Explore the
Trades &
Construction Careers
Construction is more than one job.
It's hundreds of paths, on the tools and off them. Whether you're finishing school, changing careers or coming back to work, we'll help you find where you fit and how to get started.
On the Tools or Off the Tools: There's a Place for You
Hands-on Trades that build, power and maintain the places we live and work, such as Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Ironworking, Bricklaying, Operating Engineering, Painting and more. Most start through an Apprenticeship, where you earn a paycheck while you learn.
Off the Tools
Careers that keep projects running, such as Project Management, Estimating, Safety, Design, Marketing and business ownership. Many people start in a Trade and move into these roles as they grow.
Not sure which side fits you? Our Find Your Trade guide walks you through simple yes-or-no questions about how you like to work, like indoors or outdoors, heights, tools, teamwork and physical activity, and points you toward Trades worth exploring.
Your First Steps
Into the Trades
1. Explore
Learn what different Trades do day to day and which ones match your interests and strengths.
2. Prepare
Join a pre-Apprenticeship program to build skills, earn certifications and get ready for Apprenticeship applications and entrance tests.
3. Apply
Apply to a Union Apprenticeship or another training program in the Trade you choose.
4. Earn While You Learn
Apprentices work on real jobsites, get paid as they train and build toward a long-term career.
A Practical Guide to Finding Your Place in
Construction
Find Your Trade is PLC's career guide for people new to Construction. It helps you match your interests to real Trades and off-the-tools roles, understand how Apprenticeship works and prepare for your first days on the job.
Free Starter Guide
A short visual introduction to the Trades and how to choose a path. Download Free
Full Individual Guide
Trade-by-Trade profiles, Apprenticeship information, test preparation and practical tips for your first 90 days.
Cohort & Program Edition
An expanded version with group activities and facilitator guidance for workforce programs, schools and Pre-Apprenticeship cohorts. Request Info