What to Expect

Safety is the name of the game for construction students.

Nick Carlson started his education at a technical college, but after a year he decided to go to work for some hands-on learning.

"I am taking an apprenticeship program through work. I get paid to go to school and work at the same time," says Carlson. "My company is fronting the bills, as long as I pass."

He works every day, goes to school one night a week and brings home a regular pay check.

"It has been a great experience," says Carlson. "And if you are going to school at the same time as working, you can use things you learned in school on the jobsite -- really impresses your co-workers."

Jenna Williams graduated from an electrical technician-instrumentation and control program. Now she wants to become an industrial electrician.

Construction is typically a male-dominated field, but times are changing.

"Stick with it. My class started with four other girls and it is now down to just me," says Williams.

"There are tons of jobs available out there for women if they just stick it out. There really is no criticism in the trades as there was even 10 years ago."

Jonathan Hoffman is a second-year student in the electrical program at Boise State University. He would like to own an electrical contracting company.

"At this point, I am attacking this plan from two directions," says Hoffman. "First is my electrical apprenticeship schooling and second is getting a degree in project management. This way I can have both the trade skills and the management skills to get to my goal."

He is a journeyman, so his day begins bright and early on the jobsite.

He works along side his supervisor and learns how to complete all the tasks. He also goes to class about two nights per week. "In class you learn much about electrical theory, as well as tips and tricks to do your job better," says Hoffman.

The construction business often goes through ups and downs. You need to be aware of how this will affect your job. "When work is slow, contractors do not want to hire on new apprentices, because they want guys that have experience to run their work and when they have to slow down to teach a new guy, the contractor loses money," says Hoffman. He adds that during slow times, young apprentices will be the first to face layoffs.

If you go to school, you can expect to do about an hour of reading every night. You might spend up to three or four hours working on projects. "There is quite a bit of homework but not really any more than in high school if you keep on top of it," says Williams.

She recommends using your time between classes to do your homework. You will need to pay for books, tools and coveralls.

There might also be licensing fees. "Tools are the biggest and best investment," says Hoffman.