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General Construction Trades

General construction workers build and maintain homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure. They can find employment with construction companies, contractors, and government agencies.

With further training and experience, they can advance to roles like construction supervisor, project manager, or specialized trade expert, contributing to safe and sustainable building practices.

Construction worker with equipment

  1. Construction Laborer
  • Assist skilled tradesperson, operate basic tools, and maintain job site cleanliness
  • Requires physical stamina and willingness to learn multiple trades
  1. Carpenter
  • Construct and Install building Frameworks, walls, and fixtures
  • Requires ability to read blueprints and use a variety of hand and power tools
  1. Drywall Installer/Taper
  • Measure, cut, and hang drywall panels on walls and ceilings
  • Requires knowledge of drywall materials and finishing techniques for smooth surfaces
  1. Concrete Finisher
  • Pour, smooth, and finish concrete for floors, sidewalks, and other structures
  • Requires strength, stamina, and knowledge of tools and concrete curing processes
  1. Flooring installer
  • Install carpet, vinyl, wood, and other flooring materials
  • Requires measurement skills, and attention to detail for a clean finish
  1. Painter/coating specialist
  • Apply paint, stain, and protective coatings to surfaces
  • Requires surface preparation skills and knowledge of painting tools and safety

Explore Career Tracks

  1. Roofer
  • Install, repair, and replace various roofing systems.
  • Requires knowledge of different roofing materials and techniques, and comfort working at heights.
  1. Sider
  • Installs siding on buildings to protect and finish building exteriors.
  • Requires precision cutting and knowledge of weatherproofing techniques.
  1. Foundation Repair Specialist
  • Works on repairing and reinforcing building foundations
  • Requires knowledge of foundation types and repair techniques
  1. Bricklayer
  • Lays and binds building materials to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, and other structures
  • Requires knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, landscape architecture, or other structures
  1. Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Operates large machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, loaders and excavators.
  • Requires equipment specific training and ability to follow site safety procedures.
  1. Lead Abatement Specialist
  • Works on removing lead from construction sites
  • Requires specialized certification and strict adherence to federal safety guidelines.
  1. Asbestos abatement technician
  • Responsible for safely identifying, removing, and disposing of asbestos-containing materials from buildings
  • Requires certification, personal protective equipment, and hazardous materials trainings.
  1. Truck Driver (Construction Materials)
  • Transport tools, equipment, and materials to and from job sites.
  • Requires a CDL and knowledge of load safety and route planning.

Career at a Glance

Starting Requirements:

- High school diploma or GED preferred 

- Basic math and reading skills 

- Physically capable of performing construction labor tasks

Requirements to Enter Apprenticeship:

- High school diploma or GED preferred 

- Physically capable of performing construction labor tasks

- A sincere interest in pursuing a career in construction

- Basic math, 1 year of Algebra, (both math courses you must have a ‘C’ or better and reading/comprehension skills) (Accuplacer test may be required)

- 18 years of age

- A valid driver’s license

- A vehicle to get to and from work/school

Length of Training/Apprenticeship:

- Typically 2-4 years for full apprenticeship

Training Providers:

  1. Laborers Local 113 Apprenticeship (Paid)
  2. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
  3. WRTP | BIG STEP (Free/Paid)
  4. Milwaukee Community Service Corps (MCSC) – Homebuilders Institute’s Pre-apprenticeship Certificate, Work Projects Hands-on Training Program (Free/Paid)
  5. “Hands-On Training Program” (Free)
  6. Various employer led trainings (Paid)

Employers:

  1. CG Schmidt
  2. Hunzinger Construction
  3. Gilbane Building Company
  4. KPH Construction
  5. Selzer-Ornst Construction Company
  6. Catalyst Construction
  7. GSI General Inc.

Wage Progression:

Entry Level:
  • After 1 year: $35,000 - $50,000 per year
Mid-level:
  • Average overall: $52,000 - $66,000 per year
Experienced level:
  • Average overall: $68,000 - $93,000 per year

Note: These figures reflect base pay only. Union and private sector careers may include additional benefits such as healthcare, retirement, and paid training that significantly increase total compensation.

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