Career Cluster Construction
From single-family homes to Boston's "Big Dig," the construction industry relies on the work of skilled workers with a variety of different types of expertise. Students in Construction Craft Laborer programs learn the tools and techniques used for building construction, highway and land development, utilities projects, and environmental projects such as hazardous materials removal and erosion control. Training introduces students to the building trades including carpentry, electricity, masonry, plumbing, welding, glazing and plastering as well as blueprint reading and other important skills.
Standards are critical areas of competency aligned to industry identified skills and Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) that will support student success in the field. Standards provide the structure that empowers the teacher to choose the best curriculum and instructional approaches to guide skill and knowledge development for students. IRCs demonstrate standards and skills that strengthen student access to careers upon graduation. Each framework identifies at least one essential safety and essential industry credential, with supplemental and specialized credentials identified to help expand opportunities.
The following resources are provided to support educators in developing curriculum and delivering instruction related to this framework.
The following Scope and Sequence template is a planning tool for CTE programs to map out a coherent 4-year progression of courses, content, and skills in alignment with the Massachusetts CTE Frameworks.
The following Math Lesson and Teachers Guide provide an illustration of how a specific math concept is used in the context of career application. Visit the Math Resources tab for more information about Career Connected Math.
Thinking about a career in Construction Craft Laborer? Whether you're a student exploring your options or a family member supporting their journey, the resources below can help you find a program near you and learn more about what to expect from a Massachusetts CTE program.
For CTE Chapter 74 programs, instructors can refer to these resources in developing the 900+ hours of required learning time.
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Roles listed below are career pathways from the essential credentials identified in this framework. Annual Openings are opportunities for employment in the field each year due to attrition or retirements, median wage reflects all wages for the job title, and new jobs are the number of newly created positions in the field year over year.
Qualified teachers will hold a Career Technical Teacher License in Construction Craft.
Last Updated: May 26, 2026