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Sarah Strohbeck, Ed.S

Career Readiness and Counselor Consultant

March 29, 2022

Career Spotlight: Construction Trades

1 Career SCECH

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zYW-d_G3kbmwjONf6IXiCMLZr2xqgT2TuI-aDL9N6nU/edit

*Attendance link

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Today’s Agenda

Welcome, introductions & session outcomes

Construction Trades Pathway, Sarah Strohbeck

Marissa Downs, Southeast Michigan Construction Academy

Q & A after conclusion of session

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macombengage.org

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Construction Trades Pathways

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Demand & Wages

Analysis shows that median hourly wages in construction have been rising, ranging from a year-over-year increase of 6.7% for roofers’ helpers to a 3.6% increase for construction laborers. Median wages of plasterers, stucco masons, floor layers, and tapers increased about 7%. Stonemasons saw their wages rise by over 6%. Their helpers and terrazzo workers got wage increases over 5%.

Even the lowest-paid field workers in the analysis — carpenters — made more than the national median of $38,640

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Wages

Last month, BLS reported that construction wages are at their highest level in the last decade. Average hourly earnings are at $30.81, a year-over-year increase of 66 cents and $5.93 more than reported in September 2009.

Average weekly earnings were at $1,226.24 as of September 2019 versus $1,178.87 in September 2018 and $933 in September 2009. Non-supervisory construction workers, however, averaged only $28.58 per hour as of September 2019, with average weekly earnings of $1,148.92.

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Access Points for Construction Trades

Community College
Trade Schools
Short Term Training Programs: Stackable Credentialing
Direct Employment
Union
Non-Union
Apprenticeships

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Community College

Each community college in Michigan offers something different in a certificate, degree or continuing education format

-Carpentry Basics

-Welding

-Construction Management

-Building/Facilities Maintenance

-Energy

-Electrical

-HVAC

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Benefits of Community College

Affordable, FAFSA & Pell Grant (TIP) funds can be used for students that select credit bearing programs.

Students can attend on a semester schedule vs. trade school model which is “all-in”.

Students have the ability to switch to a different program the next semester if change their minds.

Career Services are available for students to find immediate employment.

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Trade Schools

81 Trade Schools in Michigan
Curriculum is usually delivered in a less than a full calendar year
Pay up-front for entire program
Some accept FAFSA, some don’t.
Very diverse student populations (ages & experience)
Schools have close employment connections
Can work against the student if he or she changes their mind, they are already committed.

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Short Term Training Programs

Only a few weeks long.
Generally low-cost or free.
Can be an excellent place for inexperienced students to start with low commitment.
Can be accessed through Michigan Works.
Good Pre-Apprenticeship first step.

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Union Construction Trades

Very specific requirements for admission.
Can have long waiting lists.
Often require applicant to secure employment with union company first.
Significant benefits if admitted and complete.
It is recommended that student apply to union apprenticeships, but other programs while waiting.
Unions are very cooperative and willing to participate in outreach
WELDING

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Union Resources

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Direct Employment & Apprenticeships

Average age of an apprentice is 27 years old.

Mi Works can help students find direct employment/entry level opportunities.

Many companies say they want workers, but feel that young graduates lack significant skills.

No Pre-Apprenticeship Programs.

Sporadic CTE Construction Trades programs by district.

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A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a proven model of apprenticeship that has been validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. RAPs enable and energize more employers to participate and provide them access to larger talent pools that have been trained for entry-level to management positions, thereby meeting industry demands and reducing unemployment rates across the country.

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Gaps

Students do not have exposure at a young age: mom/dad, grandparents, working on projects
No viable pre-apprentice opportunities for unexperienced.
Employers can be “harsh” on unexperienced young people.
Our students are born and raised in Technology.
Many students who seek a “hands-on” career might be in credit deficiency in high school and don’t have room in their schedule to take CTE blocks.
Unions are still highly difficult to penetrate.
Work ethic.
Exposure.

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