Construction & Skilled Trades

Construction & Skilled Trades_Gallegos apprentice
About the Pathway

A career in construction and skilled trades offers dynamic, hands-on work and long-term growth. Starting as apprentices, individuals build foundational skills through on-the-job training and classroom instruction in areas like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC. After completing apprenticeships, they achieve journeyman status, gaining independence and managing more complex tasks. With experience and certifications, they can advance to master status, becoming experts in their field.

Many tradespeople move into supervisory roles, such as foreman or project manager, coordinating teams, managing safety and timelines, and working with clients. Further advancement can lead to business ownership or senior management. This career path emphasizes experience and skill, offering stability, specialization, and job satisfaction through tangible results. Construction jobs constitute 11.4 % of the workforce in Eagle County. 

Construction careers are well-suited to people who value hands-on work, stability, and the satisfaction of creating something lasting…literally helping to build community.

Learning & Training Resources

Construction Trades Supervisor

Electrician

Maintenance Engineer

Getting Started 

Students interested in entering this pathway can explore the following courses during their high school tenure and also apply for apprenticeship, internship, job shadow, and employment opportunities. Students should begin by talking with their school counselor to ensure they have room in their high school course load. From there, counselors will connect students with a CareerX team member to assess their interests and determine a placement for them.

  • CORE & Carpentry 1 & 2 at Eagle Valley High School
  • Automotive (7 Certifications) at Eagle Valley High School
  • CORE & HVAC 1-4 at R & H Mechanical in Eagle
  • CORE at both Red Canyon High Schools (East & West)

Adults interested in entering this pathway can obtain on the job training with certain employers. Some experience and skills training are necessary to start which can be obtained at the program links above and through Colorado Mountain College’s Skilled Trades and Applied Technologies courses. Adult registered apprenticeships for these pathways are in development and can be discussed by contacting Christy Beidel at the Vail Valley Partnership.

Career Options with Salary Range
  • Supervisor: $82,230
  • Stone Mason: $49,540
  • Plumber: $57,730
  • Electrician: $64,630
  • Maintenance Engineer
Featured Employers

Employers offering quality jobs play a vital role in supporting economic growth and stability by providing fair wages, career advancement opportunities, and a positive work environment, attracting talent and contributing to a thriving community.