Career And College Prep

Construction

Build a Bright Future

From robotics to engineering, the world of manufacturing is filled with in-demand professions focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Prepare to enter this high-tech world straight out of high school. Click here to review Destination’s Construction pathway core courses.

Which pathways are offered?

Construction—This pathway prepares students to enter careers in the residential and commercial sectors of the industry.

Heavy Machine Operations Pre-Apprenticeship—This pathway prepares students to enter an apprenticeship training program to become a journeyman operating engineer in the construction industry. Operating engineers work as heavy equipment operators, mechanics, or surveyors. They work with a variety of construction equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, excavators, forklifts, front end loaders, and backhoes.

STEM—Engineering Technology—This pathway allows students to explore occupations that are possible with a high school degree and training in manufacturing, construction, and education in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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.

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Who is Destinations partnering with for the heavy machine operations pre-apprenticeship pathway?

This pathway is a cooperative effort with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 and Fox Valley Technical College.

  • International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 139 is a statewide organization that serves all of Wisconsin’s heavy operating equipment needs.
  • 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.

What types of jobs can my student learn about and prepare for?*

Some of the jobs include:

  • Operating engineers of heavy equipment, including:
    • Cranes
    • Dozers
    • Scrapers
    • Loaders
    • Motor graders
    • Tractor loader backhoes
    • Excavators
    • Rollers
    • Pavers
    • Concrete plants and mixers
    • Compressors
    • Pumps
  • Engineer
  • Contractor
  • Surveying and mapping technician
  • Job site supervisor and manager
  • Facility maintenance manager
  • Service technician
  • Architect
  • Project manager

*Some of these jobs require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.

engineers working
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What could my future look like in this career field?**

K12002

**Data is from Lightcast and is updated frequently.

Which industry-recognized, in-demand certifications and exams can my student prepare for?

  • Microsoft Office Specialist
  • Heavy Machine Operators Pre-Apprenticeship Certification
  • Work-Based Learning Certifications:
    • Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate
    • Wisconsin Youth Leadership Skills Certificate
    • Youth Apprenticeship Certification—Construction