Train

CONSTRUCTION CRAFT LABORER

CONSTRUCTION

Construction craft laborers work as physical laborers at buildings, highways, and construction projects. They perform a wide variety of duties and operate all kinds of hand and power tools.

Career Details

Skills

Students in Construction Craft Laborer are trained in the following subject areas:

Using basic construction materials such as concrete, lumber, sand, and bricks
Installing slopes and adjusting for changes in elevation on construction sites
Identifying and caring for different types of lumber and learning the use of each type
Using scaffolding, hand levels, transits, plumb-bobs, builder’s levels, and other tools on construction sites
Moving sand, gravel, concrete blocks, and other construction materials

Career Options

Most Construction Craft Laborer graduates work for construction contractors. Working hours for construction craft laborers vary. Most work normal day shifts, but many work weekends depending on the deadlines of construction sites.

Requirements

Before entering the Construction Craft Laborer program, students must:

Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Have strong math and reading skills.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Credentials

As a Job Corps student, you will have the opportunity to earn credentials in your training area that may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.

Students who complete a center-based program in the Construction training area can earn nationally recognized credentials from organizations such as:

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)

Students training in union-affiliated programs can earn a certificate of completion that offers apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job experience from organizations such as:

United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC)
International Masonry Institute (IMI)
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
National Plastering Industry Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund (NPIJATF)

Construction Craft Laborer Numbers to Know

8-12

months to complete career training program

$30K

National average earning potential for this career

Expectations

While on the job, you will be expected to display the following traits at all times:

Attention to detail
Commitment to safety
Dependability
Integrity
Monitoring skills
Physical endurance