The Architecture and Construction cluster is about using your skills in design, planning and management to work in careers building and maintaining structures such as buildings, homes, bridges, or machinery. Work
opportunities include developing new structures, restorations, additions, alterations, and repairs. Construction is the pathway with the highest number of employment opportunities.
Civil engineers – who work on construction projects in the public and private sector – should see prospects grow due to many factors, including the need to upgrade aging infrastructure and an increase in renewable energy projects. Carpenters also should see favorable job prospects. As the population grows, more homes will need to be built, which will drive the need for carpenters. Home remodeling needs also will drive the demand for carpenters. An increase in construction jobs over the next decade should increase the need for architects. Architects with strong technical skills and knowledge of sustainable, or “green,” design will have better job prospects.
Architecture and Construction Career Cluster PDF
Middle School or Exploratory Courses
No Courses
High School Courses
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Plumbing I & II: #8503, #8504 (ACE)
- CAD- Computer-Aided Drafting/3D Animation I & II: #8530, #8531 (ACE)
- Carpentry I & II: #8601, #8602 (ACE)
- Masonry I & II: #8512, 8513 (ACE)
- Architectural Drawing/Design/CAD: #8437
- Construction Technology: #8432
Sample Careers
- Architectural and civil drafter or engineer
- Environmental designer
- Residential or commercial carpenter
- Construction worker
- Systems configuration manager
- Electrical design engineer
- Electrician
- HVAC/HVACR technician
- Building services technician
- Painter
- Sheet metal technician
High school certifications, licenses and related college majors:
High School/Industry Certifications | Certificate/License | College Degrees |
EPA Technician Examination (Core) | Apprenticeship | Architectural Engineering |
CAD | Civil Engineering | |
NCCER Introductory Craft Skill Entry Level Assessment I/Core: Carpentry, Electricity, Masonry | Construction Management | |
Interior Design | ||
Urban Planning |
In Demand Careers
Education Needed | Occupation | Median Salary | Job Growth Over next 10 years | Job Openings Projected over next 10 years |
High School Diploma + Certification | Electricians | $56,180 per year | 8% (Much faster than average) | 62,200 |
High School Diploma + Certification | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $55,160 per year | 4% (As fast as average) | 20,900 |
High School Diploma + Certification | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $48,730 per year | 4% (As fast as average) | 15,100 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Construction Managers | $95,260 per year | 8% (Much faster than average) | 40,400 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,250 per year | 3% (As fast as average) | 10,800 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Environmental Engineers | $88,860 per year | 3% (As fast as average) | 1,700 |
Student Leadership Organizations
SkillsUSA: SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school, college and middle school students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is comprised of experiences related to students’ career interests, based on instructional preparation, and undertaken in partnership with local businesses or organizations. WBL enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world work environment. Work-Based Learning promotes Career Awareness, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation.