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Construction & Skilled Trades

Construction & Skilled Trades

About This Pathway

Construction & Skilled Trades careers involve designing, planning, and building the places we live, learn and work. Jobs in this field include architects, engineers, managers, and skilled trades. The focus is on creating strong, safe, and sustainable buildings and infrastructure that meet today’s needs while protecting the future.

 

Pathways for the Construction & Skilled Trades interest include:

Architecture & Civil Engineering

Construction & Planning Development

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

Skilled Trades

Sample Careers

Explore options for entry, technical and professional level careers for the Construction & Skilled Trades pathway. These are only a fraction of what’s available for this pathway, so use these examples as brainstorming opportunities.

 

Entry: Carpenter’s Helper, HVAC Apprentice, Machine Operator

Technical: Electrician, Plumber, CNC Technician

Professional: Construction Manager, Industrial Designer

SWHS Courses & Clubs

 

South Windsor High School offers a variety of courses and clubs tailored to the Construction & Skilled Trades pathway.

 

Learn more about SWHS Courses          Learn more about SWHS Clubs

Courses

SWHS offers several courses that can help you decide if the construction & skilled trades pathway is for you. Click the button above if you want to know more about the courses!

 

Construction I & II

Creative Woodworking

Housing & Interior Design

DIY Repair & Maintenance

Clubs

SWHS currently has two clubs in operation that fit the construction & skilled trades pathway. Have an idea for a club that doesn’t exist? Talk to a teacher and they’ll help get you started with everything you need to create one.

 

Architecture Club

Woodworking Club

Recommended Majors, Programs, & Certifications

    • Architecture (B.S., B. Arch)
    • Civil Engineering (B.S)
    • Structural Engineering (B.S. or M.S.)
    • Construction Engineering Technology (B.S.)

    • Construction Management (B.S., A.S.)
    • Building Science (B.S., M.S.)
    • Urban Planning (B.S., M.S.)
    • Sustainable Building & Energy Systems 

    • Heavy Equipment Operation (Certificates, A.S.)
    • Facilities Maintenance (A.S., Certificates)
    • Mechanical Systems Technology

    • Carpentry
    • Plumbing
    • Electrical Technology
    • HVAC / Refrigeration
    • Welding & Fabrication

    • Osha 10-Hour / 30-Hour Construction
    • First Aide / CPR / Basic Life Safety (BLS) Certifications
    • Aerial / Scissor Lift / Lift Operation Certifications
    • Flagging / Traffic Control Certifications
    • AWS / ASME / NCCER (Welding)
    • Connecticut Plumbing & Pipefitting Licensing
    • Connecticut Electrical Licenses
    • CT Heating, Piping, & Cooling Licenses

    • Carpentry Apprenticeship  (DOL Registered)
    • Electrical or HVAC Apprenticeship (DOL Registered)
    • Plumbing Apprenticeship
    • Welding Certification (AWS or NCCER)
    • Construction Site Safety & OSHA Certification
    • Pre-Apprenticeship in Building Trades

SWHS Media Center Career Books

  • Construction

  • Carpentry

  • Plumbing

  • HVAC

SWHS Media Center Construction & Trades Studies

  • History of Machines

  • Architecture

  • Structural Engineering

  • DIY Repairs

Find other career and studies books here

Key Business & Industry Partners

 

Gilbane Building Company

Liberty Athletic Field Contractors

Associated General Contractors of Connecticut (AGC-CT)

TradesUp Initiative

 

New England Women in Construction

Colliers Project Leaders

Greater Hartford Trades Scholarship Foundation

CT Technical Education & Career System (CTECS)

Local 326 Carpenters Union

College and Workforce Providers

Whether you decide on the college or workforce route, the following are suggestions of institutions that offer work experience or degrees for your chosen pathway.

  • University of Connecticut (UCONN)
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
  • University of Massachusetts – Amherst
  • University of Rhode Island (URI)
  • Wentworth Institute of Technology 
  • Northeastern University
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
  • Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) – School of Engineering, Technology & Architecture
  • CT State Community College – All campuses offering skilled trades & construction tech
  • Asnuntuck Community College (Enfield, CT) – Advanced Manufacturing, Welding, HVAC
  • Manchester Community College (Manchester, CT) – Architectural Design, Construction Tech
  • Gateway Community College (New Haven, CT) – HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Construction Management
  • Goodwin University – Construction Management, Safety Programs
  • Porter and Chester Institiute – Skilled Trades (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry)
  • On-Site Construction projects in collaboration with local contractors
  • Job shadowing and mentorship with partners such as:
    • Gilbane Building Company
    • Liberty Athletic Field Contractors
    • TradesUp Initiative
    • Local 326 – North Atlantic States Carpenters Union
    • Electric Boat
    • Greater Hartford Trades Scholarship Foundation
    • CT Technical Education & Career System
  • Summer internships through regional workforce development programs
  • Capstone project aligned to community building or renovation initiatives

    • University of Connecticut (UCONN)
    • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
    • University of Massachusetts – Amherst
    • University of Rhode Island (URI)
    • Wentworth Institute of Technology 
    • Northeastern University
    • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
    • Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) – School of Engineering, Technology & Architecture

    • CT State Community College – All campuses offering skilled trades & construction tech
    • Asnuntuck Community College (Enfield, CT) – Advanced Manufacturing, Welding, HVAC
    • Manchester Community College (Manchester, CT) – Architectural Design, Construction Tech
    • Gateway Community College (New Haven, CT) – HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Construction Management
    • Goodwin University – Construction Management, Safety Programs
    • Porter and Chester Institiute – Skilled Trades (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry)

    • On-Site Construction projects in collaboration with local contractors
    • Job shadowing and mentorship with partners such as:
      • Gilbane Building Company
      • Liberty Athletic Field Contractors
      • TradesUp Initiative
      • Local 326 – North Atlantic States Carpenters Union
      • Electric Boat
      • Greater Hartford Trades Scholarship Foundation
      • CT Technical Education & Career System
    • Summer internships through regional workforce development programs
    • Capstone project aligned to community building or renovation initiatives

Portrait of a Graduate Connection

 

Attribute

 

Engaged

 

Empowered

 

Resilient

 

Socially Conscious

 

How It’s Developed

 

Real-world, project-based construction and renovation experiences

 

 

Students choose trade specializations and earn credentials that lead directly to employment

 

 

Emphasis on work ethic, perseverance, and safety in complex, hands-on environments

 

 

Opportunities to build and improve community spaces sustainably