Architecture & Construction
The Architecture & Construction cluster is all about designing, building, and maintaining the places where we live, work, and play. Think about your school, your home, shopping centers, and even bridges and roads. People in this field make it all happen!
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Some workers design beautiful buildings on computers. Others use machines to build them. Some install the electricity and plumbing that make buildings work. Others make sure everything is safe and built correctly.
Why This Field Is Growing:
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More people need homes and schools as the population grows
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Old buildings need to be updated with new technology
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"Green" buildings that save energy are becoming very popular
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Smart buildings with high-tech systems need skilled workers
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Cool Technology in Construction:
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Drones that take pictures of construction sites from the sky
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3D printers that can build parts of houses
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Virtual reality that lets architects "walk through" buildings before they're built
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Robots that can lay bricks and do dangerous jobs
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Apps that help workers see building plans on tablets
In Virginia, this industry is projected to create about 225,000 jobs over the next five years. That's a lot of opportunities for people who like to build and create!
Builders First Source
Architecture
Plumber
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What They Do: Plumbers are like doctors for buildings - they make sure water flows where it should and waste goes where it needs to go. They read blueprints (like treasure maps for buildings) and install all the pipes that bring fresh water in and take dirty water out.
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Daily Tasks:
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Read blueprints to figure out where pipes should go
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Install pipes for water, waste, and gas
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Fix leaky pipes and clogged drains
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Test systems to make sure they work safely
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Use special tools to cut and connect pipes
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Work with other workers to make sure everything fits together
What's Cool About This Job: Every building needs a plumber, so there's always work! Plus, you get to solve puzzles, figuring out how to make all the pipes fit together perfectly.
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Construction Manager
What They Do: Construction managers are like the conductors of an orchestra, but instead of musicians, they lead teams of builders, electricians, and plumbers. They ensure that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and safely.
Daily Tasks:
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Create schedules for when different workers should do their jobs
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Order materials like wood, concrete, and steel
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Check that work meets safety rules and building codes
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Solve problems when things don't go as planned
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Use computers and apps to track progress
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Meet with architects, clients, and government inspectors
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Make sure workers have the right tools and equipment
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What's Cool About This Job: You get to see amazing buildings grow from just an idea to a finished project. Plus, you're the leader who makes it all happen!
Solar Panel Installer
What They Do: Solar panel installers are like the superheroes of green energy! They put solar panels on roofs and buildings to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. This job combines construction skills with environmental protection.
Daily Tasks:
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Study roof designs to plan the best spots for solar panels
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Use safety equipment to work safely on rooftops
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Install mounting systems that hold panels in place
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Connect the electrical wires to make the system work
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Test systems to make sure they're producing electricity
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Teach customers how their new solar system works
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Use apps and computers to monitor how well panels are working
What's Cool About This Job: You're helping save the planet while building the future of energy! Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing fields in construction.
Start in Middle School:
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Take math, science, and technology classes
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Try building projects in shop class or at home
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Visit construction sites or building supply stores
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Use the Virginia Education Wizard to explore construction careers
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Continue in High School:
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Take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in construction, engineering, or architecture
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Join Skills USA or other career-focused clubs
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Participate in internships or job shadowing programs
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Take dual enrollment classes at community colleges
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Consider construction or engineering summer camps
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Learn to use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software
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Get safety certifications like OSHA 10-hour training
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Explore apprenticeship programs that start after graduation
Technical Training (1-2 years):
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Jobs: Construction Workers, HVAC Apprentices, Electrical Helpers
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Average Salary: $35,000 - $52,000
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Community College (2 years):
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Jobs: Plumbers ($48,000-58,000), HVAC Technicians ($55,000), Electrical Technicians ($48,000)
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Average Salary: $50,000 - $58,000
Four-Year College:
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Jobs: Civil Engineers ($82,000), Construction Managers ($92,000), Construction Engineers ($88,000)
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Average Salary: $82,000 - $95,000
Advanced Degrees:
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Jobs: Licensed Architects ($120,000-128,000), Senior Engineers
Try It Out!
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Build something with LEGOs or other building materials
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Try design software or apps on a computer or tablet
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Visit a construction site (with permission and safety gear!)
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Shadow a construction worker, electrician, or plumber
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Take a virtual field trip using VR to explore construction sites
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Join a robotics club or STEM program at school
Fun Fact: Virginia has some of the most famous buildings in America, including the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.! Construction workers and architects from Virginia helped build landmarks that millions of people visit every year.
Did You Know? The newest buildings are "smart buildings" that can control their temperature, lighting, and security using computers and sensors - essentially, a giant smartphone for a building.
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