A career in construction is challenging, exciting, and rewarding all at the same time.

These Career Profiles are just a snapshot of what Keystone Center offers, and what a career in each field looks like. Here you’ll find valuable information about booming construction careers in PA as well as what skills it takes to be successful.

Our apprenticeship program allows you to develop valuable skills in your chosen construction field while learning from the best in the industry every step of the way. We go further by matching you with the right apprenticeship programs in PA for continued success. Our programs offer the skills you need to be successful in the job market – from hands-on instruction to HVAC and electrical apprenticeship programs to name a few.

Learn more about a career in construction below:

CARPENTER

A career in carpentry is perfect for the individual who loves working with both his or her mind and hands. Carpenters install and help to fix structures, including office buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and more. Carpentry requires training in blueprint reading, math, building code requirements, and safety.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Dexterity, physical fitness, sense of balance, math skills

CONSTRUCTION LABORER

Construction Craft Laborers (CCL) perform many basic tasks on construction sites and mostly work full time. They must be able to operate many types of tools, instruments, and equipment as they work on jobsites that may change daily. From building bridges to demolition, CCLs will always be in high demand in the ever-expanding construction industry.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance.

ELECTRICIAN

Electricians design lighting systems, install sound systems, repair wiring, and more. Many work with complex systems, requiring mental acuity and attention to detail. Training to become an electrician requires learning how to connect wires, use specialized equipment like voltmeters and oscilloscopes, and education in scientific and math skills and safety.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, good eyesight (including color vision)

HVAC TECHNICIAN

There are many things HVAC technicians might do, from installing heating and air systems, retrofitting duct work, working with refrigeration, or installing efficient energy systems like photovoltaics and geothermal technology. In order to be a successful HVAC technician, in addition to being handy, one also needs to have good personal relations skills, as talking with home and business owners is likely.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Math skills, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, personable attitude

PLUMBER

Plumbers have a wide variety of responsibilities. They assemble pipes, fittings, and valves, locate and detect leaks in plumbing systems, and install appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and oxygen and medical gas in hospitals. Successful plumbers are active listeners, have mathematics skills, and know how to troubleshoot and repair often-complex systems.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Attention to detail, dexterity, math skills, and organizational skills.

SHEET METAL WORKER

For those interested in problem-solving, puzzles, working with their hands, and maybe even a little technical expertise, sheet metal working may be a great fit. These craftpeople cut and form sheets of metal into various types of products, including ductwork. Some sheet metal shops are now automated with computers, so a bit of tech knowledge is helpful to those considering this skilled trade.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Mechanical aptitude, mathematics skills, dexterity, hand-eye coordination

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Heavy Equipment Operators drive, operate and maintain dump trucks, bulldozers or other vehicles classified as heavy machinery and 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. Classes through ABC Keystone’s Heavy Equipment Operator apprenticeship program are held at the LCCTC – Brownstown Campus.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, attention to detail, math skills, mechanical aptitude