week and the rest of the time weare out on jobs. I’ve been here about three and a halfyears. In that time I’ve worked with three or four differ-ent contractors a year, on all kinds of jobs.When Istarted all I knew about the craft was that carpentersuse a hammer and a tape measure.

Q: What are your goals for the future?A: After I become a journeyman, I plan to continuetaking classes to keep upgrading my skills. I want toget as much training as I can. Ultimately, I want tostart my own construction company.

What will I do?Everywhere there are exam-ples of the work that carpen-ters do. Houses, schools,hospitals, and almost everytype of building are built bycarpenters. Carpenters workwith many kinds of hand andpower tools. They work with

wood to make frames forhouses, decks, floors, cabi-nets, stairs and roofs, andthey also work with drywalland other materials for interi-or and exterior finishing.They also build frames forpouring concrete. Carpenterswork with their hands, butthey must use their minds toread blueprints and calculatemeasurements and dimen-sions. Some are employed byconstruction firms, some areself-employed and others jointrade unions.

Whattraining doI need andhow can Iget it?Carpenters haveto learn howstructures arebuilt. Fromfloors to roofsand everything

in between, carpenters mustknow how structures go to-gether, what materials are usedand which tools will get thejob done. Many apprenticeprograms offer training inthings like math, rigging, blue-print reading, working withreinforcing steel, fabrication

and structural steel.Carpenters are

trained either throughapprentice programsor by learning skillsfrom mentors and co-workers. Some enroll

in four-year apprenticeshipprograms where training takesplace in classrooms and in thefield on construction sites.

What will I get paid?Wages for carpenters vary ac-cording to region, the compa-ny for which they work andtheir level of work experience.Most carpenters are paid bythe hour, and the amount ofmoney they earn goes up asthey learn new skills and gainexperience. An apprentice

earns abouthalf of thewage paid forthree or fouryears of experi-ence. Some are promoted toforeman or su-pervisor, posi-tions thatcommand higher wages.

CarpenterWages

$18

.26 $22.5

6Average journeymanhourly wage

Average foreman

hourly wage

Carpenters buildhouses, build-ings and evenhighways.

CARPENTERChris Baker, 25Apprentice Carpenter, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local #3

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CHART SOURCE: U.S. DEPT. OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS; PERSONNELADMINISTRATION SERVICES, INC.


What will I do?Contractors perform all kindsof jobs required to managethe construction of highways,bridges, tunnels, housing de-velopments, commercialbuildings and environmentalcleanups. General contractingfirms manage and coordinate

the construction process fromstart to finish. Specialty con-tractors focus on one specificpart of a project, such as theinstalling the electrical sys-tem, placing the concrete orbuilding the steel frame.Contracting firms range fromlocal companies with a hand-ful of workers to global com-petitors with thousands ofemployees.

What training will I need and howwill I get it?Different contracting jobs re-quire different kinds of train-ing. Some high schoolgraduates learn constructionskills through craft appren-ticeship programs that in-clude classroom instructionand paid on-the-job training.They may move up to super-intendent jobs and on toproject manager jobs with a

contractor. Some start theirown companies. Another wayto enter the business is to at-tend a two-year or four-yearcollege for a degree in con-struction management, engi-neering or constructionscience. During college, manystudents intern for contract-

ing firms. After gradua-tion, they often work asassistant project man-agers or assistant projectengineers. Some contrac-tors return to school afterworking for several years

to earn a masters degree inconstruction management ora related field. Business train-ing can be very useful.

What will I get paid?The size and type of firm di-rectly affect the salaries ofcontractors. Those with afour-year degree from a con-struction or engineering pro-gram can expect highersalaries earlier in their ca-reers. According to U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics,candidates with a construc-tion-related bachelors degreemake salaries averaging$43,000 a year. Constructionmanagers command annualsalaries of about $62,500.High-level managers makethe most, and may earn$80,000 or more a year.Owners and partners in con-tracting firms may earn$100,000 or more.

Q: How did you decide to become acontractor?A: I knew about construction and engineering fromfamily members in the industry. I graduated fromhigh school in Nigeria and also attended a universitythere that offers construction management. I alsogot experience in the field working for a contractor.I graduated in 2000.

Q: How did you get your current job?A: I applied for jobs in the U.S. to gain more experi-ence and expand my horizons. But I had little successin my job search because construction is differenthere.To learn more, I enrolled in Southern PolytechnicState University in Atlanta and got a masters degreein construction management.Through the school,I got an internship at Skanska. After I graduated, thefirm hired me.

Q: What do you do in your job?A: I work with dozens of subcontractors, estimators,designers, material suppliers and the project ownersto make sure the building is constructed on time andwithin budget. I have to think ahead, anticipateproblems such as materials arriving late and find asolution to keep the project on track. It takes a lot ofteamwork.

Q: Why do you like your job?A: I love my job because you see a drawing on paperand then you bring it to reality.


Bodunde Omodele, 29Skanska USA, Atlanta

Assistant Project EngineerIf you wouldlike to translatedrawings intoreality...

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Q: How did you decide to become ademolition contractor?A: My dad works in the industry as an independentinsurance agent. He works with a lot of contractors,so I knew about the business. I enrolled in Texas TechUniversity to get a degree in civil engineering. Oneday, I read an article about a demolition company. Idecided I wanted to tear down buildings instead ofbuild them. So I changed my career course.

Q: What do you do in your job?A: I work on a lot of different types of projects fromsmall houses to 14-story buildings. I oversee projectsso sometimes I drive from one job site to another,checking in with foremen and superintendents onprogress. Other times I calculate proposals outliningthe cost to tear down a structure.

Q: Why do you like your job?A: I get to knock down buildings for a living. It's en-tirely different from building them. When you arebuilding a house, there are drawings specifying thematerials and mapping out the design. But whenyou tear down a building, the drawings don't al-ways exist. The blueprints could be lost or de-stroyed. So it's a challenge to plan how to teardown a building without knowing all the pieces. Ialso get to meet a wide variety of people. I amnever stuck in the office.

Contractor SalariesStarting salaries with college degree

Ryan Letcher, 28

Project manager and estimator

Q: Why do you like your job?A: A love of nature, design and constructionbrought me to this position. I have opportunities towork on a variety of projects, from complex urbanrevitalization efforts to world class resorts to largemaster-planned communities. No day is ever like theone before, and this keeps me interested.

Q: How did you get your current job?A: I graduated from California Polytechnic StateUniversity in 2000. My degree is in landscape archi-tecture. After graduation, I worked for several generalcontractors and two landscape architecture firmsprior to joining ValleyCrest.

Q: What do you do in your job?A: I manage projects from start to finish. After aproject is awarded, I create the budget and ensurethat our labor and material costs are in line.Preparing and updating project schedules and laborproduction are also part of my job. Daily, I reviewthe progress of my projects and visit sites. At thejob sites, I work with the project superintendentand the customer.

$43,000

$62,500

$100,000

Managers

Owners and Partners

Bill Sadler, 30ValleyCrest, Orange County, Calif.

Project Manager

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In Demand | 13

Midwest Wrecking Co., Oklahoma City, Okla.


What will I do?Engineers are problemsolvers, inventors, and de-signers. Many things we useevery day involve the work ofengineers, including roads,buildings, running water andelectricity. There are manydifferent kinds of engineers,even in the construction in-dustry. Civil engineers designhighways, transit systems,dams and factories.Environmental engineersprotect and conserve our nat-ural resources, and find solu-tions to problems like waterand air pollution. Structuralengineers design and inspectstructures to make sure thatthey’re well-made and won’tcollapse. There are other kindof engineers, as well.

Mechanical engineers design the heating and air-conditioning systems forbuildings, electrical engineersdesign electric systems, andgeotechnical engineers dealwith underground conditionsand structures. Engineerswork in office buildings, labsor at construction sites. Theyhelp study the problemscaused by natural disasterssuch as Hurricane Katrina

and help rebuild after them.Some travel the nation or theworld for their jobs.

What training will I need?During high school, it’s agood idea to study math, sci-ence, English and writing.Engineers spend a great dealof time writing reports andconsulting with other engi-neers, so communicationskills are important.

How can I get it?To become an engineer, youwill need a bachelor’s degreein engineering. The U.S. isknown around the world forits engineering schools.There are many to choosefrom at colleges and univer-sities. It is valuable to get aninternship at an engineeringor construction company toget practical experience.

What will I getpaid?Starting salaries for engineersare higher than for manyother jobs. A recent surveyfound that engineerswith bachelor’s de-grees and less than a year of experienceearned more than$43,000. Dependingon experience and dis-cipline, salaries rangefrom $40,000 to over$100,000 a year.

Q: What does a structural engineer do?A: My work is a little unusual because I inspectmarine structures, such as piers, ports and bridges. Igo underwater to make sure these structures aresafely built. I recommend repairs and make sure thatnecessary changes are made.

Q: What is a typical day for you?A: I spend half my day in the office and half in the water.

Q: Why did you become an engineer?A: I went to school in Thailand. Ever since highschool I’ve been interested in construction andbuilding. Everyday I saw new expressways andbuildings being constructed, and it fascinated me. That's what is so great about engineering—you “get a tangible result. You can see your design actually get built.

Q: What areyour goals?A: I’d like to become aproject manager. I’m in-terested in mass transitdevelopment. I think I’dlike to work on the de-sign side, designing in-stead of inspecting.


Engineer SalariesAverage entry-level salary

Maki Onodera, 26Han-Padron and Associates, New York City

Structural Engineer/Diver

Engineers areproblemsolvers andinventors...

$48,000

$80,000

$100,000

Average senior-level salary

ENGINEER

Average mid-level salary

CHART SOURCE: NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

In Demand | 15

Q: What do you do?A: I help keep the environment clean by minimizingthe effects of construction projects on the environment. I help cities and builders treat theirstormwater before it pollutes our natural resources.

Q: What's so great about engineering?A: Engineering is a profession that carries as muchprestige as a doctor. Doors will open because of your degree.There’s a chance to make a lot of moneyin this job, but the work also is very rewarding.

Q: Why do you like your job?A: It gives me the opportunity to sharpen skills in science, math and English. I also get involved withcity planning and designing systems to keep thecommunity’s water clean. It’s very hands-on.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?A: After I get my professional engineer's license, I wanta leadership role in management. I hope to work with all different types of people. I’m not cut out justfor a technical job.

Davina Gonzales, 23 Stantec Engineering, Sacramento, Calif.

Environmental Designer

Q: What made you want to be an engineer?A: When I was a kid, I would look up at tall buildings and be in awe. I was curious about howthey were constructed. My dad told me aboutcivil engineering.

Q: What have you done in the world asa civil engineer?A: After I heard about the tsunami last December,I was very sad and concerned for the people ofThailand and other surrounding countries. I volun-teered with the Crisis Corps, a branch of the PeaceCorps, and traveled to Thailand and built a $400,000portable water treatment plant. I enjoyed getting toknow Thai co-workers such as my friend Sutit Sukdee.Most Thais have nicknames. His nickname is Odt.

Q: What are the benefits of your job?A: There is stable employment with good pay.I also have the chance to do something constructiveand beneficial for society.

Q: What would happen if we didn'thave civil engineers?A: We would have no roads to drive on, no safe structures to live and work in, no clean water to drink,and no safe rivers to enjoy.

Mark Henley, 39Crisis Corps (part of the Peace Corps), Washington, D.C.

Civil Engineer

Henley (right)with Thai co-worker SutitSukdee at thewater plant.

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There are more than 70 different careersin construction, from acoustical engineerto truck driver. Some jobs, like that ofmason, require hands-on skill. Some, likethat of architect, require creativity. Otherprofessions, like estimator, require skillwith numbers. A few of the most popularcareers in construction are detailed here.

ArchitectMany of the buildings where we

shop, eat and work were designed by architects. They plan and design allkinds of buildings, from houses andschools to stadiums and skyscrapers.

CarpenterWorking with wood to make cabi-

nets, decks and house frames, is themain activity of carpenters. But theyalso work with materials like drywall.

General ContractorGeneral contracting firms manage

the construction process from start tofinish. They oversee and hire other con-tractors who perform special tasks inconnection with the construction of allkinds of structures, including roads,highways and buildings.

Demolition ContractorDemolition contractors bring

down older or unsafe structures. Theymust do this without damaging nearbybuildings or endangering people.

Landscape ContractorThese contractors build with ma-

terials like plants, soil and water.

Structural EngineerStructural engineers design and in-

spect structures to make sure that they’rewell-made and won’t collapse. They musttake into account all sorts of factors, likeearthquakes and wind.

Environmental EngineerThese engineers protect and con-

serve our natural resources. They findways to prevent pollution and solve en-vironmental problems like the contami-nation of soil, water and air.

Civil EngineerCivil engineers design large-scale

infrastructure that moves people,goods, power and water. Some of thestructures that civil engineers design

include highways, airports, other transitsystems and dams.

ElectricianInstallation of the cables and

equipment that keeps electricity flowingis the responsibility of electricians. Theywork with switches and converters andsometimes with computerized systems.

EstimatorEstimators are responsible for

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How It All Fits TogetherAtoZCareers in

Construction

In Demand | 17

helping owners and contractors predictthe cost of building or demolishing aproject. They tally the cost of labor, andmaterials required. Estimating can betricky because these costs can quicklychange due to bad weather or shortages.

Heavy EquipmentOperator

Equipment operators run and maintainthe big machines on a construction sitelike cranes, backhoes and bulldozers.

IronworkerIronworkers bolt, weld and cut

steel to build the skeletons that keepskyscrapers, bridges and stadiumsstanding. Some ironworkers also create ornamental metal work. Othersassemble steel reinforcement for concrete structures.

MarketingPublic relations and marketing

professionals help firms win commis-

sions for new projects. They preparepromotional materials, research businesstrends and identify potential clients.

Owner’sRepresentative

The owner finances the project andmakes decisions on how it will be de-signed and built. The project could bea movie theater, a highway, or an air-port terminal. The owner works witharchitects, engineers and contractors.

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Q: What do you do?A: My job changes all the time. Now, I’m workingwith a contractor putting fire alarms in the Pirates ofthe Caribbean ride at Disney World. We are wiringpanels and going through the building to plan whereto put conduit and then pulling cable in. Workingwith electricity can be dangerous, so part of my workis coordinating with other engineers on the job.

Q: Why did you choose to be an electrical worker?A: I’ve always been a hands-on kind of person andthat’s the kind of job this is. I decided to do it becauseI had not found a career yet and this was something I knew I could do well and would like. If you like todissect things, take them apart and put them backtogether, then you would like this job.

Q: How are you getting your training?A: I have a friend who is a journeyman electrical engi-neer and he told me about the IBEW’s National JointApprenticeship Training Committee. I’ve been in theapprenticeship program for four years now and I amclose to finishing and becoming a journeyman. I’veworked with several contractors on different jobs inthat time. I learn a lot from the people I work with.

Q: What are your goals?A: My goal now is be a journeyman and then find a contractor to work for. I’m looking to further my careereventually by becoming a foreman or a supervisor.Eventually I want to be a project manager.

What will I do?Electrical workers light uprooms wherever they go. Theyinstall the cables and equip-ment that keep electricityflowing across the country andinto homes, schools and busi-nesses. They work with electri-cal switches and convertersand sometimes with complex,highly technical computerizedsystems. They wire houses aswell as high-rise buildings and

they repair and maintain elec-trical systems. Some do jobsinvolving fiber optics, soundand fire alarm systems andothers work as linemen, in-stalling and maintaining cablesor high-tension lines.

What training doI need and how can I get it?Electricians must train to usea variety oftools andequipment.Working withelectricity canbe dangerousso learning towork safely isimportant.Power tools,measuring de-vices and test-

ing equipment are some of the tools of the trade.Electrical workers learn howto test electrical systems, toidentify problems and to re-place wiring, equipment, andfixtures. Training in blueprintreading is necessary to deter-mine location of wiring andequipment in structures.

Many electrical workers aretrained through three to five-year apprentice programs.

There are many ap-prentice programsavailable, some spon-sored by electricalworker unions, or byother organizations.

Upon graduation they becomejourneyman.

What will I get paid?For most electrical workers,pay comes from an hourlywage. How much they earndepends on location, forwhom they work and howmany years they have been onthe job. When starting out,electrical workers make ap-

prentice wages.Some journey-men make twicewhat they madeas an apprentice.Experiencedworkers drawhigher wages bybeing promotedto foreman orsupervisor positions.

ElectricalWorkerWages

Electrical workerslight up roomswherever they go.


ELECTRICALWORKER

Ricardo Rodriguez, 25Orlando, Fla., Electrical Engineer Apprentice, Int’lBrotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #606

CHART SOURCE: U.S. DEPT. OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS; PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES, INC.

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Average foreman

hourly wage

What will I do?As an estimator you’ll be re-sponsible for helping ownersand contractors calculate the expense of building or demolishing a project by tal-lying the cost of labor, mate-rials and equipment required.Project owners often usethese estimates to help select a contracting firm.Estimating can be tricky be-cause material shortages, badweather and an increase infuel costs can dramaticallychange a project’s total cost.

Estimators review prelimi-nary building drawings andsometimes visit the proposedsite to understand all thecomponents of a project.

What training will I need and how can Iget it?Employers areincreasinglylooking for es-timators withcollege degreesin buildingconstruction,constructionmanagement,construction

science, engineering or archi-tecture. Skill in math is veryimportant because estimatinginvolves calculating costs andpredicting future prices ofmaterials. Young estimatorsalso get much training on thejob by working closely withveteran estimators. While in acollege, many students partic-ipate in internship programs.Internships can provide addi-tional training before gradua-tion and help you determineif estimating is the right ca-reer choice.

What will I get paid?Salaries of cost estimatorsvary widely by experience,education, employer and in-dustry. Estimators start offearning about $30,000 to$40,000. Those with more ex-perience earn about $62,000.A senior estimator with agood track record predictingproject costs can earn morethan $80,000 a year. Collegegraduates with a bachelor’sdegree in construction man-

agement or constructionscience receivedjob offers aver-aging $42,229 ayear, accordingto a 2003 salarysurvey by theNationalAssociation ofColleges andEmployers.

Q: How did you decide to become an estimator?A: My first job after college was for a small construc-tion management company where I did lots of differ-ent tasks. I found estimating to be more challengingthan other types of jobs. It involves communicatingwith owners, architects and subcontractors. And itgave me the opportunity to have the first look atmany projects.

Q: How did you get your current job?A: I graduated from the University of Colorado inBoulder in 2000. My degree is in architectural engi-neering. My mind was set on someday becoming aproject manager. My first job required me to do a lotof estimating. I found it more fulfilling than my othertasks. After working at my first job for a while, afriend told me about my current job. And here I am.

Q: What do you do in your job?A: Estimating entails a lot of communication and co-ordination with subcontractors and owners. I decidewhich subcontractors to use for each trade of the proj-ect.To do this I learn every aspect of the project. Byknowing the ins and outs of the project I can help sub-contractors with any questions. I am also responsiblefor knowing and researching approximate costs of allitems for the project so that we can develop a budget.

Q: Why do you like your job?A: I love the way it feels when my company isawarded a project and I know that my “number” is agood number. I also really like the adrenaline rushwhen my company is the low bidder in a hard bidselection process.

ESTIMATOR

If you likeworking withand analyzingdata...

Katie E. Hoff, 28The Weitz Co., Denver, Colo.

EstimatorSalaries

$3

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$8

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Startingsalary

Mid-career

Seniorsalary

CHART SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, 2004


What will I do?Whether they drive a machinethat digs, pushes dirt, pavesroads or lifts heavy objects,heavy equipment operatorsare in the driver’s seat. Oper-ators run machines such ascranes, pavers, bulldozers, ex-cavators and many otherkinds of equipment. Theywork on construction of high-ways, buildings, dams and air-ports. Operators manipulatecranes that hoist and deliver

materials and backhoes thatdig into the earth. They areneeded for all of construc-tion’s diverse jobs.

What training do I need and howcan I get it?Constructiondemands agreat varietyof equipment.Operatorsmust learn tooperate theirmachines andmaintain andservice them.Some equip-ment opera-

tors learn to run several dif-ferent kinds of machines.

Equipment operators canenroll in apprentice programs,where they learn through acombination of classroomstudy and on-the-job work.Many apprentice programslast from three to five years.Many operators begin as ahelper for a heavy equipmentcompany crew. After a fewyears, they are usually ready toget behind the controls.

How much will I be paid?Like many jobs in construc-tion, equipment operatorsusually work for an hourlywage. The amount they arepaid per hour is differentfrom place to place, but theymake more as they gain expe-rience and get better at work-ing their machines. Anapprentice makes less thanoperators with several yearsexperience. But after three or

fours years, orafter graduatingfrom an appren-tice program, thewages increase.After masteringtheir operatingskills and provingthey can lead ajob, some are pro-moted to foremanor supervisor.

Q: What do you do?A: I operate an excavator. This machine has a bladeunderneath that’s used to scrape the ground. We areworking on a project for a new business develop-ment, and it’s my job to grade the ground down.I’ve also used the machine for digging trenches. I’veworked as a grade checker, too, which is checking theground for the right grade after it’s been excavated.

Q: How are you getting your training?A: I’m learning from my supervisors. They are teach-ing me how to grade and how to make the machinedo what I want it to do. I started with this companyas a laborer, but in a few months they taught mehow to be a grade checker. It helped me understandwhat the machine does. I’ve learned everything onthe jobsite.

Q: Why did you chose this as a career?A: I was working in another field when the companywent on strike. I needed to find a job. I knew that con-struction was something I’d like to do, so I applied andCass hired me as a laborer. It’s hard work, but the thingI like the best is that it’s always different. I learn newthings every day and before I can get bored with onejob I’m on to the next.

Q: What are your goals for the future?A: I want to move up to operating the bigger ma-chines. My goal is to get as good as possible at my job.I’d like to be one of the best operators around.

HEAVYEQUIPMENTOPERATOR

Constructionneeds skilledequipmentoperators

HeavyEquipmentWages

David Keith, 22Santee, CA, heavy equipment operator, Cass Construction Co.

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Average foreman

hourly wage

CHART SOURCE: U.S. DEPT. OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS;PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES, INC.


What will I do?When building with steeland metal, ironworkers areon top of it. And many timestheir work takes them to thetop. The tops of skyscrapers,bridges, towers or stadiums,where they build the steelframes that keep those struc-

tures standing. They bolt andweld steel together. They sig-nal crane operators to posi-tion the girders and then usea variety of tools to fastenthem together. Many do or-namental metal work. Othersspecialize in using steel to re-inforce concrete. Still othersare experts at rigging, or as-sembling the hoists and liftsneeded on many construc-tion jobs.

What training do I needand howcan I get it?Learningabout safetyand the toolsof the craft arethe first thingsan ironworkerlearns. Theylearn which

tools are used to cut, weld,shape, hoist and fasten to-gether steel. Welding is one ofthe main skills an iron work-er needs. Ironworkers alsohave to learn the math need-ed to do calculations andmeasurements.

Many learn the craftthrough an apprentice train-ing program. Training pro-grams usually last three to fiveyears and involve classroomwork and on-the-job training.Those who attend an appren-tice program graduate to be-come journeymen, whichmeans they’ve mastered thebasics of iron working. Somechoose to learn on the job byhiring on with an iron work-ing crew.

What will I be paid?Like most jobs, the wageamount for a beginner is lessthan those who already havemastered the skills. Ironwork-ers usually are paid by thehour. After apprentices be-come journeymen, they can

earn twice whatthey earned asbeginners. Payincreases maycontinuethrough promo-tions to posi-tions of foremenor supervisors,jobs that arefilled by experi-enced workers.

Q: What do you do?A: I just started the IABSORIW’s apprentice program.I’m fresh out of safety training. But I’m a fast learner.I’m already out on jobs tying rebar. Right now we areon a job to build a Super Walmart.We will be puttingthe building’s skeletal structure together. In my job asa rebar tier I have to measure out bars and tie themtogether.The rebar is used to reinforce concrete, so weput them where they need to be in the structure.

Q: Why did you chose to pursue ironworking as a career?A: When I had my first metal shop class in ninthgrade I liked it and took metal shop all through highschool. I knew I wanted to do welding or work withmetal as a career. Being an ironworker, there are a lotof different jobs you can do working with metal.There is welding involved, and you can be a rigger, aconnector, a rod tier or a lot of other things.

Q: What is your training like?A: The apprentice program lasts four years.When yougraduate you are called a journeyman. One day a weekI’m in school and the rest of the time I go to jobsitesand get instruction. It’s hands-on training.We usemath a lot to measure and for reading blueprints.Safety training is one of the first classes.Then youstart learning to use all the different tools you need.

Q: What are your goals for the future?A: My first goal is to work toward becoming a jour-neyman. I want to keep learning as much as I canabout working with metal.

IRONWORKER

Ironworkersperform manymetalworkingtasks.

IronworkerWages

Maggie Alberts, 21Toledo, Ohio. Apprentice Ironworker, Int’l Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local #55

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Average foreman

hourly wage

CHART SOURCE: U.S. DEPT. OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS; PERSONNELADMINISTRATION SERVICES, INC.


Q: How did you decide to choose a career in marketing?A: In high school and college I was heavily involved inmusic and journalism. Marketing seemed like the nat-ural choice. I’m outgoing and creative and enjoyedperforming. Now I can be creative through my writ-ing, graphic design, publication layout, presentationand communication skills. I graduated in 2001 fromMichigan State University. My degree is in organiza-tional communications and public relations.

Q: How did you get your current job?A: In college, I worked as a communications assis-tant for the Michigan Dept. of Management andBudget. My first job after graduation was for a smallarchitecture and engineering firm as a marketingand public relations coordinator. Two years later, Iwent to work at a larger construction managementfirm. People I knew from the Society for MarketingProfessional Services led me to my current job.

Q: What do you do in your job?A: I prepare proposals and presentations to help myconstruction firm, Barton Malow, win new projects. Icreate brochures for ad campaigns and newsletters.I also manage a few marketing coordinators.

Q: Why do you like your job?A: Working closely with architects, engineers and con-tractors is interesting because I work with other creativeprofessionals. Every time I receive a request for proposalI’m excited to see what the client is building and how itwill make a difference in the community. I have put to-gether marketing materials for new facilities in myschool district, my hometown and my university.

What will I do?Marketing professionals helparchitects, engineers and con-tractors win assignments towork on projects. Respon-sibilities may include writingand designing proposals, pressreleases and other promotion-al materials such as brochuresand newsletters. Marketing

professionals sometimes or-ganize special events and helpcolleagues prepare client pre-sentations. They often re-search construction industryand business trends, developstrategies to help their firmsenter new markets and helpidentify poten-tial clients.

Whattrainingwill I needand howwill I get it? Marketingprofessionalsneed a college

degree. Employers oftenlook for candidates with degrees in communications,general business or thosewho specialize in a market-ing program. A liberal artsdegree with a major likeEnglish or art history willalso provide the kinds ofskills needed for success inthis profession. People inter-ested in a marketing careershould have good writingand research skills and theability to analyze and sum-marize information. Graphicdesign and computer skillswill also help candidates winmarketing jobs.

What will I get paid?Salaries in this professioncan vary widely dependingon the candidate’s prior ex-perience, the size of the com-pany doing the hiring, andthe company’s location.Recent college graduates entering the marketing profession can expect to earn between $32,000 and

$40,000 peryear. Managerscan expect an-nual salaries be-tween $40,000and $60,000.Marketing di-rectors can earnanywhere from$60,000 to morethan $100,000 a year.

MarketingSalaries

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Startingsalary

Mid-career

Seniorsalary

MARKETING

Marisa Nedock, 25Marketing Manager, Barton Malow Co., Detroit


CHART SOURCE: SOCIETY FOR MARKETING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, 2005.

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If you enjoywriting, research and graphic design andhave the abilityto analyze information...

Q: What is the Corps of Engineers?A: The Corps is a federal government agency. Its

mission is to provide engineering servicesto the nation.These include designingand managing the construction of build-

ings, waterways and other civil works projects.Wealso build military facilities for the Army, the Air Force,and other defense and federal agencies.The Corpshas 34,600 civilian and 650 military employees.

Q: What do you do for the Corps?A: The Corps also helps in times of emergency.I make plans about what to do in case of an emergency and carry them out when somethinghappens. Right now, I am part of the team coordinating the Corps’ work rebuilding afterHurricane Katrina.

Q: How did you get where you aretoday?A: I am a licensed professional engineer with a bachelors degree in civil engineering. The Corps also sends me to training classes and has given me assignments that develop my skills.

Q: What’s most interesting aboutyour job?A: I get to travel and see parts of the world that Iwould never see otherwise. I have developed friend-ships with interesting people who live all over theworld, and there are many opportunities for advance-ment.To me, the Corps of Engineers is like a large ex-tended family.

What will I do?An owner’s representativerepresents the interests of theindividual, company or pub-lic agency that wants to buildsomething. It could be a

house, a school, a movie the-ater, a highway, an airportterminal or any other kind of construction project. Theowner finances the projectand makes the decisionsabout how it is built. Theowner’s representative workswith architects, engineersand contractors to carry outthose decisions. The ownerorganizes the team, plans theproject and finds the money for it. The owner’s represen-tative is a link between thecompany and the designersand builders.

Whattrainingwill I need? There are manyways to becomean owner’s representative.Some have atechnical back-ground in archi-tecture orengineering.

Others have experience inconstruction management,business or law.

How can I get it?Most people working for the

owners of constructionprojects will have a de-gree from a four-yearuniversity. After gradua-tion, they will work inthe field for a few yearsto gain practical experi-

ence and an understanding ofthe business. If managementinterests you and you haveknowledge of the construc-tion business, then you canmove up to an owner’s repre-sentative position.

What will I earn?Salaries for owner’s represen-tatives vary depending on theowner and the nature of thework. On the low end, some-one working for a non-profitgroup that builds affordablehousing, for example, mightearn between $40,000 to$70,000 a year. Salaries at

private corpo-rations on theother handcould be be-tween $70,000to $120,000.Public agen-cies, like a statehighway department,would be inbetween.

OwnerSalaries

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Averagemediansalary

Averageseniorsalary

If you like to organize theteam, you mightlike this job.

Kevin Woods, 32Program manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baton Rouge, La.

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CHART SOURCE: ZWEIG WHITE INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

OWNER’SREPRESENTATIVE


Now Jack controls a 93-ton excava-tor with a pair of joysticks from a com-fortable seat in an air-conditioned cab.A small computer screen with a lifelikepicture of the job site shows where hismachine is all the time, and it tells himwhere and how much to dig. On oneday recently it helped him shape theground for a new NASCAR racetrack hewas helping to build in Iowa.

“The old machines had handles andlevers, but that is definitely not the caseanymore,” says Mark Casso, president ofthe Construction Industry Roundtable,an organization helping constructioncompanies find ways to build faster,better and cheaper. “Now, it is more likea jet cockpit,” he says.

Technology has changed construc-tion, but even bigger changes are ahead.

hen Jack Padgett first grabbed the controls of an earthmov-ing machine at the start of his career in construction, he never

thought that one day the big machine would be able to tell himwhere he needed to dig. But that is exactly what happens today.

Jumping into the

Futureof Construction

Computer gaming skills translate into

construction jobs By Kathleen McFall

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Until recently, builders had a hardtime finding ways to use computersin their work. Architects and engi-neers have used computers for a longtime. So have specialists who havevery cool software to do things likefigure out how air currents will movein new buildings. Others suggestchanges to building designs to helpmusic sound great in concert halls.In the end, after all the calculations,designers have traditionally handedthe builders rolls of paper plans whenthe time came for construction.

That is now changing as more andmore builders get tools—like JackPadgett’s excavator—that can work

with computerized plans.Constructing houses, big buildings,

highways and bridges is like putting to-gether huge, fantastic puzzles. And lead-ing contractors are now finding thatbuilding from plans, created as 3-Dmodels on computers, can help thembuild complicated structures faster,more safely and with fewer errors. Themodels show them exactly where to putthings so the thousands of parts in-volved go together well.

Digital plans also help builders planthe process of construction—what getsbuilt first, and what follows next. Andthey help contractors buy their materi-als so everything they need gets to thejob site in the right order at just theright time.

Taking digital plans to job sites alsolets contractors use them to aim lasersand show workers exactly where to putwalls and drill holes and place equip-ment. Because electronic plans can beextremely accurate, they are even usedto make larger and larger chunks ofstructures in factories, rather than onthe job sites, so big components can betrucked in and snapped into place.

Other interesting technology is hit-ting job sites as well. Construction isstarting to use lots of electronic sen-sors. It uses them, for instance, to makework sites safer by warning equipmentoperators when they are too close topower lines or when people are stand-ing near. Builders also are putting sen-sors inside beams and walls to makesure they stay strong. After thework is finished, built-in sensorscan warn people if something needs at-tention, like fixing leaks or even hiddenearthquake damage.

The men and women who take careof construction equipment are goinghigh-tech, too. Equipment makers arebuilding cranes and earth movers andtrucks with satellite trackers and trans-mitters for sending data about machineperformance to maintenance crews.They can tell if a part is about to go bador needs attention. Technology is help-ing managers keep machines workingby letting them fix them before theybreak, rather than after they stop work-ing. Managers are also using videogame-style tools to train operators.

Construction companies usesmart communications tools, too.Every project takes a big team, andthe many players often need to sendlots of messages and data aboutprojects to their partners, even in re-mote parts of the world.

The flow of new technology goinginto construction has already helped theindustry work so much better that lead-ing companies are eager tohire young people who arecomfortable with comput-ers—and even video games—to help improve theiroperations. On job sites, andin offices and research labsaround the world, sharp andinventive people are drivingconstruction’s technology rev-olution. Being part of it is fun,rewarding, and—quite sim-ply—amazing.

steps to realityArchitect’s computer

model, top, takesshape in concrete and

steel and becomes the fantas-tic new San Francisco ArtMuseum in the end.

en

Computers, sensors and joy-stick controls give today’s operators of construction equipment the power to make big jobs go fast.

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Fun FactsFun Facts1. What presidentwas also an architect?Answer: Thomas Jeffersonwas an accomplished archi-tect, despite being self-taught. His major worksinclude Monticello (hishome), the Virginia StateCapitol and the University of Virginia. His buildingshelped initiate the ensuingAmerican fashion for Federalstyle architecture.

2. What movie starworked as a carpenterbefore he became an actor?Answer: Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones).

3.Which building is larger in volume, thePentagon or the 110-story Sears Tower?Answer: The Pentagon,with 77 million cubic feet, islarger. The Sears Tower con-tains 61 million cubic feet.

5.Which two formerTV network anchormen’sfathers were construc-tion workers?Answer: NBC anchor TomBrokaw and CBS anchor Dan Rather. Brokaw’s father,Anthony “Red” Brokaw,worked for the U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers on theFort Randall Dam on theMissouri River in SouthDakota, and later on theGavins Point Dam nearYankton. Rather’s father,Irvin “Rags” Rather, was apipeliner who dug ditchesfor laying pipes in the Texasoil fields.

7. What project isnicknamed “T-REX”?Answer: Colorado’s Trans-portation Expansion Project,involving road and rail im-provements to Denver’ssoutheast corridor, scheduledfor completion in 2006.

9. How big is thelargest dump truck inthe world?Answer: The Caterpillar797B, which can carry aload of 380 tons. It has a3,370-horsepower engine,and is 47 feet 8 inches long,32 feet wide, and 24 feet11inches high. Its tiresare 13 feet 6 inches indiameter. It costs $5.7million. It is used in surfacemines to haul ore and rock.

10.What percentageof construction anddemolition materialsare recycled in the U.S.?Answer: 25 percentHow many housing

units were built inthe U.S. in 2004?

How many milesof paved roads

are there in the U.S.,and how many bridges?

Answer: 1.84 million units of housing.

Fun Factsabout construction

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11. What was thefirst school in the U.S.to teach the principlesof engineering and theirapplication?Answer: The U.S. MilitaryAcademy at West Point, N.Y.,founded in 1802

12. How long does ittake to paint the Eiffel Tower?Answer: 15 months, by a team of 25 painters,using only brushes.The paint weighs 60 tons.The surface area is 239,000square yards/200,000 square meters.

14. Which bridgebuilt in 98 A.D. is still

in use?Answer: The Alcantara

Bridge, in Spain, built byRoman engineer GaiusJulius Lacer. It has sixarches made of gran-ite blocks without ce-ment. It is 600 feetlong, rising to 175feet above the river.Broken in the Mid-dle Ages and dam-aged in a later war,it was repairedeach time.

17.What is the totallength of the U.S.Interstate HighwaySystem, and when didconstruction on it begin?Answer: The system totaled46,677 miles as of 2003.Ground was first broken onAug. 13, 1956, on Interstate70, in St. Charles County,Missouri. Dwight D.Eisenhower was President.

What is the tallestbuilding in theworld?

How manyhome swim-ming pools

were built in the U.S. in 2003, and how largeis the residential swimmingpool market?

Answer: 4 million miles of paved roads,including 45,000 miles of interstate freeway and 600,000 bridges.

What is a mole?

Answer: A self-propelled tunneling machine.Some bore tunnels to diameters over 30 feet.

Answer: The Taipei 101, an office building inTaiwan. It is 1,671 feet/509 meters tall, andopened on December 31, 2004.

Answer: 165,000 home pools werebuilt in 2003, at a cost of $8 billion.

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16.Which is thelongest suspension

bridge in the world?Answer: The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan.It’s main span is 6,532 feet.

PROFESSIONALORGANIZATIONS

ACE Mentor Program(203) 323-8550www.acementor.org(After-school program inwhich high school studentsare mentored by architects,engineers, and constructionprofessionals.)

American Academy of Environmental Engineers(410) 266-3311www.aaee.net(Members specialize in watersupply,wastewater manage-ment, toxic materials control,and public health.)

American Council ofEngineeringCompanies/ACEC(202) 347-7474www.acec.org(Civil engineering firms thatdesign roads,bridges, tunnels,water supply systems,power-plants and more.)

American Institute ofArchitects/AIA(201) [email protected]

American Road &Transportation BuildersAssociation/ARTBA(202) 289-4434www.artba.org(Contractors and trans-portation officials who pro-mote the transportationconstruction market.)

American Society of CivilEngineers/ASCE(703) 295-6000www.asce.org

American Society ofLandscape Architects/ASLA(202) 898-2444www.asla.org

American Society of ProfessionalEstimators/ASPE(615) 316-9200www.ASPEnational.org

American SubcontractorsAssociation/ASA(703) 684-3450www.asaonline.com(Small and medium-size contractors that do special-ized types of work such aselectrical work or painting.)

Associated Builders & Contractors/ABC(703) 812-2000www.abc.org(General and specialty con-tractors that generally em-ploy nonunion labor.)

Associated General Contractors ofAmerica/AGC(703) 548-3118www.agc.org(Firms that contract for anentire project.)

Associated Schools ofConstructionwww.ascweb.org(Colleges offering degreesin construction.)

Association of Crane &Rigging Professionals (360) 834-3805www.acrp.net

Construction ManagementAssociation ofAmerica/CMAA(703) 356-2622www.cmaanet.org(Companies and individualsthat manage various as-pects of a project.)

Finishing ContractorsAssociation(703) 448-9001www.finishingcontractors.org(Painting, drywall, glass andfloor-covering contractorsthat employ union workers.)

Hispanic AmericanConstruction IndustryAssociation(312) 666-5910www.hacia.info

Independent ElectricalContractors(703) 549-7351www.iceci.org

Insulation Contractors Association of America(703) 739-0356www.insulate.org

International MasonryInstitute/IMI(410) 280-1305www.imiweb.org


Resource GuideThis is a sampling of professional or-ganizations and unions that can offerinformation about opportunities inconstruction. It is not comprehensive.

Contact Mark A. Casso, Esq., at (202) 466-6777 + www.cirt.org

The Construction Industry Round Tableis comprised of about 100 CEOs fromleading architectural, engineering andconstruction firms doing business inthe U.S. These firms represent a largeportion of the approximately 8 to 10 %of the U.S. domestic economic activitycontributed annually by the industry.This includes hundreds of billions ofdollars a year in public and private infrastructure projects and millions of good paying jobs.

Mason Contractors Association of America(847) 301-0001www.masoncontractors.org

Mechanical Contractors Association ofAmerica/MCAA(301) 869-5800www.mcaa.org

National Association of DemolitionContractors/NADC(215) 348-4949www.demolitionassociation.com

National Associationof Homebuilders/NAHB(202) 266-8200www.nahb.org

National Association of Minority Contractors(202) 347-8259www.namconline.org

National Association of Reinforcing SteelContractors(703) 591-1870www.narsc.com

National Association ofWomen in Construction/NAWIC(817) 877-5551www.nawic.org

National Center forConstruction Educationand Research/NCCER(352) 334-0911www.nccer.org(Has information on non-union training programs.)

National RoofingContractorsAssociation/NRCA(847) 299-9070www.nrca.net

National Society of ProfessionalEngineers/NSPE(703) 684-2800www.nspe.org

(Professional engineers whohave met education and ex-perience requirements andpassed state engineeringexams.)

National UtilityContractorsAssociation/NUCA(703) 358-9300 www.nuca.com

NEA: The Association ofUnion Constructors (formerly the NationalErectors Association)(703) 524-3336www.nea-online.org(Steel erectors and industrial maintenancecontractors that employunion workers.)

Painting & Decorating Contractors ofAmerica/PDCA(314) 514-7322www.pdca.org

The Pile Driving Contractors Association(303) 517-0421www.piledrivers.org

Pipeline ContractorsAssociation/PCA(214) 969-2700www.plca.org

Plumbing-Heating-CoolingContractors NationalAssociation(703) 237-8100www.phccweb.org

Professional Women inConstruction/PWC(212) 486-7745www.pwcusa.org

Sheet Metal & AirConditioning Contractors’ NationalAssociation/SMACNA(703) 803-2980www.smacna.org

Specialized Carriers &Rigging Association(703) 698-0291www.scranet.org(Firms that load, transportand lift building materialsand heavy equipment.)

U.S. Green Building Council(202) 828-7422www.usgbc.org(An organization thatworks to improve environ-mental design and con-struction of buildings.)

Women ConstructionOwners and Executives USA(800) 788-3548www.wcoeusa.org

CONSTRUCTIONUNIONS

International Association ofHeat and Frost Insulatorsand Asbestos Workers(301) 731-9101www.insulators.org

International Brotherhoodof Boilermakers, Iron ShipBuilders, Blacksmiths,Forgers and Helpers(913) 371-2640www.boilermakers.org

International Union ofBricklayers and AlliedCraftworkers(202) 783-3788www.bacweb.org

United Brotherhood ofCarpenters and Joiners ofAmerica(202) 546-6206www.carpenters.org

International Association of Bridge, Structural,Ornamental andReinforcing Iron Workers(202) 383-4800www.ironworkers.org

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers(202) 833-7000www.ibew.org

International Union ofElevator Constructors(410) 953-6150www.iuec.org

Laborers’ InternationalUnion of North America(202) 737-8320www.liuna.org

International Union ofOperating Engineers(202) 429-9100www.iuoe.org(Operating engineers run bulldozers,excavators,cranes, pumps, hoists, andother types of constructionequipment.)

Operative Plasterers’and Cement Masons’International Associationof the United States andCanada(301) 470-4200www.opcmia.org

International Brotherhoodof Painters and Allied Trades(202) 637-0700www.iupat.org

United Union of Roofers,Waterproofers and AlliedWorkers(202) 463-7663www.unionroofers.com

Sheet Metal Workers’International Association(202) 783-5880www.smwia.org

International Brotherhood of Teamsters(202) 624-6800www.teamster.org(Drivers operate trucks thatdeliver materials to con-struction sites.)

United Association ofJourneymen andApprentices of thePlumbing and Pipe FittingIndustry of the UnitedStates and Canada(202) 628-5823www.ua.org

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Tips forGuidanceCounselors...High school students turn to you forknowledge, direction, and advice.Where can you turn for ideas? Read onfor resources and suggestions abouthow to nurture students’ interests inconstruction industry careers.

For some of these careers, advanceddegrees are necessary. For others, train-ing and apprenticeships lead to jobs. Foreither path, students have questions.They need support, encouragement, andsuggestions. That’s where parents, teach-ers and guidance counselors come in.Mentors can combine parenting, teach-ing and guiding, and this section has tipsfor all of these areas.

Many sectors of construction report serious shortages of skilledworkers. Employers are turning to highschool counselors to tell the next gener-ation of workers about this huge careeropportunity. This is a chance to helpfilter interested students into sectorsthat really need workers. It’s an oppor-tunity to help two ends meet in a com-mon need and form a mutuallybeneficial relationship.

Show Them What You’ve GotStudents appreciate it when you “keepit real.” One thing everyone wants toknow is how much a job pays. Thereare lots of statistics provided in thismagazine. There are many ways topresent information, depending onyour space, time, and funds. You couldpost a Career of the Day or anInternship of the Day. Let studentsknow they should stop by your officeto see “what’s up.”

Earn While You LearnThere are lots of opportunities for stu-dents to work in construction and earnmoney while they go to school or whilethey are in a training program.Internships and volunteer programs letthem gain experience and learn moreabout different aspects of construction.A popular and exciting organization towork with is Habitat for Humanity.There are sites all over the country andno matter what your experience or

Parents,Teachers and CounselorsCan Help Students Learn More about

Construction Careers

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AttentionTeachers...It’s part of your job to gather resourcesfor students, but you don’t have tospread the word alone! Guest speakersare a great way for students to connectto the careers in different industries.You will find construction profession-als willing—even eager—to visit classrooms andshare experiences. Jotdown a name or phonenumber from the signoutside a nearby con-struction site. Ask parentswhether family membersare in the business. Oneof them might make thearrangements for you.

Classroom Activities+ Study an architecturally interesting

part of your town and have studentscreate a presentation. How were thebuildings built? What did they cost?What materials were used? Whatskills and trades were involved?What are the maintenance andrestoration requirements? Studentscan become experts and then give atour to families or other students.

+ Have students research a “smart”house (one that computerizes nor-mally manual functions). Contact alocal builder or developer to locate a smart house that students couldtour. Identify and discuss the scien-tific principles behind the devicesand systems.

+ Ask an architect, engineer or con-tractor to be a visiting math teacherby presenting a real-life “storyproblem” for students to solve. Thevisiting professional can set up ex-ercises for students that ask them tomeasure or convert measurements.The students can figure out how

much material they would need tocarpet a classroom or build newshelves for the library and howmuch it would cost.

+ Have students interview industryprofessionals about calculation errors that result in costly “doovers.” Imagine the cost of re-building a bridge that didn’t meet

properly in the middle of theriver? Have students report anddiscuss their interview findingswith others in small groups. Askstudents to cite their sources andexplain the problems that werecaused by miscalculations. Thenthey should explain how the con-struction team fixed the problem.

FREE FORYOU!Challenge students to work within a budget and build a home. Teachers can receive a free copy of the CD-ROM Building Homes of Our Own:www.homesofourown.org.

Apply for grants to fund special projects for your students:www.actuarialfoundation.org/grant/

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skills, there will be some hands-on workto do. You can go to www.habitat.orgfor more information. Talk with schoolleaders about opportunities that mightbe going on in your own school!

Staying on Top of It AllMake contacts with schools and compa-nies and learn what they are looking for.Expand your own knowledge of emerg-ing and changing careers. Good sourcesare publications such as Scientific Amer-ican (www.sciam.com ), the Wall StreetJournal (www.wsj.com), and BusinessWeek (www.businessweek.com ). If yourschool offers career and technical edu-cation classes, spend some time inthem. Getting to know the fields you’repromoting will make them come aliveto students. Remind students that thereis a clear link between what they’relearning today and their future success.Offer examples of practical, real-worldways in which students will be able touse what they learned that day.

Where Do I Go from Here?A great jumping off point is: www.careervoyages.com/careeradvisors-main.cfm (This website is maintainedby the Department of Labor and hastons of useful information for studentsand mentors alike).

A number of sites give informationabout college-level construction pro-grams such as:www.ascweb.org/(Associated Schools of Construction)www.acsa-arch.org/infoStud.html(Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture)www.constructionweblinks.com/Organizations/Colleges_and_Universities/colleges_and_universities.html(A comprehensive list of colleges inthe U.S. that specialize in variousfields within construction.)

A site that has all kinds of informa-tion about the construction industryincluding news and a multimedia cen-ter is www.construction.com.

You will find that construction professionalsare willing—even eager—to visit classrooms.

Teachers


DearParents,Think of three things that your teen isreally good at and some things he orshe loves to do. Ask your teen to do thesame. Focus on the overlap of skills be-tween what they are good at and whatthey enjoy doing. If they say “computergames,” before you think, “waste oftime,” consider civil engineer, architect,or electrician!

These are good-paying, solid jobs.Some require university degrees, oth-ers need only specialized training.From professional to skilled trade,each requires computer skills or thesame precise hand-eye coordinationneeded for a joy stick. More impor-tantly, they’re compatible with your

child’s skills and interests. Why is thatso important? Because it is only natu-ral to prefer things that we’re good at. It is simply more fun. If you likesomething and you’re good at it,success will follow. Success, happinessand security are the things you wantmost for your child.

Interests and natural abilities willbe reflected in the ways your teenchooses to spend leisure time. Someof the connections will be obvious,others will take more thought. Butthey’ll all help point to career areaswhere your child will be comfortableand enthusiastic.

Your role as a parent is as an advisorand confidant. You want to help yourchild arrive at his or her own decision.Be available. Set the tone and providethe climate. Look for opportunities todraw your teen out through activitiesand discussion.

You can talk about careers in con-struction in the car, around the houseor hanging out. Everywhere you lookyou see people working or the result oftheir work. From bridges to skyscrap-ers, highway to homes, all of them in-volve dozens of jobs. Turn on a faucet:Someone designed that fixture, made itand fixes it. Turn on a light switch or

walk across a floor. Someone’s jobmade that possible. Your awareness can help your teen see his or her ownpossibilities.

Getting a Head StartGoing to college is not the only way tohave a successful career in construc-tion. But an important starting placefor your teen is a high school diploma.Encourage your teens to take as manycourses in math and science as possi-ble. And help them learn to speak andwrite effectively.

Students who are headed for collegecan show they are ready to pursue adegree in construction by taking a col-lege course during high school. The ultimate proof for a school that a pro-spective student can handle the cur-riculum is by already having done it.

Part-time jobs or volunteer workalso can provide students with experi-ence. If a friend’s line of work appealsto your child, ask about an internship.Some schools have summer programsgeared toward high school students.This will make your teen’s applicationstand out. Talk to the high school’sguidance counselor or look online tofind out what kinds of courses nearbycolleges offer.

SURF THE WEBParents will also find lots of career information athttp://www.careervoyages.com/parents-main.cfm.

This site provides:+ different types of careers+ the knowledge and skills needed to enter these careers+ information about education and training opportunities

needed to prepare for a chosen careerwww.promorphus.com/secme/si2k5.php (The SoutheasternConsortium for Minorities in Engineering works to renew theprofessional capacity of K-12 educators, motivate and mentorstudents, and empower parents.)

ACESWILD!This kind of ACE means archi-tecture, construction and engi-neering. It’s an after-schoolprogram for high school students in 70 cities around thecountry. It teaches teens aboutthe different careers in con-struction. Mentors from the industry, who have all kinds ofjobs, get together with studentsonce a week throughout aschool year. Students get towork on a sample project thatthey decide they would like tobuild. Student teams competefor scholarships, and some stu-dents get summer internshipswith the companies that partic-ipate.Visit www.acementor.orgto find out more!

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Work Hard.

Play Hard.Job Corps is your opportunity. Take the next steps to career success.

Job Corps offers training for 100 careers in a variety of industries ranging from construction and comput-ers to healthcare, hospitality and more. Through career counseling, training and job placement programs, we help you achieve financial success and independence. Find out how by visiting the Job Corps center near you or going to http://jobcorps.doleta.gov.

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Job Corps Ad.pdf 11/8/05 4:43:04 PMJob Corps Ad.pdf 11/8/05 4:43:04 PM

in indemanddemand construction...on top of that, the hurricanes of 2005, especially katrina, caused...

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