Construction & Engineering
Build, create, solve problems, and explore careers that shape the world around us. The Construction & Engineering Pathway at Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin connects students with career-focused coursework, industry experiences, and opportunities to build skills for life after high school.
Click here to review Destination’s Construction pathway core courses.
Explore Our Sub-Pathways
Skilled Trades
Explore careers in construction and the skilled trades while developing knowledge of industry tools, safety, processes, and career opportunities.
Explore the Skilled Trades Sub-Pathway here!
Operating Engineer
Explore careers involving heavy equipment, construction operations, maintenance, surveying, and related fields.
Explore the Operating Engineer Sub-Pathway here!
Engineering
Explore engineering careers through problem solving, design, technology, and real-world applications of STEM.
Explore the Engineering Sub-Pathway here!
Production Printing
Explore careers in printing and graphic communications while learning about the technology, equipment, processes, and production systems used to turn ideas into finished products.
Explore the Production Printing Sub-Pathway here!
Brent Johnson, a career readiness teacher at Destinations, discusses the need for high school-level training in the construction industry and other trades. Brent prepares students for applying for and taking on skilled trade jobs after they graduation high school.
Click here to explore Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin’s Construction & Engineering courses
Construction Academy
Take Your Skilled Trades Experience Further
The Construction Academy is a cohort-based opportunity for students interested in taking their skilled trades experience to the next level.
Construction Academy students connect coursework with real-world industry experiences while building skills, earning credentials, exploring careers, and developing relationships with professionals across Wisconsin’s construction industry.
Students have opportunities to:
- Work toward the nationally recognized MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness certification
- Earn industry-recognized credentials
- Participate in hands-on career-connected experiences
- Explore multiple skilled trades
- Connect with employers, unions, training centers, and industry professionals
- Track experiences and accomplishments through the Construction Academy Badge Book
Operating Engineer Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Through a partnership with Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139 and Fox Valley Technical College, students can begin preparing for careers in operating engineering while still in high school.
Students have opportunities to complete coursework aligned with Registered Apprenticeship, explore careers involving heavy equipment and construction operations, and earn advanced standing credit.
Courses & Opportunities
- Heavy Equipment Explorations
- Heavy Equipment Fundamentals
- Basic Grade and Construction Math
- Mobile Equipment Maintenance
- CDL Prep
- Advanced Standing Credit opportunities
- Career-connected experiences with industry professionals
Learning Goes Beyond the Classroom
Construction & Engineering students have opportunities to connect what they learn in their courses with the industries and careers they are exploring.
Experiences may include:
- Hands-on career experiences
- Training center and industry visits
- Career exploration events
- Industry demonstrations
- Employer and industry connections
- Job shadows and workplace learning
- Guest speakers and industry professionals
*Opportunities vary based on location, grade level, program, and availability.
Graduate With More Than a Diploma
Depending on their courses and program participation, Construction & Engineering students may have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and career-readiness certifications, including:
- OSHA certifications
- MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Certification
- Operating Engineers Pre-Apprentice Certification
- Employability Skills Accredited Certificate
- Youth Leadership Skills Accredited Certificate
- Additional industry credentials connected to coursework and career interests
Where Could Your Future Take You?
Construction & Engineering can lead to careers across a wide range of industries.
Skilled Trades
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- HVAC Technician
- Welder
- Other Skilled Trades
Operating Engineer
- Operating Engineer
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Equipment Technician
- Surveying & Mapping Technician
Engineering
- Engineer
- Engineering Technician
- Mechanical Designer
- CAD Technician
- Other Engineering Careers
Production Printing
- Print Production Specialist
- Press Operator
- Prepress Technician
- Graphic Production Specialist
- Print and Finishing Technician
Some careers require additional education, training, certifications, or licensure after high school.
Explore Construction & Engineering
Discover the courses and opportunities available through the Construction & Engineering Pathway at Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin.
What could my future look like in this career field?**
**Data is from Lightcast and is updated frequently.
Destinations Career Academy’s Operating Engineers Pathway is a collaborative effort of Wisconsin Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 139) supported by the International Union of Operating Engineers National Training Fund.
Destination Career Academy partners with the International Union of Engineering Operators and its Wisconsin affiliate, Local 139. This collaboration is essential for our staff and helps ensure high school students excel in the classroom and receive support and guidance immediately upon graduation. This partnership is seven (7) years in the making and the Local 139 team is absolutely wonderful to work with.
Destination Career Academy partners with the International Union of Engineering Operators and its Wisconsin affiliate, Local 139. The invaluable consideration for our staff and our students to be successful in their classrooms while in high school, as well as ensuring support and guidance as soon as a student graduates. This partnership is seven (7) years in the making, and the Local 139 team is absolutely wonderful to work with.
Fox Valley Technical College offers services from a variety of campus locations, regional centers, and training sites. Many online learning options are also available, plus blended options that combine online learning with hands-on instruction. Students may earn college credit for IUOE courses.