If you dream of designing, planning, managing, building or maintaining the structures where we live, work and play, then the Architecture and Construction Career Cluster is for you.

This career cluster is organized into three career pathways:

• Construction
• Design and Pre-Construction
• Maintenance and Operations

Careers

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Students in architecture and construction learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.

CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:

• 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

Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.

Career and Technical Student Organizations

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Career and technical student organizations are much more than clubs. They provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and for applying career, leadership and personal skills in real-world environments. Participants build their skills by developing projects, attending events, and competing regionally and nationally.

The student organizations for architecture and construction are:

• SkillsUSA
• Washington Technology Student Association (TSA)

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It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

After taking CTE classes in architecture and construction, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• Construction-related apprenticeships
• Two-year college programs in construction management, architectural drafting and design
• Four-year college programs in architecture and design

Education After High School

It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

After taking CTE classes in architecture and construction, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• Construction-related apprenticeships
• Two-year college programs in construction management, architectural drafting and design
• Four-year college programs in architecture and design

Student Resources

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Middle and High School

• Preparing for your future: Why CTE?
• Your school career or guidance counselor
• Your principal or school district Career and Technical Education office
• Career and Technical Education - Washington
• (360) 725-6245
  cte@k12.wa.us

Apprenticeship and College

More than 1,000 jobs in Washington are connected to an active, registered apprenticeship program. For more information about apprenticeships and colleges, visit:

• How to become an apprentice: Five steps to getting started
• Apprenticeship Washington: The future is in your hands
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Checkoutacollege.com
• Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Washington Career Bridge

Additional Resources

• Associated General Contractors - The leading national construction trade association representing all facets of commercial construction for both public and private entities including building, highway and municipal projects
• National Center for Construction Education and Research - A not-for-profit education foundation created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs and help address the critical workforce shortage facing the construction industry
• American Institute of Architects Washington Council
• American Design Drafting Association - An international non-profit, professional membership and educational organization to support people working in drafting
• Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters - Represents carpenters, pile drivers, drywallers, millwrights, trade show workers, shipwrights, exterior/interior specialists, scaffold erectors, insulators and related craft workers

For Educators

Forms and Standards