Careers 101: Ohio Construction Jobs

Published on 2008-06-25

Schools:

The completion of an apprenticeship program and/or technical or vocational school degree program is the surest route to a career as a construction tradesman. On-the-job training is a part of virtually all occupations within the industry, from day laborers to carpenters to roofers or stucco masons. Some Ohio construction jobs may require a bachelor's degree. For example, a degree in construction science, construction management or a related subject would provide a good foundation for pursuing construction management jobs. The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute offers associate programs in construction management and construction science. A construction management and technology major is available at Bowling Green State University. Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland has many different construction-related associate programs in applied industrial technology, including carpentry, drywall finishing, and floorlaying.

Employers:

Ongoing housing market troubles have had a severe impact on construction employment in Ohio. The latest Ohio employment statistics show construction trailing only the leisure and hospitality sector as the industry with the greatest number of monthly job losses. However, new technologies and the urgent need for energy efficiency should create new employment opportunities in emerging fields such as "green" construction. For example, The Plain Dealer recently ran an article about Cleveland construction jobs in "deconstruction," the practice of dismantling buildings in a way that allows materials to be recycled rather than landfilled.