About this course

The construction industry is hiring - and it's not slowing down. With over 649,300 job openings projected annually through 2034 and a wave of retirements creating more opportunity than workers to fill it, there's never been a better time to explore a career in the skilled trades.

Construction Career Pathways in Skilled Trades gives you an honest, practical look at what it takes to build a career in construction. You'll explore the major trades (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, carpentry, masonry, and more), learn how traditional skills connect to the booming clean energy sector, and hear directly from professionals working in the field today.

Knowing what's possible is only part of the picture. This course also walks you through exactly how to get there -  from apprenticeships and trade schools to certifications like NABCEP, BPI, and OSHA 30 - so you leave with a clear path forward that fits your goals.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the major construction trades and describe the work, physical demands, work environments, and earning potential associated with each.
  • Explain how traditional trade skills connect to clean energy specializations including solar, HVAC heat pump systems, and EV infrastructure.
  • Compare education and training pathways — including apprenticeships, trade schools, community college, and on-the-job training — and evaluate which best fits your situation and goals.
  • Recognize key industry certifications (OSHA, NABCEP, BPI, EPA 608, and others) and understand what's required to earn them.
  • Identify funding sources available for trades education, including apprenticeship wages, employer reimbursement, federal financial aid, and workforce development programs.

This course is included in this bundle

24 Course Bundle Health & Safety Electrical Construction Licensed Apprenticeship General Construction Trade Skills OSHA Jobsite Safety NFPA

HeatSpring CORE: Comprehensive Construction Training Program

Universal first year curriculum for all construction trades. Like NCCER CORE, but with an emphasis on safety and third-party certifications.
4.9
CEUs
24 courses
OSHA Education Center and 9 others
$1,656

Course outline

6 modules
3 - 5 hours to complete
2:40 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

Loading assignments…
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Introduction to the Construction Industry

In this module, we examine the growth of the construction industry and key sectors.

Loading assignments…
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Core Construction Trades & Specializations

In this module, we explore different sectors within the skilled trades. 

Loading assignments…
Module 3 • 6 assignments
Education, Training & Certification Strategies

In the module, we look at the various pathways to build your skillset within the trades.

Loading assignments…
Module 4 • 7 assignments
Professional Perspectives and Career Launch Guidance

In this module, you'll hear practical guidance and personal perspectives on starting or advancing your construction career.

Loading assignments…
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

Loading assignments…

Instructor

Brittany Heller

HeatSpring

Brittany Heller has been in the solar industry in a variety of roles since January 2015. She began her solar career in residential sales in New Orleans. She then moved to Denver where she completed a Construction Fellowship with GRID Alternatives Colorado, building a wide portfolio of solar projects all benefiting income-qualified families. In April 2018, she began her...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.

$179

Take this course