Workforce preparation for entry into the construction industry is considered by Worksystems, Inc and the regional Workforce Investment Board as one of four targeted “High Growth, High Demand” industries. In addition to overall need for workers, family-wage salaries and benefits are available to be made in this industry. The average Journeyman in Oregon earns $25/hour.

While the opportunities and benefits are clear, careers in construction are not for everyone. You must be ready for hard physical work, available to work long hours in even the worst weather conditions with a good attitude, be a team-player, and be drug-free. In addition to these essential requirements, while not required, pre-employment training and/or work experience in construction trades can give you a competitive edge in obtaining and maintaining a successful career in the construction industry.

If you’ve had no prior work experience or training in the construction industry, enrolling in a short-term Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program (PATP) may be a good place to start. Participation in one of these programs, all certified by the State of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI), will give you valuable pre-employment hands-on and classroom training, and help you choose a specific trade that suits you (such as carpenter, electrician, etc.). Successful completion of a PATP often gives you a competitive edge in being accepted into a specific trade Apprenticeship Program and sent out on your first job. CAWS currently has five such affiliated programs. Their websites links are posted below:

Evening Trades and Apprenticeship Preparation (ETAP) www.caws-pdx.org/etap.pdf
Irvington Covenent Community Development Corporation (ICCDC) www.iccdc.org
Oregon Trades Women, Inc. (OTW) www.tradeswomen.net
Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) www.pybpdx.org
Portland Community College (PCC) www.pcc.edu/programs/apprenticeship/pre-trades.html

If you’ve had prior employment/work experience and training as a construction worker, you may want to apply directly to a specific trade Apprenticeship program. BOLI’s Apprenticeship and Training Division offers website links and information of each of its State-certified Apprenticeship programs. Link to BOLI website is posted below:

State of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) www.boli.state.or.us/BOLI/ATD/A_AG_Intro.shtml

Employment in the construction industry also includes careers working for construction companies or public entities as construction project managers or supervisors, project engineers, or independent contractors. College-level training in construction management is available at Portland Community College and Oregon State University. See links below for information on these programs.

Portland Community College Construction Management Program www.pcc.edu/programs/bldg-construction/
Oregon State University Construction Management Program cce.oregonstate.edu/cem/

If CAWS can help you with additional information, please contact us at info@caws-pdx.org, or 503-943-5662. Our offices are located at 4610 N. Trenton, Portland, 97203