Tennessee middle schools and high schools offer a variety of CTE classes. Make sure you take full advantage of your CTE course offerings by trying out new topics and seeing if you have an interest in the trades. This is a great way to learn about interesting topics and see if you develop a real passion for the trades.
With Tennessee’s new student-based funding formula, we expect even more CTE courses as districts and schools receive dedicated funding to expand CTE courses and career clusters.
After you graduate from high school, enroll in a TCAT, community college, trade school or an apprenticeship with a company.
With one of the best community college and technical college systems in the country, Tennessee has 13 community colleges and 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) across the Volunteer State. And, Governor Bill Lee recently announced that the state will update seven current TCAT campuses, expand 16 current TCAT campuses and build 6 brand new TCAT campuses. Visit the Tennessee Board of Regents’ website to explore all 13 community colleges, 24 TCATs and all their educational offerings.
Each of Tennessee’s community colleges and TCAT’s website will list their degree and program offerings. Please contact the school directly to learn more about their educational offerings, explore career paths and even schedule an in-person visit to learn more.
We are lifelong learners. Careers in the trades offer great opportunities to learn from others on the job. Make sure you bring a can-do attitude to the job site and don’t be afraid to ask questions and also to ask for help. Everyone on the job got their start just like you did and had others there to help teach them the ropes, answer their questions and help them progress in their careers.
Be open to talking with other colleagues on the job to learn about their job, career path and passions.
Journeyman include many of the professions within the trades. You’ll start at an entry level position – in a field such as an electrician, plumber, pipefitter, welder, HVAC technician, etc – and work your way up through different trainings and certifications.
Throughout your journey you’ll work under a master certified expert while also acquiring licenses and certifications along the way – likely from a TCAT, community college or industry trade school. As you progress in your career, you’ll have more certifications, be able to address a wider range of tasks in your career and be able to move upward in your career including the potential for increased earnings.
A foreman or supervisor is also known as a crew leader. You must have effective communication skills along with organizational, planning and scheduling skills that will be developed over years of experience and leadership training.
In addition to supervising a crew of professionals, you also oversee the safety and productivity of those you supervise.
Several management and supervisory training programs are necessary to become a foreman or supervisor.
A superintendent manages all the subcontractors and crews on a construction site. It often takes years of other jobs and experiences to work your way up to a superintendent.
After years and perhaps decades of experience, you could be ready to be in senior management if this career progression interests you. At this point in your career, you’ve likely managed crews, construction sites, overseen budgets and are a trusted and known source of industry knowledge. Skill Sets include the ability to oversee multiple divisions, projects and people. You likely need experience in human resources, cost estimating and detailed management skills.
As the CEO of a construction company, you are the driving force behind the success and growth of your organization. You are responsible for leading and directing all aspects of the business, from strategy and planning to operations and finance. With your unique career path and experience, you have the opportunity to be an inspiration to others and show that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve success in the construction industry. The flexibility of the industry allows you to determine your own level of success, from taking on small projects to building large, complex structures. No matter where you started or what path you’ve taken, you’ve proven that you have what it takes to succeed in the dynamic and challenging world of construction. As CEO, your legacy should be leaving a significant impact in the industry, your employees and community—driving innovation and growth, and inspiring others to achieve their own success.
