Get Involved

Workforce Development

Which Construction Career is Right for You?

What is YOUR Plan in 4 Years?

The Leader in Construction Education & Training

Let the ABC Carolinas get you ready for work and connected with
contractors.
NO STUDENT DEBT and You Earn While You Learn

Find out more call
(704) 572-8082

Craft Professional (Electrician)
Mean Hourly Wage
$27.76
Mean Annual Wage
$57,741
Education
HS

If you’re into sound systems, robotics or tinkering with wires, you should think about a career as an electrician. Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for our homes, businesses and factories. In large factories, electricians usually do maintenance work that is more complex. These kinds of electricians may repair motors, transformers, generators and electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots. They also advise management as to whether the continued operation of certain equipment could be hazardous.

Craft Professional (HVAC)
Mean Hourly Wage
$25.01
Mean Annual Wage
$52,021
Education
HS

Are you interested in model building or have coined yourself Mr. Fix It? HVAC Technicians are always piecing things together as they install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Can’t decide between a career in mechanical systems or electronics? HVAC covers it all! Motors, compressors, pumps, fans, thermostats and computerized switches control systems in residential, commercial and industrial structures. Technicians can also specialize in specific equipment, such as hydronics (water-based heating systems), solar panels or commercial refrigeration.

Craft Professional (Plumber)
Mean Hourly Wage
$24.92
Mean Annual Wage
$51,830
Education
HS

Are you always tinkering with objects? Do people ask for your help with fixing mechanical things? Look into becoming a plumber! Plumbers do much more than fix sinks and toilets in residential homes. They design and install piping systems that distribute water and remove waste from buildings, and connect heating and cooling systems. Plumbers have to be knowledgeable in water distribution, blueprint reading, local ordinances and regulations, mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, welding and soldering.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Mean Hourly Wage
$29.37
Mean Annual Wage
$61,090
Education
HS

Do you have an interest in operating dump trucks, bulldozers or other vehicles classified as heavy machinery? As a heavy equipment operator, you will learn how to safely use this type of equipment to move construction materials, dirt and other heavy objects at construction sites and mines. This occupation operates equipment that clears and grades land to prepare it for construction of roads, buildings and bridges, as well as airport runways, power generation facilities, dams, levees and other structures.

Journeyman/Master Craftsman
Mobile/Tower Crane Operator
Mean Hourly Wage
$28.73-$33.91
$31.17-$37.28
Mean Annual Wage
$59,758-$70,533
$64,834-$77,542
Education
PC
HS

Do you wish your career involved using a joystick? No, we are not talking about becoming a professional video gamer. Mobile crane operators use state-of-the-art heavy machinery to move construction materials, earth and even petroleum products over short distances. A series of joysticks, levers and pedals allows the operator to use his or her knowledge of load calculations to place materials around a construction site. Looking for a career where you will be given the best seat in the house? Then check out the view as a tower crane operator! These craft professionals use
their knowledge of load calculations and crane operations to hoist heavy materials off the ground and to significant heights. They must have endurance, agility and physical coordination, as well as great hand/eye coordination.

Superintendent/Foreman
Mean Hourly Wage
$30.25-$60.50
Mean Annual Wage
$62,920-$125,840
Education
OJT, PC

On large construction projects, the superintendent’s job is to run the day-to-day operations on the construction site and control the short-term schedule. The role of the superintendent also includes important quality control and subcontractor coordination responsibilities. A foreman has years of experience in a particular trade who is charged with organizing the overall construction of a particular project for a particular contractor.

Project Manager
Mean Hourly Wage
$42.63-$85.26
Mean Annual Wage
$88,670-$177,382
Education
B/EW

Do others seek your guidance to complete group assignments or project-based tasks? Transfer these leadership skills to the construction industry through project management. Project managers are essential to completing projects on time and on budget. Their duties can include planning, coordinating, budgeting and supervising construction projects from development to completion. Project managers usually spend most of their time on site where they monitor projects and make daily decisions about construction activities.

The Top 5 Reasons to Choose Apprenticeship

1

The construction industry is one of the
largest industries in the United States. As
long as there is modern civilization in this country, there will be need to build,
repair and remodel the homes, commercial buildings, roads and infrastructures that exist throughout the country.

2

Due to the aging workforce of skilled craft persons, good paying jobs are even more available as people start to retire.

3

Unlike other industries, the majority of construction installation cannot be built in other countries. You have to build roads and buildings on its final location – right here in the United States.

4

Those who choose a career in construction have a sense of accomplishment when they see their completed project. There is an immediate feedback showing productivity and a job well done which will last for generations to enjoy.

5

The construction industry is constantly evolving. Advanced technology on machines, computers, math and physics are all part of completing projects safer, more efficient and “greener.”

For Inquiries

Contact our Director of Workforce Development

Sara Breegemman

Get In Touch

9 + 4 =

{

The networking opportunities and professional relationships I’ve developed would have never happened without ABC Carolinas. I am proud to be a member of a trade organization that fights for its members.  I am constantly amazed at the pool of knowledge that surrounds me when I attend an ABCC function.  If you care about the construction industry, you should be a member of ABC Carolinas.

Mike Douglas
Samet Corporation
{

ABC Carolinas provide the perfect environment to network and connect with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers in the industry. Their focus on safety, workforce development and government affairs adds significant value to the construction industry in North Carolina and South Carolina. For Graycor, our investment and participation in ABC Carolinas continues to pay dividends and a solid return on investment.

Brian Gallagher
Graycor
{

ABC Carolinas sets the bar for Industry networking, engagement, training, and future success. The combination of general contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, and suppliers is second to none! Their commitment to welcoming every new Member company and introducing them to all the above is something you will not experience in any other group.

Karen Yoder
Catalyst Construction Company
{

The events that ABC of the Carolinas puts on are second to none! Lots of networking opportunities and great training programs to boot!

Sam Hayes
Landmark Construction
{

Not only is ABC the leader in our industry as it relates to Safety, Workforce Development, and the protection of the Merit Shop. It is also where I have found the highest quality subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to help us deliver the best projects to our clients. ABC Carolinas and its Members continue to lead the construction industry in every way.

Ryan Wathen
Rodgers Builders