Carpentry & Building Construction

Unit 5: Completing the Structure

WebQuests

Construction Specialties

Introduction
A wide variety of jobs are performed in the construction industry. While the image of a master carpenter might come to mind when picturing construction work, there really is no typical job in construction. As you learn more about careers in the industry, keep in mind that jobs fall into three broad specialties: craft, technical, and professional. Thinking about these specialties, and the advantages and rewards of jobs in each, may help you find the construction career best suited to you.

The Task
With so many construction career choices available to you, the sooner you start exploring your options, the better! What will bring you the most personal satisfaction in your work life? That depends a lot on your individual skills, interests, and values. In this WebQuest, you will use the Internet to explore three different construction careers, one from each specialty, and write a report on each. Your reports should include the following information

• a description of each career's responsibilities, education requirements, salary and benefits, and advancement opportunities;
• an examination of your own talents, interests, and values;
• an analysis of the rewards, challenges, and opportunities you would face in each position.

The Process
The following steps will help you complete your career investigation.

• Choose three construction careers to research further. Choose one from each construction specialty. The following Web sites have helpful information.
• Career Voyages

CareerOneStop
College Board
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Vocational Information Center
• For each career, write down the responsibilities, requirements, salary range, and advancement opportunities.
• Take a moment to write down your unique talents, interests, and values.
• Summarize the rewards and challenges you would face in each of the three positions.

Guidance
Here are some suggestions to help you in your career exploration.

1. Use the career assessment quizzes found on the Web to evaluate your unique skills and outlook.
2. Keep in mind that there is often more than one way to career advancement. For example, sometimes work experience can substitute for advanced education.
3. Where you live can affect your career path. Which industries are especially strong in your area?

Conclusions

• Interview a family member or friend who works in the construction industry, if possible, and ask about their career choices.
• Of the three career choices you researched, select the one that is most appealing to you. Summarize your findings in a three minute presentation to your class.
• Turn in your report to your teacher.

Questions

• Do you have a hobby or extracurricular activity that could someday become a full time job?
• What can high school students do to gain work experience while still in school?
• Many people have more than one career during their professional lives. Do you know anyone who has successfully changed careers?