However, there is not just one kind of contractor. "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are three types of Construction Contractors: General contractors are involved with building structures, like residential homes and office buildings, while heavy and civil engineering construction contractors work on sewers, highways, bridges, and tunnels. Specialty contractors are individuals who work in a specific trade such as woodworking or painting," says an article on education-portal.com.
General contractors also hire workers, read plans, buy materials, and hold workers to deadlines. In order to become a general contractor, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have graduated high school, as well as be able to work legally in the U.S. With the proper licensing, general contractors have the potential to make up to $86,580 per year, depending on the length of contracts.
The following are colleges that have construction management programs or construction programs:
- Westwood College
- Redstone College
- Vatterott College
- North American Trade School
- New Castle School of Trades
- New England Institute of Technology
- Penn Foster Career School
Most likely, a student taking a construction management technology program will be enrolled in the following courses:
- Surveying
- Construction Drawing
- Physics
- Psychology
If an individual does not want to attend a college program, however, he or she can learn the art of contracting through hands-on experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many professionals work their way up from laborers to contractors. However, "it is helpful to have a college degree in civil engineering or a related subject in order to move on to a managerial position."
