Expo2Go: Careers in Construction and Architecture

Fast facts on jobs in construction and architecture:

Oregon’s construction sector is growing fast to meet the region’s demand for new development.
The skilled trades offer an excellent pathway to middle-class jobs and supervisory positions.
Educational options include community college, paid apprenticeships or a four-year university.

Dig Deeper:

UA Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program: Check out this resource on sprinkler fitter careers.
More Than Hammers and Nails: Check out this Worksource resource on construction careers.
Hear from others who found amazing opportunities in the trades and construction.
Check out local resources from Build-Oregon including a Construction Career Map.
Explore career pathways, learn professional development skills, search for colleges, and undertake self-directed activities with the ACE Mentor Program's student resources.
Get more information including industry profiles on electricians, laborers, plumbers and more in Building Futures Magazine.
Hear firsthand about architecture as a career here and here.
Find out how architecture is a critical part of social justice as part of Design Justice.
Listen to Mike Rowe's speech to recent graduates of trade schools and to high school planning to in into trades.
Share what you learned with your peers on social media by using the hashtag #PWAExpo2Go

Leading employers in construction and architecture:

Oh planning+design, architecture: Woman-owned firm specializing in school projects such as Reynolds High, Kellogg Middle School and Cesar Chavez Elementary School.

Fortis Construction: Construction company with major projects in education, health care and data centers.

Hoffman Construction: Construction company with major projects at the University of Oregon, Intel, OHSU and across the Northwest.

Andersen Construction: Construction company with major projects including the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building. Leader in multifamily, cross-laminated timber, other key areas.

CBRE | Heery: Full-service firm offering design, build, engineering and management services. Major local projects include managing PPS’ modernization efforts.

Emerick Construction: Contractor specializing in civil projects such as fire stations, police headquarters, seismic retrofitting and schools. Replaced the iconic PDX carpet. See highlights from the field: click here to watch a few video interviews at Emerick Construction sites.

Howard S. Wright: Balfour Beaty-owned construction company with major local projects including the Edith Green-Wendall Wyatt federal building and the UO Student Recreation Center. PWA Career Day host. Built the Space Needle.

JE Dunn: Construction company with major local projects including the Collaborative Life Sciences Building and upgrades to the Portland International Airport.

OEG: Electrical contracting company owned by MDU Construction Services. Major local projects include the Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, First Tech Credit Union headquarters and the OHSU Center for Health and Healing.

Build Oregon / Associated General Contractors (Oregon-Columbia chapter): Trade association representing the commercial construction industry. Supports workforce development and assists with training, safety, legislative issues and labor relations. Learn more here.

Pence Construction: General contractor specializing in areas including senior living, recreation facilities, schools, credit unions and more.

Performance Contracting, Inc.: Specialty contractor that offers services and products to the industrial, commercial and non-residential markets. Employee-owned company with more than 40 offices nationwide.

Todd Construction: Among the top 20 general construction contractors in Portland and Southwest Washington. Iconic projects include: Portland Trail Blazers practice gym, Multnomah Falls Lodge (renovated), and the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene.

Turner Construction: Contractor with major projects including the Hassolo on Eighth, the Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend, and the Providence Park expansion (home of the Timbers). Won General Contractor of the Year in 2019 (DJC).

Skanska: Fifth largest project development and construction company in the world, with a Portland office. Local projects include Franklin High School, Banfield Pet Hospital HQ and the new Jefferson County Courthouse.

Walsh Construction: Construction company focused on building smart, building green, and building community. Nearly 30% of employees have been with the company more than 10 years.

Leading colleges, unions and apprenticeship training centers:

Portland Community College- Apprenticeship and Trades: PCC Apprenticeships’ offer the opportunity to earn while you learn and become a highly paid, skilled worker with potential for long-term stability and growth into management positions. All apprenticeship classes are held at the Swan Island Trades Center.

IUOE Local 701: Represents heavy equipment operators, heavy duty repairers, technical engineers and stationary engineers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Supports multiple apprenticeship and training opportunities and has a new heavy equipment simulator.

Oregon Laborers Apprenticeship / Local 737: Union members work for one of the Oregon Laborers Apprenticeship 250 partner employers. Union Laborers typically earn good wages, healthcare and a retirement benefit.

Pacific NW Carpenters Institute / PNW Council of Carpenters: PNCI provides apprenticeship and journeyman training in trades including carpenter, millwright, drywaller and pile driver. The Regional Council represents different crafts and trades, supporting members in areas such as wages, benefits and working conditions.