Careers in the construction trades--we need you!

8 MILLION Estimated New Job Openings by 2018

2.7 MILLION Estimated New Jobs Requiring Post-Secondary Education by 2018

2+ MILLION Craft Professionals Needed by 2017

25% Estimated Growth

321,000 Construction Jobs Added in 2014

What the experts are saying:

* Harvard Graduate School of Education "By 2018, fields like construction and manufacturing will provide nearly 8 million job openings, 2.7 million of which will require a post-secondary credential."

* Construction Labor Market Analyzer one-sixth of the workforce will leave the industry over the next decade ... more than 2 million new craft professionals will be needed in our industry by 2017."

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) "Employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Laborers and helpers work in all fields of construction, and demand for these workers will mirror the level of overall construction activity'

* Associated General Contractors of America "Construction employers added 29,000 jobs in February 2015 and 321,000 jobs over the past year, reaching the highest employment total in six years, as the sector's unemployment rate fell to an eight year low of 10.6 percent."

CARPENTRY $45,590 Average National Wage 24% Growth Estimated by 2022

ELECTRICAL $54,520 Average National Wage 20% Growth Estimated by 2022

MASONRY $42, 130 Average National Wage 34% Growth Estimated by 2022

PAINTING $39,760 Average National Wage 20% Growth Estimated by 2022

PLUMBING $54,620 Average National Wage 21% Growth Estimated by 2022

HVAC $46,880 Average National Wage 21% Growth Estimated by 2022

The Construction Careers Academy offered at Meridian High School provides students with an introduction to the trades, 3 high school credits, OSHA 10 and NCCER certification. This program is open to any junior or senior in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. Do you know a high school student that might be interested? Ask any high school counselor or visit www.nwtech.k12.wa.us for details.

By the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County