You can enter the construction industry right after high school through a skilled trade career, with no college degree required! Skilled trade professionals can enter the industry with little to no debt, utilizing industry-recognized credentials and certifications to earn a competitive salary. Check out your potential career pathway and explore the many skilled trade options that are available.
Skilled Trades
Explore in-demand skilled trades, including potential salaries!
Brought to you by the National Center for Construction Education & Research.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR
A CAREER IN THE SKILLED TRADES?
CARPENTER
Carpenters are employed in almost every type of construction activity. These skilled trade professionals create concrete forms, interior systems, sheet rock, metal studs, and acoustical ceilings on “rough” and “finish” type projects. This field requires interpreting blueprints, drilling, welding, and bolting to precise instructions – sometimes within a thousandth of an inch!
In Kansas City, get started with an apprenticeship!
- Free program
- 3-4 years on-site work with quarterly classes
- Administered by the Carpenters’ Union
- Hourly Pay (half journeyperson’s salary) + benefits
Here’s how to get started:
- Complete an application
- Obtain a letter of intent from a signatory contractor
- Pay $24 permit fee
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Bob Hale
Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
816.471.0883 or website@carpdc.org
Learn More
LABORER
Laborers work closely with other craft workers, and rely on cross-functional job skills. These skilled trade professionals perform demolition work, place concrete, perform day to day job clean-up, do final clean of finishes on projects, erect scaffold, and tend to both carpenters and bricklayers (masons).
In Kansas City, get started with an apprenticeship!
- Free program
- 3-4 years on-site work with quarterly classes
- Administered by the Western Missouri and Kansas Joint Apprenticeship Program
- Hourly Pay (half journeyperson’s salary) + benefits
Here’s how to get started:
- Complete an application
- Obtain a letter of intent from a signatory contractor
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Donald Slack
Construction Craft Laborers
816.331.6862 or director@gkcltc.org
Learn More
IRONWORKER
Ironworkers are trained in all aspects of commercial steel construction including welding, structural steel erection, reinforcing steel installation, architectural, and ornamental construction, precast concrete erection, and pre-engineered metal buildings. Daily job tasks include raising, placing, and joining steel girders and columns to form structural frameworks.
In Kansas City, get started with an apprenticeship!
- Free program
- 3-4 years on-site work with quarterly classes
- Must possess a valid Missouri or Kansas driver’s license
- Administered by the Ironworkers’ Union
- Hourly Pay (half journeyperson’s salary) + benefits
Here’s how to get started:
- Complete an application
- Contact union rep
- Interview required
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Bob Kanatzar
Ironworkers Local 10
816.595.4110 or bob@mokanironworkers.com
Learn More
OPERATOR
Operators receive training in areas such as safety, fuels, rigging and signaling, coolants, and grade stakes. These skilled trade professionals operate cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, loaders, pavers, drilling machines, and other specialized construction machinery.
In Kansas City, get started with an apprenticeship!
- Free Program
- 3-4 years on-site work with quarterly classes
- Administered by the International Union of Operating Engineers
- Hourly Pay (half journeyperson’s salary) + benefits
Here’s how to get started:
- Complete an application
- Obtain a letter of intent from a signatory contractor
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Stoney Cox
International Union of Operating Engineers
816.640.2336 or resume@iuoelocal101.org
Learn More
CEMENT MASON
Cement Masons are responsible for all concrete construction, including pouring and finishing of slabs. These skilled trade professionals use artistry and craftsmanship to ensure that structures are both strong and beautiful.
In Kansas City, get started with an apprenticeship!
- Free Program
- 3-4 years on-site work with quarterly classes
- Administered by the Cement Masons’ Union
- Hourly Pay (half journeyperson’s salary) + benefits
Here’s how to get started:
- Complete an application
- Obtain a letter of intent from a signatory contractor
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Tina Read
Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons
816.471.0880 x 1332 or tread@opcmia518.org
Learn More
BRICKLAYER
Bricklayers construct walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures from brick, using various masonry materials. These skilled trade professionals also install the brick linings of kilns and furnaces. Their basic job duties include use of trowels and other special finishing tools.
In Kansas City, get started with an apprenticeship!
- Free Program
- 3-4 years on-site work with quarterly classes
- Administered by the Bricklayers’ Union
- Hourly Pay (half journeyperson’s salary) + benefits
Here’s how to get started:
- Complete an application
- Obtain a letter of intent from a signatory contractor
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact RJ Heinse
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers
816.471.0880 x 1348 or rheinse@wetrainbac15.org
Learn More