Consider the following key points when discussing career options with your sons and daughters:

Construction is a career that offers:

• A future. Think about it! There will always be a need for new buildings, roads, bridges and other large structures. Don't even mention repairing and upgrading our existing buildings and infrastructure!
• Great pay and benefits. Construction workers at all levels in Washington State make good money. Plus, the construction industry offers great benefits such as health/dental and pension plans.
• Exciting and challenging work using the latest tools and technologies. Don't let anybody tell you it's just about shovels and a sore back! (We're busting those construction myths buddy!)

The future looks very good for the construction industry. We are expecting a 10% growth in construction jobs over the next 10 years. Industry growth, plus the need to replace retiring workers adds up to plenty of opportunity for young people entering the job market. Construction offers a wide variety of high interest career paths.

Construction management is one area in particular that is expected to grow dramatically. Don't believe me? Just check the jobs section of the Sunday Seattle Times or other Washington state papers and see for yourself.

While you are there check out opportunities for skilled crafts jobs like carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and others. These are high paying jobs that cannot be sent overseas and will never be replaced by technology.

Whether or not your child wants a career that involves a four year college degree, he/she will need to obtain some form of POST-SECONDARY TRAINING (that is, something after high school) to land a good job. (Check out our list of construction training and college programs currently offered in Washington State)

However you cut it, construction offers exciting potential for someone interested in building a career from the ground up.