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Architecture and Construction
Learn about the Architecture and Construction career cluster.
Build your world
The Architecture and Construction Career Cluster® focuses on designing, planning, managing, building and maintaining the built environment. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from architect, carpenter and construction manager to electrician, plumber, and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician.
Need a hard copy? See the 24-25 Architecture and Construction Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllArchitectural Drafting and Design
The Architectural Drafting and Design program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with developing, engineering, and designing building structures and facilities. This program of study includes reading, interpreting and drawing blueprints for the interior and exterior construction projects.
Course pathways
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Architecture Principals of Construction | |
| 2 | Architectural Design I Interior Design I | |
| 3 | Architectural Design II, and/or Interior Design II | |
| 4 | Career Preparation I | Practicum in Architectural Design Career Preparation for Programs of Study Practicum Interior Design |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Example Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architects | $80,903 | 966 | 18% |
| Architectural/Civil Drafters | $57,424 | 1,366 | 15% |
| Construction Managers | $95,072 | 6,325 | 24% |
Aligned Industry-Based Certifications
- Autodesk Associate (Certified User) Revit Architecture
Example Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeships |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
Work-based learning and expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) such as SkillsUSA.
Exploration activities
- Participate in SkillsUSA
Work-based learning activities
- Intern at an architecture firm to develop CADD drafting and design technology skills
- Shadow a civil engineer to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities
Carpentry
The Carpentry program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities related to constructing, installing, or repairing structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms (including frameworks, partitions, joists, studding, rafters, and stairways). This program of study may also include exploration into installing, dismantling, or moving machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Course pathways
| Level | Campus pathway | GHS pathway | NFHS pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Architecture | Principles of Architecture Principles of Construction | Principles of Construction Principles of Architecture |
| 2 | Construction Technology I | Construction Technology I | |
| 3 | Construction Technology II Mill and Cabinetmaking Technology | Construction Technology II | |
| 4 | Career Prep I | Practicum in Construction Technology Career Prep I | Practicum in Construction Technology Career Prep I |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters | $46,272 | 5,623 | 15% |
| Cost Estimators | $95,072 | 6,325 | 24% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- NCCER Core
- NCCER Carpentry Level I
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Shadow a carpenter or millwright
- Participate in SkillsUSA
Work-based learning activities
- Obtain an NCCER certification in Millwright Level 1 or Carpentry Level 1
Electrical
The Electrical program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. This program of study may also include exploration into installing and repairing telecommunications cables including fiber optics.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is only available at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Construction | |
| 2 | Electrical Technology I Project-Based Research - Electrical Technology | |
| 3 | Electrical Technology II | |
| 4 | Practicum in Construction Technology Career Preparation I |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
*Please note that "8B931S Project-Based Research - Electrical Technology" is not a course in this program of study. This course is designed to allow the program to start in the 10th grade. Students will earn a completed status by following the entire program of study.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $54,769 | 9,221 | 27% |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers | $38,140 | 1,632 | 20% |
| Telecommunication Line Installers and Repairers | $49,150 | 1,228 | 10% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- NCCER Core
- NCCER Electrical Level I
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Shadow an electrician or fiber optics line installer
- Participate in SkillsUSA
Work-based learning activities
- Intern or shadow an electrician
HVAC and Sheet Metal
The HVAC and Sheet Metal program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with installing, serving, or repairing heating and air conditioning systems and also the fabrication, assembly, installation, and repair of sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. This program of study may also include exploration into preparing cost estimates for certain construction projects involving heating and air conditioning and sheet metal.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is available at Naaman Forest High School (NFHS).
| Level | Campus pathway | NFHS pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Construction | Principles of Construction |
| 2 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology I | |
| 3 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology II | |
| 4 | Career Preparation | Practicum in Construction Technology Career Preparation |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics | $48,722 | 3,719 | 21% |
| Helper Installation Workers | $33,348 | 2,366 | 22% |
| Construction Managers | $95,072 | 6,325 | 24% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- NCCER Core
- NCCER Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Level I
- Refrigerant Handling (EPA 608)
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Shadow an HVAC worker or cost estimator
- Participate in SkillsUSA
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a company that works with HVAC and/or sheet metal
Plumbing and Pipefitting
The Plumbing and Pipefitting program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities related to assembling, installing, or repairing pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems. This program of study may also include exploration into maintaining pipe supports or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is available at Naaman Forest High School (NFHS).
| Level | Campus pathway | NFHS pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Construction | Principles of Construction |
| 2 | Plumbing Technology I | |
| 3 | Plumbing Technology II | |
| 4 | Career Preparation | Practicum in Construction Technology Career Preparation |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $55,804 | 5,751 | 22% |
| Helpers: Pipefitters, Pipelayers, Plumbers, and Steamfitters | $36,325 | 1,482 | 26% |
| Construction Manager | $95,072 | 6,325 | 24% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- NCCER Core
- NCCER Pipefitting, Level I
- NCCER Plumbing, Level I
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Shadow a plumber, pipefitter or steamfitter
- Participate in SkillsUSA
Work-based learning activities
- Obtain a Core Curriculum NCCER certification in Pipefitting Level I or Plumbing Level I
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Business & Industry
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
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