Plan The Future
Elementary School
Back To: Construction Academy
Students in grades K-5 can learn more about construction through books, hands-on activities, coloring pages, and fun videos.
Click to Find Construction Coloring Pages and More Resources
Middle School
Back To: Construction Academy
Explore the different crafts in the construction industry based on interests
Research technical high schools in the area. Speak with guidance counselors to find out the different course offerings and what steps to take to enroll.
High School
Back to: Construction Academy
Students grades 9-12 can explore the construction industry through our provided tips and education videos detailing how to start a career in construction.
Freshman/Sophomore
Enroll in career and technical education (CTE) courses with a construction or architecture focus. High school guidance counselors can provide information about which CTE courses are offered and what steps students need to take to enroll.
Research the difference between apprenticeship or craft training programs, technical or community colleges and four-year degrees. Students may be able to join a pre-apprenticeship once they are 16-years old to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Juniors
Enroll in or continue taking career and technical education (CTE) classes with a construction or architecture focus.
Discuss the differences between apprenticeship or craft training programs, technical or community colleges, and four-year degrees. Students planning on pursuing a four-year degree related to construction management should take the SAT or ACT to prepare for college applications.
Locate local pre-apprenticeship or craft training programs for on-the-job experience.
Explore the possible crafts and salaries available in the construction industry.
Seniors
Ensure students are on track to graduate at the end of the year by checking in with the school’s guidance counselor at the beginning of the year.
Explore possible crafts and salaries available in the construction industry.
Discuss the differences between the industrial, commercial and residential construction, and research the top companies in each sector for potential opportunities.
Enroll in or continue taking career and technical education (CTE) classes with a construction or architecture focus.
Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT if pursuing a four-year degree related to construction.
Review apprenticeship or craft training programs or technical or community college if pursuing construction education.
Consider contacting or visiting any options that are of interest to learn about the next steps and how to apply.
More Resources
- Connecticut Technical Education and Career Center
- Connecticut Career ConneCT Portal
- Connecticut Pre-Apprenticeship High School Training Program
- CT Pre-Apprenticeship High School Training Program Handout
- Connecticut Department of Labor Apprenticeships
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- The Associated General Contractors of America
- Scholarship Program
- Project Cornerstone: Concrete Certification
Post Secondary Options
Back To: Construction Academy
Apprenticeships or Craft Training
There are more opportunities for tradespeople than ever. Skilled trade jobs encompass a broad range of fields, from construction and mechanics to electrical work and plumbing. They are essential for a functioning society. These careers not only keep the wheels of our communities turning, but also lay a roadmap for a better tomorrow.
Benefits
- High Demand
- Job Stability
- Quick entry into the workforce
- Hands-on work
- Career Progression
- Earning Potential
- Variety of specializations
- Contribution to society
Interested in exploring skilled trades and finding employment in a trade you like?
Determine what trades interest you and look into job duties, working conditions, training requirements, and potential pay.
- Consider technical schools and apprenticeship programs.
- Technical Schools in Connecticut for Adult Learners
- Apprenticeship Programs in Connecticut
- CT Building Construction Trades Apprenticeship Programs
- In a construction apprenticeship program, apprentices learn skills and knowledge from experienced craft professionals. Examples of craft specializations that might be taught through an apprenticeship include carpentry, masonry, machine operating, plumbing, and welding.
- The qualifications to become an apprentice are dependent upon the program. Still, in most cases, minimum requirements include being at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some apprentices start right after high school, while others are individuals transitioning to a new career.
- In an apprenticeship program, you can LEARN while you EARN!
Colleges & Universities
There is a growing demand for talent and skills in the construction industry. While many construction jobs don’t require a two- or four-year degree, there are also good opportunities for college graduates in the industry – including some in fields that might not initially sound related to construction.
Research colleges and universities of interest to determine application steps, admission deadlines, and requirements.
Community College or Technical High School
Research community colleges or technical high schools of interest to determine application steps, admission deadlines, and requirements.
Four-Year Degree
Research colleges and universities of interest to determine application steps, admission deadlines, and requirements. There are various four-to-five-year programs that offer construction-related degrees.
Explore companies that offer internships to begin gaining hands-on experience while in school.
School Links
- Central Connecticut State University – New Britain, CT
- CT State Community College – CT-wide
- Eastern Connecticut State University – Windham, CT
- Keene State College – Keene, NH
- Quinnipiac University – Hamden, CT
- Roger Williams University – Bristol, RI
- Southern Connecticut State University – New Haven, CT
- Stevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, NJ
- SUNY Cobleskill – Cobleskill, NY
- University of Connecticut – Storrs, CT
- University of Hartford – Hartford, CT
- University of New Haven – New Haven, CT
- University of Rhode Island – Kingston, RI
- Utica University – Utica, NY
- Wentworth Institute of Technology – Boston, MA
- Western Connecticut State University – Danbury, CT
- Western New England University – Springfield, MA
- Worchester Polytechnic Institute – Boston, MA
- WyoTech – Laramie, WY
Internships
Internships hold significant importance for students and young professionals, serving as a bridge between academic studies and the professional world.
Here are some of the key reasons why internships are important:
- Practical Experience – Internships provide hands-on experience in a real-world work environment. This practical exposure helps interns apply theoretical knowledge from their studies to actual tasks, making the learning process more dynamic.
- Skill Development – Interns develop a range of skills during their tenure, including technical skills specific to their field, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are crucial for professional success and often cannot be fully developed in a classroom setting.
- Networking Opportunities – Internships allow individuals to build a professional network by connecting with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. These connections can be valuable for future job opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth.
- Industry Insight – Working as an intern provides a deeper understanding of a particular industry, including its trends, challenges, and organizational culture. This insight can help individuals make more informed career choices and identify areas they are passionate about.
- Resume Enhancement – Having internships on a resume makes a candidate more attractive to potential employers. It demonstrates that the individual has practical experience, is proactive, and has a clear interest in their chosen field.
- Career Exploration – Internships offer a chance to explore different career paths and industries. This exploration helps interns determine what they enjoy and what aligns with their career goals, reducing the likelihood of pursuing a job that may not be a good fit.
- Transition to Full-Time Employment – Successful internships can lead to job offers, providing a smoother transition from school to work.
- Confidence Builder – Experiencing the professional world and successfully completing tasks boosts an intern’s confidence. This confidence is crucial when stepping into a full-time role, as it helps in handling responsibilities and challenges effectively.
- Understanding Professional Etiquette – Internships teach the norms and expectations of professional behavior, including workplace etiquette, punctuality, dress codes, and communication standards. Understanding these aspects is essential for professional success.
- Feedback and Improvement – Interns receive feedback on their performance, which is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Constructive criticism helps them improve their skills and understand areas where they need further development.
Overall, internships are an integral part of career development, providing a platform for learning, growth, and the transition from academic life to a professional career.
Join O&G’s Team as an Intern!
Each summer, college students join O&G as part of our Summer Experience Program. The program offers summer employment opportunities at various O&G sites in CT. This program is designed to create a meaningful internship for early talent interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry. Projects span across all O&G businesses and our interns get to work on real, impactful initiatives while building relationships and learning about O&G. Women are encouraged to apply.
We offer internships in the fields of construction management, civil engineering, materials, QA/QC, environmental, IT, construction safety, marketing and accounting.
- Be immediately authorized to work in the U.S. We do not sponsor work visas.
- Be at least 18 years of age prior to scheduled start date.
- Be currently enrolled and will have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies by May 2025.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program semester immediately following the summer program.
Typically, internships begin in May and last through August of each year.
Your internship will take place depending on your assigned team and role. For example, interns in accounting will be located at the corporate office in Torrington. Interns in the building division will be assigned to a job site based in CT or RI.
Other Resources
CareerConneCT offers FREE credentials in infrastructure construction for 5-12 weeks with supportive services.







