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ABC Keystone offers 10 PA-registered apprenticeship programs. In the Career Profiles below, you’ll find valuable information about booming construction careers in PA as well as what skills it takes to be successful.
Our apprenticeship program allows you to develop valuable skills in your chosen construction field while learning from the best in the industry every step of the way. We go further by matching you with the right apprenticeship programs in PA for continued success. Our programs offer the skills you need to be successful in the job market – from hands-on instruction, to trade-specific education, to continued career development.
Learn more about careers in construction below:
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Pre-Engineered Building Assemblers construct commercial metal structures using prefabricated framing and siding elements while utilizing skills and training in sheet metal working, ironworking, assembly and fastening techniques, blueprint reading, site preparation, structural design principles and safety. Assemblers are in high demand as these cost-effective, steel structures are widely-utilized throughout the industry.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, color vision, math and mechanical skills.
A career in carpentry is perfect for the individual who loves working with both his or her mind and hands. Carpenters install and help to fix structures, including office buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and more. Carpentry requires training in blueprint reading, math, building code requirements, and safety.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Dexterity, physical fitness, sense of balance, math skills
Construction Craft Laborers (CCL) perform many basic tasks on construction sites and mostly work full time. They must be able to operate many types of tools, instruments, and equipment as they work on jobsites that may change daily. From building bridges to demolition, CCLs will always be in high demand in the ever-expanding construction industry.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance.
Electricians design lighting systems, install sound systems, repair wiring, and more. Many work with complex systems, requiring mental acuity and attention to detail. Training to become an electrician requires learning how to connect wires, use specialized equipment like voltmeters and oscilloscopes, and education in scientific and math skills and safety.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, good eyesight (including color vision)
Heavy Equipment Operators drive, operate and maintain dump trucks, bulldozers or other vehicles classified as heavy machinery and learn how to safely use this type of equipment to move construction materials, dirt and other heavy objects at construction sites and mines.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, attention to detail, math skills, mechanical aptitude
There are many things HVAC technicians might do, from installing heating and air systems, retrofitting duct work, working with refrigeration, or installing efficient energy systems like photovoltaics and geothermal technology. In order to be a successful HVAC technician, in addition to being handy, one also needs to have good personal relations skills, as talking with home and business owners is likely.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Math skills, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, personable attitude
Do you dream of building a structure with your own two hands or restoring historical buildings? Check out training in masonry! Brickmasons, blockmasons and stonemasons use bricks, concrete blocks and natural stones to build attractive, durable surfaces and structures. These craft professionals have created buildings, walls and roads for thousands of years and will continue to do so long into the future.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Strong work ethic, dependability, and basic math skills.
Are you a little bit of a perfectionist? Do you enjoy reading plans and making something useful? Consider training to become a pipefitter. Pipefitters plan and install detailed pipe systems for commercial and industrial projects. These pipes may carry water, chemicals or gases to the crucial building systems. Pipefitters use many tools to cut and bend pipes to exact specifications.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Dexterity, physical fitness, sense of balance, math skills
Plumbers have a wide variety of responsibilities. They assemble pipes, fittings, and valves, locate and detect leaks in plumbing systems, and install appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and oxygen and medical gas in hospitals. Successful plumbers are active listeners, have mathematics skills, and know how to troubleshoot and repair often-complex systems.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Attention to detail, dexterity, math skills, and organizational skills.
For those interested in problem-solving, puzzles, working with their hands, and maybe even a little technical expertise, sheet metal working may be a great fit. These craftpeople cut and form sheets of metal into various types of products, including ductwork. Some sheet metal shops are now automated with computers, so a bit of tech knowledge is helpful to those considering this skilled trade.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Mechanical aptitude, mathematics skills, dexterity, hand-eye coordination
