Finding Your Place in Construction

There are four major types of construction:

• Industrial
• Infrastructure
• Residential
• Commercial

These areas are not mutually exclusive, as projects often overlap or combine elements of multiple categories. For example, constructing a mixed-use building with residential apartments and ground-floor retail spaces involves both residential and commercial construction aspects. Similarly, infrastructure construction can be integrated into commercial and industrial projects to provide the necessary utilities and transportation connections. Regardless of what your future might be in construction, I Build America Kentucky can guarantee that there’s a place for you! Let’s explore each type:

Industrial

Industrial construction projects design and build structures such as factories and large-scale production facilities. This sector’s designs are highly specialized to meet the unique needs of private companies.

Industrial construction needs the most highly skilled professionals, given their projects’ innate complexity.

Two professions that work on these projects include:

• Electrician
  • Daily work includes installing and inspecting wiring and lighting systems.
• Scheduler
  • They are responsible for the overall scheduling of a construction project. He or she may be involved in one project or numerous projects. 

Infrastructure

Infrastructure construction projects develop and maintain public and private works, including roads, bridges and wastewater systems. Every Ohioan is affected by the efforts of these workers.

Infrastructure construction is the sector of job security. Thanks to new initiatives like the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project and Infrastructure Bill, there are sure to be many job openings for the foreseeable future.

Two professions that can be found working on these projects include:

• Engineer
  • Engineers are involved in planning, design, construction, operation, and management of engineering and engineering-construction projects.
• Cement Mason
  • Our transportation surfaces are smooth thanks to these skilled workers.
    

Commercial

Commercial construction projects take care of large developments such as offices, hospitals, and shopping centers. These projects are complex to create and incredibly influential on a community’s progress.

Commercial construction requires many skilled workers throughout the course of the entire project. Given the scope of work, it provides a great opportunity for individuals to learn trades alongside more experienced team members.

Two professions that can be found working on these projects include:

• Project Manager
  • These big-picture coordinators oversee everything from initial planning to daily jobsite work. 
• Sheet Metal Worker
  • As experts of this material, they take care of any equipment made of sheet metal, including ducts, control boxes and drain pipes.
    

Residential

Residential construction projects work on single- and multi-family homes. Though smaller-scale than the other three projects, residential contractors often have the unique opportunity to interact with homeowners and make a personal impact on individual lives.

Working in residential construction often opens the door to working for oneself. Small contracting companies and individual contractors thrive in both one-off projects and home building. When done effectively, contractors can earn a wonderful reputation in their local communities that will guarantee job security for years.

Two professions that can be found working on these projects include:

• Roofer
  • Roofers are specialists in installing and maintaining weather-proof roofs.
• Architect
  • Arguably a homeowner’s favorite person in a project, an architect designs homes inside and out.

Though the jobsite may change project to project, many skilled trades are transferable across all four construction project types, including Business Development Manager, Cement Mason, Project Manager and Roofer.

For those looking to enter the industry, we recommend considering both the location of the project and the type of work. To learn more about careers in all four project types, visit our careers page.