LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (2023)

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (1)

INSULATORS
Apply insulation to pipes, tanks, boilers, ducts, refrigeration equipment and other surfaces requiring thermal control of temperatures. The responsibilities of these mechanics, improvers and apprentices also include the manufacture, fabrication, assembling, molding, erection, spraying, pouring, mixing, hanging, preparation, application, adjusting, alteration, repairing, dismantling, reconditioning, corrosive control, testing and maintenance of heat or frost insulation. Workers also handle insulation materials made of fiberglass, rubber calcium silicate and urethane. Insulators also handle the removal of asbestos-containing material.

Headquarters:
9602 Martin Luther King Highway
Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: 301-731-9101
www.insulators.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (2)

IUPAT
Members work in one or more of several crafts: painting, wallpaper hanging, glazing (glass work), drywall and taping, floor covering, and sign and display work. Painter and paperhangers work in industrial, commercial and residential setting, from bridges and ships to interior walls of office buildings and homes. Drywall finishers tape, fill in and smooth seams in sheets of drywall. Glaziers prepare and install various kinds of glass, mirrors, metal framing and doors/entrances to buildings. Floor coverers work with resilient floors, as well as carpet and decorative coverings. Exterior sign and display work, like billboards, is another choice. Other types of work are convention display and show decorators.

Headquarters:
7234 Parkway Drive
Hanover, MD 21076
Phone: 410-564-5900
www.iupat.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (3)

BAC
Represents all skilled trowel trades workers, including bricklayers, title setters, plasterers, cement masons, marble masons, restoration workers, stonemasons, helpers or finishers, terrazzo and mosaic workers. Their work includes buildings, homes, stadiums, monuments and landmarks throughout the United States and Canada.

(Video) NABTU 2021 Legislative Conference

Headquarters:
620 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-783-3788
www.bacweb.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (4)

TEAMSTERS
Members in the Building Material and Construction division are truck drivers who transport and haul material, merchandise, equipment or personnel between various locations – including construction sites, manufacturing plants, freight depots, warehouses, and wholesale and retail facilities. They may also load and unload, make mechanical repairs and keep trucks in good working order. Building material and construction Teamsters are employed in the following types of work: rigging, demolition work, landscaping, pipeline construction work, Redi-Mix, warehousing and building supply manufacturing. Teamsters have training programs in Boston, Las Vegas, Alaska, Minnesota, Illinois, California, New York, Ohio, West Virginia as well as a National Pipeline Training Program that is completely mobile and follows all major Pipeline projects.

Headquarters:
25 Louisiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-624-6800
www.teamster.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (5)

OPCMIA
Members represent skilled plasterers, cement masons, fireproofers, shophands, and associated members. Plasterers finish interior walls and ceilings of buildings and apply plaster on masonry, metal, wirelath or gypsum. Bridges, canals, dams, reservoirs, roads and many other engineering feats would be impossible without the skills of OPCMIA cement masons. Cement masons are responsible for all concrete construction, including pouring and finishing of slabs, steps, wall tops, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, paving and other concrete construction.

Headquarters:
9700 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 200
Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: 301-623-1000
www.opcmia.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (6)

IUEC
Represent the most qualified and trained elevator constructors in the world. Members assemble, install and replace elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walkways and similar equipment in new and old buildings. Elevator Constructors also maintain and repair this equipment once it is in service, as well as modernize older equipment.

Headquarters:
7154 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: 410-953-6150
www.iuec.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (7)

IBEW
The IBEW represents workers in the electrical industry including construction, gas and electric utilities, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroad, manufacturing and government. Construction and residential electricians work in all phases of the electrical construction and service industry. Their worksites range from single-family residences to state of the art industrial plants. Inside wire workers may install and maintain conduits, switches and converters, as well as wire lighting to complex systems incorporating computerization and current technology. Electricians work in the electric sign industry and increasingly perform more work in the installation of fiber optics and voice data video equipment.

Headquarters:
900 Seventh Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-833-7000
www.ibew.org

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LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (8)

UBC
Commercial and residential carpenters, floor layers, millwrights, pile drivers, interior systems carpenters, lathers, cabinetmakers and trade show carpenters. They build forms for concrete and frame buildings, walls, footings, and columns and stairs. Carpenters also install doors, windows, storefronts and hand-rails, and building cabinets, counter-tops and finished stair handrails. Carpenters must read blueprints, measure accurately and calculate dimensions.

Headquarters:
101 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001
www.carpenters.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (9)

SMART
Members work in a diverse range of industries. Sheet metal workers fabricate, install and service heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; blowpipe and industrial systems; metal roofing; coping and flashing; and stainless-steel work for restaurants, kitchens and hospitals. They build and install architectural sheet metal, wall panels, and prepare shop and field drawings with cutting edge technology. Members also provide HVAC and refrigeration service to residential customers while air balancers measure and ensure structures are energy efficient.

Headquarters:
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-662-0800
www.smart-union.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (10)

(Video) NABTU 2021 Legislative Conference Keynote

UA
A multi-craft union that represents plumbers and pipe, sprinkler, and refrigerator fitters, as well as service technicians. All of these jobs require installation, remodeling or maintenance of systems that carry water, steam, air and other liquids or gases necessary for sanitation, industrial production, heating and air conditioning, and many other uses. Workers measure, cut, and bend pipe, as well as weld, braze, caulk, solder, glue or thread joints at residential and commercial job sites.

Headquarters:
Three Park Place
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-269-2000
www.ua.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (11)

BOILERMAKERS
A diverse union representing workers throughout the United States and Canada who are employed in heavy industry, ship building, manufacturing, railroads, cement, mining and related industries. These skilled workers often use highly specialized equipment for welding, burning, cutting, rigging, layout and bolting. It’s hard work that requires both mental and physical dedication to the craft.

Headquarters:
753 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-371-2640
www.boilermakers.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (12)

ROOFERS
Roofers and Waterproofers remove existing roofs and install new roof systems using a variety of materials. Roofers install single-ply, built-up, steepslope, green technology and paver systems on commercial, industrial and residential structures. Waterproofers install moisture/ air-resistant products on below/above-grade structures and other surfaces to prevent water/air intrusion into buildings. Members also operate mechanical and electrical equipment associated with the installation of roofing and waterproofing products and the construction industry.

Headquarters:
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-463-7663
www.unionroofers.com

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (13)

LIUNA
Experienced Construction Craft Laborers that rely on a diverse set of skills on a wide variety of job sites. Members build roads, bridges, tunnels, transit, water, and energy systems as well as work on building, demolition, and renovation projects. Assist in the construction and maintenance of power plants and substations, dig trenches for lines, and repair roads after line installation, and build supporting infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines. LIUNA members are skilled in excavation, tending, scaffolding, concrete placement, environmental remediation, asbestos and lead abatement, flagging, power and hand tools, and general cleanup among a variety of other tasks. Through LIUNA Training’s Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship Program, members are prepared for a rewarding career in construction.

(Video) Save Our Apprenticeships: A Conversation with North America's Building Trades Unions Chief of Staff

Headquarters:
905 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-737-8320
www.liuna.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (14)

IRON WORKERS
Iron Workers assemble and erect steel framework and other metal parts in buildings and on bridges, dams, skyscrapers, factories and other steel structures. They raise, place and join steel girders and columns to form structural frameworks, including the welding for material decking. In addition, iron workers are responsible for the steel reinforcing of concrete construction. Iron workers fabricate and install ornamental, architectural and miscellaneous metal building components. They also install curtain wall under the umbrella of the Ornamental and Architectural Department.

Headquarters:
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-383-4800
www.ironworkers.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (15)

IUOE
A progressive, diversified trade union representing nearly 400,000 working men and women across the United States and Canada. Members are primarily operating engineers, who work as heavy equipment and crane operators, mechanics, and surveyors in the construction industry. After construction is complete, IUOE stationary engineers work to maintain the boilers, generators and heating and cooling systems that keep commercial and industrial complexes, schools and hospitals, and other large buildings and facilities running efficiently. Operating engineers also work on oil and gas pipelines and industries such as mining, dredging, and quarries.

Experienced, journey-level operating engineers and stationary engineers earn exceptional wages and benefits. Many of these journey-level Operating Engineers started their careers in the IUOE Apprenticeship Program.

Headquarters:
1125 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-429-9100
www.iuoe.org

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION TRADES - NABTU (16)

(Video) A View From North America's Building Trade Unions (NABTU) - Sean McGarvey, President, NABTU

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FAQs

What trades are covered within the construction sector? ›

Construction and trades
  • Acoustics consultant. Acoustician, acoustics engineer. ...
  • Architect. ...
  • Architectural technician. ...
  • Architectural technologist. ...
  • Boat builder. ...
  • Bricklayer. ...
  • Builders' merchant. ...
  • Building control officer.

Which trade is best in construction? ›

The 10 Best Construction Jobs For Your Career
  • Electrician. ...
  • Plumber. ...
  • Sheet Metal Worker. ...
  • Carpenter. ...
  • Equipment Operator. ...
  • Mason. ...
  • Glazier. ...
  • Solar Installer.
20 Mar 2020

What is a tradesperson in construction? ›

The role of a skilled tradesman is highly varied and ranges from working on new buildings to the maintenance of existing ones. On larger jobs, they work in a team, and, depending on the type of work, sometimes deal directly with clients. There's also the chance to work alongside other occupations.

What are the major trades? ›

What are the Skilled Trades?
  • Construction. which includes trades such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, heavy equipment operators and painters, among others.
  • Transportation. ...
  • Manufacturing. ...
  • Service.

What are the 4 types of construction? ›

The four key types of construction include residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure, which covers nearly every construction project.

What is the hardest construction trade? ›

A new survey of contractors and consumers found that roofing is perceived as the most physically demanding construction trade, while electrical work seems to be the most difficult to master.
...
Hardest to Master.
JobContractorsCustomers
Plumbing4%6%
Drywall & Insulation4%3%
Cleaning3%>3%
Flooring3%>3%
10 more rows
15 Jan 2020

What is the easiest trade in construction? ›

But if you ask around, especially among men and women who have worked in several different construction fields, opinions as to what trade careers require the least physical labor generally fall into two camps: plumbers and electricians. Both positions have similar advantages.

What is the highest paid trade? ›

The Highest-Paid Trade Jobs
  • Radiation Therapists. ...
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologists. ...
  • Dental Hygienists. ...
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians. ...
  • Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians. ...
  • Boilermakers. ...
  • Construction and Building Inspectors. ...
  • Electricians.

What is the highest paying job in construction? ›

5 of the Highest Paying Careers in Construction
  • Construction Managers. Average Salary: $98,990. ...
  • Elevator Installers and Repairers. Average Salary: $97,860. ...
  • Electricians. Average Salary: $60,040. ...
  • Plumbers. Average Salary: $59,880. ...
  • Construction Equipment Operators. Average Salary: $48,920. ...
  • ZipRecruiter.
20 May 2022

What are the different types of construction Labour? ›

The labourers are divided into three categories: unskilled, skilled and specialized. The majority of the labourers here are 'unskilled' and help in masonry work. The skilled labourers are masons and have higher status in this hierarchy.

How many different skilled trades are there? ›

With over 150 designated trades in Ontario to choose from, no matter what your passion is, there's a trade for you.

What are the 4 main sectors of skilled trades? ›

CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE SKILLED TRADES

To help you better understand which trade best fits your abilities, the skilled trades have been categorized into four main sectors: Construction, Motive Power, Industrial, and Service .

How many trades are needed to build a house? ›

Sounds like the classic joke: “How many engineers does it take to change a light bulb?” A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders in the United States has determined that builders use an average of 22 sub trades to construct a house.

What is a skilled tradesman? ›

Skilled trades are occupations that require a special skill, knowledge or ability which can be obtained at a college, technical school or through specialized training. Skilled trades provide an alternative to jobs that require four years of college education.

What is Type 6 construction? ›

TYPE IA (ISO 6): The main structural elements are noncombustible. Examples of these materials would be masonry and concrete. Basically, all concrete construction.

What are the 3 types of contractors? ›

The 3 Types of Contractors
  • General Contractors. The term “general contractor” is used in two ways, in my experience. ...
  • Turn-Key (Specialty) Services. If you don't like the idea of paying someone to manage your schedules and hire sub-contractors, you can do this work yourself. ...
  • Freelance Workers.

How can I make more money in construction? ›

5 Ways to Make More Money on Your Next Construction Job
  1. Get better at bidding on jobs. Bidding on jobs takes time but it's important. ...
  2. Get the most out of your crew. ...
  3. Consider the total cost of tools and equipment, not just the purchase price. ...
  4. Care for your tools. ...
  5. Waste less material.
4 Jan 2022

Is working in construction stressful? ›

Just like any other worker, construction workers and laborers have their share of mental stress on the job. Long hours, being away from home and dealing with physically demanding work can take a toll on a worker's mental health.

What trade is in high demand right now? ›

What Trades Are Always in Demand? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar energy systems installers, respiratory therapists, ultrasound technologists, aircraft technicians, and construction managers are seeing the highest growth rate percentage from 2020 to 2030.

What is the shortest trade to learn? ›

Fast Track Certificates – Trades You Can Learn in 6 Months or Less
  • Flight Attendant. 2020 Median Salary: $59,050. Quickest Program Length: 3 weeks. ...
  • Electrician. 2020 Median Salary: $56,900. ...
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. 2020 Median Salary: $50,590. ...
  • Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide.

What are the quickest skilled trades to learn? ›

Quick trade jobs to learn include truck drivers, medical coders, and personal trainers. Trade school enrollment has surged as college enrollment dropped in recent years. Demand for trade jobs such as trucking has caused governments to relax licensure requirements.

What trade makes the most money 2022? ›

The Top 10 High Paying Trade Jobs
  • Aircraft Mechanic. $66,440. ...
  • Home Inspector. $63,150. ...
  • Cable/Fiber Optics Tech. $61,470. ...
  • Electrician. $56,900. ...
  • Plumber. $56,330. ...
  • Civil Engineer Tech. $54,080. ...
  • HVAC Technician. $50,590. ...
  • Pipefitter. $43,210.

What trade can I learn at 40? ›

Great Career Change Jobs at 40 in the Skilled Trades
Skilled TradeHVAC/R TechnicianWelder
BenefitsActive work. Helping people stay comfortable and healthy. Daily variety in work settings when making service calls.Active Work. Outdoor Work. Contributing to the production of fifty percent of American- made goods.
4 more rows
23 Oct 2019

What trade can I learn in 6 months? ›

6-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well
  • Real Estate Agent. Selling real estate has limitless potential, and you can get started quickly. ...
  • Commercial Truck Driver. ...
  • Phlebotomy Tech. ...
  • HVAC Tech. ...
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) ...
  • Personal Trainer. ...
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

What jobs pay the most money without a degree? ›

Here are the highest paying jobs without a college degree:
  • Patrol Officer.
  • Executive Assistant.
  • Sales Representative.
  • Flight Attendant.
  • Electrician.
  • Plumber.
  • Wind Turbine Technician.

What is a contractor salary? ›

The average salary for a contractor is £116,939 per year in London. 85 salaries reported, updated at 27 October 2022. Is this useful?

What are the seven types of construction? ›

Types Of Construction Projects
  • Residential Building Project.
  • Private Project.
  • Commercial Project.
  • Industrial Project.
  • State Construction Project.
  • Infrastructure and Heavy Construction Project.
  • Federal Construction Project.
12 Dec 2021

What is a construction worker called? ›

Construction workers (also known as construction laborers) work on construction sites. They are responsible for a number of on-site tasks, such as removing debris, erecting scaffolding, loading and unloading building materials, and assisting with operating heavy equipment.

What is the best trade to apprentice in? ›

Highest-paid apprenticeships
  • Plumber apprentice.
  • Electrician apprentice.
  • Carpenter apprentice.
  • Brick mason.
  • Automotive technician.
  • Ironworker.
  • Machinist.
  • Solar installer.

What are the different types of tradies? ›

Here are 5 types of tradespeople that may need to be insured and the kinds of cover they may need most.
  • Sparkies. If you're an electrician you know how important it is to take steps to steer clear of nasty shocks. ...
  • Plumbers. ...
  • Chippies. ...
  • Gardeners. ...
  • Painters.
6 Sept 2018

What apprenticeships can you do in construction? ›

Construction apprenticeships are expanding

Building services engineering technician. Building services engineering site management. Civil engineering site management. Construction design management.

What is the highest paying job in construction? ›

5 of the Highest Paying Careers in Construction
  • Construction Managers. Average Salary: $98,990. ...
  • Elevator Installers and Repairers. Average Salary: $97,860. ...
  • Electricians. Average Salary: $60,040. ...
  • Plumbers. Average Salary: $59,880. ...
  • Construction Equipment Operators. Average Salary: $48,920. ...
  • ZipRecruiter.
20 May 2022

What are the most in demand positions in construction? ›

Hard To Fill Craftsmen Roles

Craft professionals are most in-demand, and the hardest positions to fill are carpenters, sheet metal installers, and concrete workers.

What is the highest paying trade job? ›

The Highest-Paid Trade Jobs
  • Radiation Therapists. ...
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologists. ...
  • Dental Hygienists. ...
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians. ...
  • Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians. ...
  • Boilermakers. ...
  • Construction and Building Inspectors. ...
  • Electricians.

How long is a builders apprenticeship? ›

The average length of time is 3-4 years.

It is common to change employers to gain the necessary skills to complete your apprenticeship.

Why are apprenticeships important in construction? ›

Construction apprenticeships are generally a great way of building up work skills, getting valuable on-site experience and gaining a knowledge of the industry first hand – setting you up for a future in construction.

What is a CITB apprenticeship? ›

A CITB Apprenticeship combines on-site experience with college learning to provide the right balance of training and real life experience.

What is the easiest job in construction? ›

But if you ask around, especially among men and women who have worked in several different construction fields, opinions as to what trade careers require the least physical labor generally fall into two camps: plumbers and electricians. Both positions have similar advantages.

How do you move up in construction? ›

9 Tips to Advance Your Career in the Construction Industry
  1. Have a “Can-Do” Attitude. ...
  2. Stay as Long as it Takes. ...
  3. Focus on Quality. ...
  4. Stay on Time and on Budget. ...
  5. Be Obsessed with Safety. ...
  6. Build Relationships in the Construction Industry. ...
  7. Expand Your Responsibility. ...
  8. Innovate.
1 Jan 2018

What jobs pay the most money without a degree? ›

Here are the highest paying jobs without a college degree:
  • Patrol Officer.
  • Executive Assistant.
  • Sales Representative.
  • Flight Attendant.
  • Electrician.
  • Plumber.
  • Wind Turbine Technician.

What are the 10 fastest growing careers in the construction industry? ›

The 10 fastest growing careers in the construction industry are:
  • Solar Photovoltaic Installers — 105% growth through 2026.
  • Plumbers — 16% growth through 2026.
  • Ironworkers — 13% growth through 2026.
  • Construction Laborers — 13% growth through 2026.
  • Construction Equipment Operators — 12% growth through 2026.
17 Jan 2018

Are contractors in high demand right now? ›

The construction industry in California is booming. Demand for property in cities across the state continues to grow. This is driving the need for AEC firms to hire skilled professionals. This demand will create unlimited opportunities for construction professionals looking to level up.

What skills does a construction worker need? ›

Must-Have Construction Skills
  • Physical strength and stamina. ...
  • Manual dexterity and coordination. ...
  • Strong reading and math skills. ...
  • Building and mechanical knowledge. ...
  • Excellent vision and depth perception.
7 Dec 2020

What is the easiest trade to get into? ›

Quick trade jobs to learn include truck drivers, medical coders, and personal trainers. Trade school enrollment has surged as college enrollment dropped in recent years. Demand for trade jobs such as trucking has caused governments to relax licensure requirements.

Which trade is most in demand? ›

There are quite a few skilled trades that are set to remain in high demand over the next 10 years in these outlooks, including:
  • Electricians.
  • Welders.
  • Plumbers.
  • Home inspectors.
  • Aircraft mechanics.
  • HVAC technicians.
  • Diesel technicians.
  • Construction managers.

What is the quickest trade to learn? ›

Fast Track Certificates – Trades You Can Learn in 6 Months or Less
  • Flight Attendant. 2020 Median Salary: $59,050. Quickest Program Length: 3 weeks. ...
  • Electrician. 2020 Median Salary: $56,900. ...
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. 2020 Median Salary: $50,590. ...
  • Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide.

Videos

1. President Trump Speaks At The 2017 NABTU National Legislative Conference | TIME
(TIME)
2. CORE Communication 1
(North America's Building Trades)
3. President Trump at NABTU
(CBS News)
4. 2021 May Tradeswomen Tuesday
(Build A Life MA)
5. President Biden Delivers Remarks at the NABTU 2022 Legislative Conference
(The White House)
6. Returning to the Job Site
(Milwaukee Tool)
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