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
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
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:
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
Middle and High School
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:
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
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Codes assist in tracking, assessment, and reporting CTE courses.
CIP Codes for this cluster: