Construction

Commercial electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in commercial buildings, such as offices, schools, and factories. They ensure electrical systems comply with building codes and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install wiring, control, and lighting systems in commercial structures.
• Read blueprints and technical diagrams.
• Maintain and repair electrical systems, including troubleshooting.
• Adhere to safety standards and building codes.
• Install circuit breakers, outlets, and transformers.

Career Pathways:

• Entry-Level: Electrician apprentice, working under a licensed electrician.
• Mid-Level: Journeyman electrician after passing a licensing exam.
• Advanced: Master electrician or electrical contractor, which involves running their own business or supervising teams.

Education:

• Training at a local community college or other training provider along with the possibility of an apprenticeship
• Licensure required, typically through a state licensing exam.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. In data centers, HVAC technicians play a critical role in maintaining optimal temperatures to ensure server and equipment performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install and service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Perform preventive maintenance to ensure efficient operation of HVAC systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair malfunctioning HVAC units.
• For data center HVAC techs: Manage and optimize cooling systems in data centers to prevent equipment overheating.
• Follow safety protocols and comply with building codes and environmental regulations.

Career Pathways:

• Entry-Level: HVAC apprentice or technician-in-training.
• Mid-Level: HVAC technician or data center HVAC technician.
• Advanced: Senior HVAC technician, HVAC supervisor, or facility manager in data centers or large facilities.

Education:

• Training from a local community college or other training provider
• Certification from agencies like NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or EPA Section 608 for handling refrigerants is typically required.

Construction technicians assist in building physical infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and specialized infrastructure for IT networks such as data centers and fiber optic installations. Their work often involves collaborating with engineers, electricians, and other trades.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the installation of physical structures, such as conduits, fiber optic cables, and electrical systems.
• Read blueprints and follow technical plans to meet project specifications.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and building regulations.
• Operate tools and machinery required for construction tasks.
• Collaborate with other construction workers and engineers to complete projects on time.

Career Pathways:

• Entry-Level: Construction laborer or technician.
• Mid-Level: Construction technician or site supervisor.
• Advanced: Construction manager, project manager, or site engineer.

Education:

• Training from a local community college or other training provider
• On-the-job training or apprenticeships.

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain water and sewage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In data centers, industrial plumbers are responsible for specialized liquid cooling systems, ensuring the equipment remains at optimal temperatures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install and repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and appliances that require water connections.
• Read blueprints and technical drawings to determine the layout of plumbing systems.
• Inspect plumbing systems to ensure compliance with safety and building codes.
• For data center plumbers: Maintain liquid cooling systems to ensure efficient temperature control for equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs on plumbing infrastructure.

Career Pathways:

• Entry-Level: Apprentice plumber or plumbing assistant.
• Mid-Level: Journeyman plumber or industrial plumber specializing in data center systems.
• Advanced: Master plumber, plumbing contractor, or facilities manager.

Education:

• Training at a local community college, other training provider, or business. Apprenticeships may be an option
• Licensing is required, which typically involves passing a state or local exam.
• Additional certifications may be required for specialized fields, such as liquid cooling systems for data centers.
• Apprenticeship programs are required to gain journeyman status.

Heavy equipment operators use machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and cranes to perform tasks such as digging, grading, and material handling at construction sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate heavy machinery to move earth and materials.
• Inspect equipment and perform maintenance.
• Follow safety protocols and worksite procedures.
• Collaborate with construction teams to complete projects efficiently.

Career Pathways:

• Entry-Level: Operator-in-training or apprentice.
• Mid-Level: Experienced equipment operator specializing in specific machinery.
• Advanced: Foreman, site supervisor, or equipment trainer.

Education:

• Training at a local community college or other training provider, possibly along with apprenticeship

Construction engineers manage construction projects by overseeing the design, planning, and execution. They blend civil engineering principles with project management to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, and oversee construction projects, such as bridges, roads, and buildings.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure safety and environmental standards are met.
• Manage project budgets and timelines.
• Solve engineering and logistical problems during construction.

Career Pathways:

• Entry-Level: Assistant project manager or site engineer.
• Mid-Level: Construction engineer or project manager.
• Advanced: Senior construction engineer, construction manager, or director of construction.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction engineering or civil engineering.
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be required for career advancement.
• Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) are beneficial.