OVERVIEW

Architecture & Construction relates to the design, planning, management, building, and maintenance of structures.

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Quick facts to know:

• Over 7 million workers are employed in the industry with more than 800,000 new jobs expected in the next decade.

• Safety equipment improvements are continuously under development to minimize risk of injury for construction industry workers.

• Builders increasingly use modular and prefabricated products to speed up project timelines dramatically.

• Many designers and builders are using sustainable materials and minimizing resource use, for example reusing waste water for toilets, and recycling construction materials. Innovation in eco materials is a key area of growth.

OCCUPATIONS

Careers in Architecture & Construction focus on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures.

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Keep these points in mind about careers in construction:

• Full-time work hours of 40 hours per week are pretty typical. Most projects operate on a deadline, and longer hours may sometimes be required.

• People in construction often say they prefer to work with their hands and have a variety of daily physical demands, rather than sit at a desk.

• Injuries are more common than in most industries: about 3% of workers each year have injuries or illness related to work.

• Many employers are open to hiring workers who have a criminal record.

• Workers see the result of their efforts in projects and structures they’ve helped build—some that will last for many years.