Construction & Skilled Trades

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water supply lines, drainage systems, gas lines, and related fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work involves reading blueprints and building codes, measuring and cutting pipes, assembling and installing pipes and fittings, testing systems for leaks using pressure gauges, and troubleshooting problems that range from simple clogs to complex system failures. Plumbers work in diverse environments—from new construction sites to century-old buildings with outdated systems—requiring them to adapt their approach to each unique situation. The job demands physical stamina for working in cramped spaces, excellent problem-solving abilities for diagnosing issues that aren't immediately visible, and strong customer service skills for explaining technical problems to homeowners. Many plumbers specialize in areas like gas fitting, medical gas systems, fire sprinklers, or green plumbing technologies.

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, factories, and other structures. The work encompasses reading technical diagrams and blueprints, installing wiring and electrical components, using testing devices like ohmmeters and voltmeters to check connections, inspecting electrical systems for compliance with codes, and diagnosing malfunctions. Electricians must stay current with evolving electrical codes, which vary by jurisdiction and are updated regularly for safety. The role spans diverse specializations—residential wirers focus on homes, commercial electricians handle office buildings and retail spaces, industrial electricians work with heavy machinery, and lineworkers maintain the power grid. The explosion of smart home technology, EV charging infrastructure, and solar integration has created new specialties requiring electricians to continually update their skills. Work conditions vary from new construction to renovating systems in buildings that may be decades old.

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work involves reading blueprints and technical specifications, installing ductwork, piping, and electrical components, charging systems with refrigerants, testing system performance, diagnosing malfunctions using specialized tools, and performing preventive maintenance. Modern HVAC work increasingly incorporates smart thermostats, zoning systems, and building automation integration. Technicians must understand electrical systems, plumbing principles, refrigeration cycles, airflow dynamics, and indoor air quality. The job varies between routine maintenance visits, new construction installations, and emergency repair calls for systems that have failed during extreme weather. Specializations include commercial refrigeration, industrial climate control, clean room environments, and energy efficiency optimization. Physical demands include working in tight spaces like attics and crawlspaces, handling heavy equipment, and exposure to temperature extremes.

Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Finish and custom carpenters specialize in detailed work including custom cabinetry, built-in furniture, millwork, trim installation, staircases, and architectural woodwork. The role requires reading blueprints, measuring and cutting materials precisely, joining materials using nails, screws, adhesives, and joinery techniques, and ensuring finished work meets aesthetic and structural standards. Carpenters must understand different wood species, their properties, and appropriate applications. The work spans new construction, renovation, restoration of historic buildings, and custom furniture fabrication. Each project presents unique challenges—fitting trim around irregular walls, matching existing woodwork in older homes, or translating design concepts into functional pieces. Physical demands include lifting materials, extended standing, and working at heights or in awkward positions.

Welders join metal parts together using various welding techniques including MIG, TIG, stick welding, and flux-cored processes. The work spans construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, pipeline, and repair industries. Welders read blueprints, calculate dimensions, inspect structures for defects, select appropriate materials and methods, prepare metal surfaces, operate welding equipment, and verify weld quality through visual inspection and testing. Advanced positions involve welding exotic metals, working on pressure vessels, or performing structural work requiring certification to specific codes. Work environments vary dramatically—from climate-controlled fabrication shops to outdoor construction sites, underwater structures, and confined spaces. Physical demands include prolonged positioning, exposure to heat and fumes, and wearing protective equipment. Career advancement includes specialized certifications, inspection roles, and welding engineering positions.

Solar panel installers assemble, install, and maintain photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other structures, connecting panels to electrical systems and the grid. The work involves measuring and preparing installation sites, assembling support structures, mounting panels, connecting electrical components, installing inverters and monitoring systems, and ensuring installations meet electrical codes and manufacturer specifications. Installers work on residential rooftops, commercial buildings, and ground-mounted arrays. The job requires understanding electrical systems, roofing principles, and solar-specific technology. Physical demands include carrying panels, working at heights, and exposure to weather. The rapidly evolving solar industry means installers must stay current on new panel technologies, mounting systems, and code requirements. Work varies between new installations and maintenance/repair of existing systems.

Roofers install, repair, and replace roofs using various materials including asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile, slate, and membrane systems. The work involves inspecting roof structures for damage, measuring roof dimensions, removing old materials, preparing surfaces, installing underlayment and weatherproofing, cutting and fitting roofing materials, and ensuring proper drainage and ventilation. Roofers work on residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. The physical demands are significant—carrying heavy materials up ladders, working on steep slopes, and exposure to heat, cold, and weather conditions. Safety is paramount given the fall risks inherent in roofing work. Specializations include commercial membrane roofing, historic slate and tile restoration, solar-ready installations, and green/living roofs. The work requires understanding different material properties, regional weather considerations, and building code requirements.

Landscapers design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces including lawns, gardens, trees, and hardscape features for residential, commercial, and public properties. The work encompasses mowing and trimming, planting and transplanting, irrigation system installation and maintenance, mulching and fertilizing, pest and weed control, hardscape construction (patios, walkways, retaining walls), and seasonal services like leaf removal and snow clearing. Landscape designers create plans balancing aesthetics, functionality, environmental conditions, and client preferences. Maintenance crews execute ongoing care programs. The job involves physical labor in varying weather conditions, equipment operation, and knowledge of plants, soils, and regional growing conditions. Work ranges from routine maintenance accounts to custom design-build projects transforming properties. Client relationships often span years with recurring service visits.

General contractors manage construction projects from planning through completion, coordinating subcontractors, materials, schedules, and budgets to deliver finished projects. The work involves preparing cost estimates, hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining permits, ensuring code compliance, managing project schedules, solving problems that arise during construction, and maintaining communication with clients. GCs work on residential renovations, new home construction, commercial build-outs, and larger development projects. The role requires understanding all construction trades sufficiently to coordinate their work and identify problems. Successful contractors balance technical knowledge with business acumen, project management skills, and client relationship abilities. Projects involve countless decisions affecting quality, timeline, and budget, requiring judgment about trade-offs and creative problem-solving when unexpected issues arise.

Pipefitters install and maintain piping systems that carry chemicals, acids, gases, and other materials in industrial and manufacturing settings, often involving high-pressure and high-temperature systems. The work requires reading blueprints, cutting and threading pipe, fitting and welding components, testing systems for leaks, and ensuring compliance with safety codes. Pipefitters work in power plants, refineries, chemical facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, shipyards, and commercial buildings. Systems include steam, compressed air, hydraulics, process piping, and fire suppression. The work demands precision—systems carry hazardous materials or operate under extreme conditions where failures have serious consequences. Specialized knowledge includes different pipe materials, fitting methods, and code requirements for various applications. Physical demands include working in industrial environments, confined spaces, and elevated positions.