Find an interesting construction site and watch workers and apprentices on their jobs. Ask a shop teacher or counselor to arrange an information interview with a worker in the field.
Look into the International Masonry Institute's John J. Flynn International National Training Center (http://imtef.org/national-training-center) in Bowie, Maryland. Once you become an apprentice, you could try to qualify for its 12-week program, which includes housing, food, and a nominal wage.
During one of your summer vacations, try to get some work at construction sites or for general contractors; the work may include mixing mortar, carrying, lifting, and keeping the work area clean.
Finally, if you have access to the Internet, one of the easiest ways to explore these trades is to check out the Web sites of such organizations as the International Masonry Institute (http://imiweb.org), which offers a terrazzo training program; and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (https://bacweb.org). These sites will provide information on training and apprenticeship programs.
- Architects
- Asbestos Abatement Technicians
- Assessors and Appraisers
- Boilermakers and Mechanics
- Bricklayers and Stonemasons
- Building Automation Systems Engineers
- Building Automation Systems Technicians
- Building Performance Diagnosticians
- Carpenters
- Cement Masons
- Chimney Sweeps
- Civil Engineering Technicians
- Civil Engineers
- Computer-Aided Design Drafters and Technicians
- Construction Inspectors
- Construction Laborers
- Construction Managers
- Cost Estimators
- Drafters
- Drywall Installers and Finishers
- Electricians
- Elevator Installers and Repairers
- Engineering Technicians
- Engineers
- Floor Covering Installers
- General Maintenance Mechanics
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Geologists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Glaziers
- Green Builders
- Heating and Cooling Technicians
- Indoor Environmental Health Specialists
- Insulators/Insulation Workers
- Landscape Architects
- Lathers
- Locksmiths
- Millwrights
- Occupational Safety and Health Workers
- Operating Engineers
- Painters and Paperhangers
- Plasterers
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Real Estate Developers
- Renewable Energy Site Assessors
- Roofers
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Smart Building Systems Designers
- Stationary Engineers
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors
- Swimming Pool Designers
- Welders and Welding Technicians