Industry CategoriesDay in the Life Video
Construction
Construction is the second-largest industry in the nation, employing about 7 million workers. It contributes about 5% of all domestic U.S. economic activity and accounts for nearly 10% of all businesses - mostly small, privately owned firms.
The industry has grown and changed tremendously over time. Today, construction is not just about bricks and mortar and hammers and nails. Contractors use high-tech tools and machinery to build highly sophisticated facilities such as hospitals, industrial plants or research laboratories. The industry comprises more than just laborers. Talented people are needed to fill jobs at architecture and engineering firms and in all types of positions at construction companies. What does unite this group is the rewarding ability to walk through their town, city or state and say, "I built that." 
Industry EducationA wide range of opportunities exist in the industry, both for high-school graduates who want to go directly into the workforce and learn a trade, and those who want to go to college. * Laborers often train under a skilled worker to learn a trade. * Trade unions offer apprenticeship programs with a combination of classroom training and hands-on learning. * Managers are often required to have a four-year degree in a related program such as construction, construction science, construction management or construction technology. 
Did You Know?
Government statistics show that construction is the only goods-producing industry that can expect to see employment growth in coming years.
One million jobs will be added to the industry by 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Empire State Building took just one year and 45 days to build.
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