- Skilled TradesA hands-on trade career, usually entered through apprenticeship or technical training rather than a four-year degree.
- ApprenticeshipA role commonly entered through a registered apprenticeship — paid work combined with training, so you earn while you learn.
- Green JobsOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.
- Top JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.
Construction Career Pathways
Build Colorado's future through skilled trades including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and construction management. High demand for licensed tradespeople.
STATE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
Apprenticeship Colorado
Colorado's apprenticeship system is active and emphasized for building-and-construction-trades growth through grants and intermediary networks.
PORTABLE CREDENTIALS
NCCER-aligned
Colorado CTE construction pathways align with NCCER, a major portable credentialing system employers recognize nationwide.
Annual openings
31,145
Statewide across pathway roles
10-year growth
+12%
Statewide projection
Interactive walkthrough
Explore My Colorado Journey Career Pathways
Learn how to browse Construction careers, compare pathway levels, and use Colorado labor-market information to plan your next step.
Explore Colorado Construction
What to know about Construction
A quick look, straight from Colorado’s industry data.
Technology Plus Hands-On
A lot of skilled construction workers are planning for retirement. That adds up to a lot of opportunities! At the same time, automation and a push for more energy-efficient systems and structures are making some of these careers more technical, which increases the need for proper training.
Building Opportunity
Mega-projects like the expansions of airports and Interstates require construction workers of all kinds - from general laborer to skill tradesperson to foreman to cost estimator and civil engineer.
Earn While You Learn
Many construction careers give you the opportunity to "earn while you learn" though apprenticeships and other programs. Depending on the trade, you could receive a salary from the moment you start and, at the same time, earn credits toward an associate degree at a local community college.
Student Support Services
Essential resources for your educational journey
College Scorecard
Compare college costs, graduation rates & outcomes
Apprenticeship Directory
Find registered earn-while-you-learn programs
Apprenticeship Intermediaries
Get help connecting to Colorado registered apprenticeships
ICAP Resources
Individual Career & Academic Planning tools
Interest Assessments
Discover careers that match your interests
