Careers in Building
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Build Life Your Way
You don’t need a 4-year degree to have the life you want.
Get the satisfaction of mastering new technology and become an expert at skilled problem solving. You can enter the workforce quickly and start earning with a job in the building trades. Some roles offer on-the-job training, while others only require a 2-year degree.
Below, you’ll find data on the average salary for different roles, as well as education requirements and information on local career training that will prepare you for success.
Carpentry Career Path
When you think of construction jobs, you probably picture carpenters. Career options include home builders, sub-contractors, remodelers, and commercial builders. Carpenters are needed in all stages of the construction process, which makes these roles very secure.
mean annual wage2
Education Needs
Carpentry roles usually require a high school diploma and some previous experience. If you’re new to the role, you’ll need to be supervised by experienced employees anywhere from a month to one year. Some carpentry roles include an apprenticeship program.
In the carpentry trade you will learn to:
- Frame floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs
- Build concrete forms
- Apply plywood, roof paper, and shingles
- Build and set cabinets and countertops
- Install doors, windows, trim, and siding
- Install floor joists, rafters, and trusses
- Lay wood flooring
- Operate table saws, power drills, routers, joiners, planers, and nail guns
Carpentry Education in the Sioux Empire
High School Programs
Career & Technical Education Academy
The CTE Academy is a leader in high-quality, hands-on learning for high school students in the Sioux Falls region. They prepare students for careers as architects, carpenters, construction managers, contractors, drafters, project inspectors, and more.
View Architecture and Construction Courses
Home Builders Academy
Students participating in the Home Builders Academy gain real-world experience as they build a home. They also learn from industry leaders who visit the classroom and share industry knowledge.
View Home Builders Academy Coursework
Construction Career Academy through Southeast Technical College
High school students 16 and older can earn 5 college credits and earn more than $5,000 learning on the job with local construction professionals during this summer program.
View Construction Career Academy details
Post-Secondary Programs
Mitchell Technical College
- Architectural Design and Building Construction Program
- 2.5-year program
- Associate Degree
Southeast Technical College
- Commercial Construction Certificate
- Four 2-credit classes
- Construction Management Technology
- 2-year program
- Associate Degree
- General Construction Certificate
- 5 classes
Electrical Career Path
Electricians make sure that buildings are wired safely and are up to code. Qualified electricians are in demand, making this a stable career choice. Roles can include apprenticeship programs, electrical contractors, subcontractors, and maintenance company workers.
mean annual wage2
Education Needs
Most electrical roles require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree. An electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam in order to perform the job.
In the electrical trade you will learn to:
- Cut, bend and install metal conduits and wiring
- Hook up electrical appliances
- Install electrical switches and lighting fixtures
- Wire door bells and fire alarms
- Repair power cords and plugs
- Use equipment for testing circuitry
- Safely handle power tools
- Ensure work is done according to relevant codes
Electrical Education in the Sioux Empire
Mitchell Technical College
- Electrical Construction & Maintenance
- 2-year program
- Associate degree
- Receive South Dakota apprentice electrician license
- Receive 2,000 hours towards certification as a journeyman with a South Dakota electrician’s license
Southeast Tech
- Electrician
- 2-year program
- Associate degree
- Receive 2,000 hours towards certification as a journeyman with a South Dakota electrician’s license
Plumbing Career Path
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes in residential, commercial and/or industrial buildings. Once you complete training, use your skills to become a plumbing contractor, remodeler, high-rise and apartment complex servicer, or a subcontractor.
mean annual wage2
Education Needs
Most roles in plumbing require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree. You’ll usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. Some plumbing roles include an apprenticeship program.
In the plumbing trade you will learn to:
- Identify hand and power tools
- Cut and install pipes and fittings
- Install fixtures and hot water heaters
- Test water lines for leaks
- Make underground pipe connections
- Install sprinkler systems
- Weld properly
Plumbing Education in the Sioux Empire
Southeast Technical College
- Plumbing Technology
- 1-year diploma
- Prepares you for plumbing apprentice roles
- 1 year of education applies to hours needed to obtain journeyman’s license
HVACR Career Path
Technicians in HVACR install or repair heating, ventilation, and central air conditioning or refrigeration (HVACR) systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
mean annual wage2
Education Needs
Once you complete training, you have several options: Commercial service technician, heating system installer, heating, air conditioning and plumbing contractor, HVACR mechanic, or maintenance and repair for businesses, schools, and hospitals.
In the HVACR trade you will learn:
- How to maintain, repair, and diagnose equipment related to HVACR technology
- Auditing green energy alternatives
- Air conditioning design and layout
- Refrigerant systems
- System charging and system evacuation
- Water treatment
- Boiler operation and safety
HVACR Education in the Sioux Empire
Mitchell Technical College
- Heating & Cooling Technology
- 1-year diploma or 2.5-year Associate’s Degree
Southeast Technical College
- HVAC/R Technology
- 1-year diploma
Masonry Career Path
Laying brick is a time-honored skill that’s still in demand today. Masonry construction training equips you to use a variety of materials, such as brick, stone, marble, concrete block, stucco, and tile. Once you complete training, you may find a role as an apprentice, masonry contractor, subcontractor, or general contractor.
mean annual wage3
Education Needs
Masonry roles may require a high school diploma. Some previous work-related skill is usually needed. If you’re new to the role, you’ll need to be supervised by experienced employees anywhere from a month to one year.
In the masonry trade you will learn to:
- Mix mortar and lay brick
- Lay out building lines and grades
- Lay floors and stairs
- Mix and place concrete
- Create different textures
- Apply various finishes to concrete
Painting Career Path
Indoor and outdoor painting is often the finishing touch on a construction project. This crucial step gives the building a polished, finished look and protects the surface from damage and decay.
mean annual wage3
Education Needs
Some painting roles may require a high school diploma or GED certificate, but most don’t require previous work-related experience. Typical training takes anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Once you’ve gained experience, you’ll be able to take on a roles as a drywall contractor, painting contractor, sub-contractor, or residential contractor.
In the painting trade you will learn to:
- Prepare all types of surfaces – wood, drywall, plaster and masonry
- Mix colors and use a tint machine
- Apply paint, stain, clear finishes, sealants and fillers
- Sand or waterblast
- Use typical and airless spray equipment