Construction: Creating the Blueprints for Progress

How can I start a career in construction?

  • Do you enjoy detail-oriented work that requires dexterity and hand-eye coordination?

  • Do you enjoy employing your math skills and working in a team environment?

  • Are you an innovative individual who loves to work on a project from conceptualization to completion?

If so, a career in construction may be the right fit for you. Construction career pathways involve the planning, creation, and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings or structures. Specialties include architecture, civil engineering, construction management, green technology, and heavy equipment operation.

Your Pathway to Success

Read on for our comprehensive guide to construction education and training opportunities in Montana. Whether you're seeking rapid training programs, certificates, or advanced degrees, you'll find diverse educational pathways to help you align your studies with your career goals.

Check out our Construction Career Pathways page to explore in-demand construction jobs in Montana and take the first step toward a successful career in Construction Technology.

Rapid Training, Certificates, and One- and Two-Year Programs

  • Building Trades Certificate (pdf pg. 90)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Little Big Horn College’s 34-credit Building Trades certificate (pdf pg. 90) his certificate prepares students in building maintenance, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and home improvement and repair. The building trades program follows industry-wide standards and curriculum and provides students with an overview of the industry, laws, regulations, qualifications, preventative maintenance, controls, and safety. Students will have hand-on experiences with various projects.

    Highway Construction Certificate (pdf pg. 93)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Little Big Horn College’s 30-credit Highway Construction certificate (pdf pg. 93) is designed to help prepare students for successful employment in the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of the trucking, commercial passenger industries, as well as highway construction industry, including requisite laws, regulations, operator qualifications, preventative maintenance, controls and basic operational experiences/skills, and work-site safety measures. Additionally, graduates will be well prepared to pass the necessary state licensure exams to attain a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)— as well as other classes of commercial vehicle operations licenses.

  • Highway Construction Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: The Highway Construction Training Program (HCT) at Salish Kootenai College provides students with the necessary technical skills, knowledge, and credentials to obtain employment as entry-level heavy equipment operators and truck drivers. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet the needs of employers in the highway construction industry, general road construction, mining operations and related industries, and in tribal, city, county, state, and federal government road maintenance jobs. Students work in a positive learning environment under the supervision of qualified instructors who guide and advise them in conditions that duplicate actual work sites.

  • Construction Technology Certificate of Technical Studies (C.T.S.)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: In City College’s one-year certificate Construction Technology program, students will learn the basics of home construction including framing, roofing, siding, drywall, painting, and trim carpentry through hands-on experience in our construction lab. This technical training will be combined with classroom instruction in essential business management and project planning skills including accounting, entrepreneurship, blueprint reading, estimating, and other basic aspects of construction project management.

    Construction Management Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: City College’s A.A.S. in Construction Management provides an opportunity for students to explore more advanced project management. Students also build upon their technical skills with advanced instruction in business management, project planning and coordination, and construction estimating. The combination of these skills will prepare students for advancement from the front lines of construction into management positions and can also provide a pathway to successful small business ownership.

    Instrument and Electrical Technician A.A.S.

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: City College’s Instrument and Electrical Technician degree builds an individual’s knowledge on basic electrical systems, programmable logic controllers and skill sets to inspect, operate and repair instrumentation systems. This program prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers in a variety of industries, oil refineries, petroleum fields, natural gas processing, power plants, water treatment plants, food processing, and sustainable energy industries.

  • Courses in Drafting/Design

    Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Apprentice, Certificate of Technical Studies C.T.S

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Completion of the HVAC certificate program at Flathead Valley Community College satisfies the Montana Department of Labor and Industry requirement for the educational component of the HVAC apprenticeship program. In conjunction with the required work experience, this program provides students the training necessary to work in the field of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration in residential and commercial applications.

    Heavy Equipment Operator C.T.S.

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description:Flathead Valley Community College’s Heavy Equipment Operator C.T.S. program prepares students to enter the equipment operations career field as entry-level operators. The program contains instruction and hands-on experience on bulldozers, backhoes, track excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, motor graders, rollers, tractors, water tankers, dump trucks, and equipment transports. Students will also gain familiarity in interpreting construction grade stakes, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance. Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and testing are an integral part of this program. Students will have the opportunity to test for a Class B (Bus) license.

    Electrical Technology Certificate of Advance Study (C.A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length(s): C.A.S. = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years

    • Description: Both the C.A.S. and A.A.S. in FVCC’s Electrical Technology program provide students the training necessary to enter the field of electrical wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites. Upon successful completion of the first two semesters, the student has met the requirements for the C.A.S. Successful completion of all four semesters meets the requirement for the A.A.S. Graduates are eligible for advanced placement into a registered apprentice position.

    Electronics Technician C.T.S. , C.A.S., or A.A.S.

    • Program Length(s): C.T.S. = 1 semester (15 weeks); C.A.S. = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years

    • Description:Flathead Valley Community College’s Electronics Technician program is designed to give students the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for placement into electronics technician positions. Students gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with both basic and advanced electronics including circuits, controllers, and the machine to system interface.

    Electrical Apprentice C.T.S.

    • Program Length: 8 semesters (up to 4 years)

    • Description: Completion of the Electrical Apprentice C.T.S. program satisfies the Montana Department of Labor and Industry requirement for the educational component of the electrical apprenticeship program, and it is intended only for currently registered electrical apprentices. Please note that this program is not eligible for federal financial aid. The program is scheduled for a succession of eight semesters, fall and spring. In conjunction with the required work experience, this program provides students the training necessary to work in the field of electrical wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

  • Carpentry Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: In just two semesters, the Carpentry Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) teaches the many applications of carpentry within the construction trades industry. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, you will learn fundamentals and advanced skills in carpentry, including job safety, rough framing, blueprint reading, and finishing. Program graduates will be prepared to immediately enter the workforce at a strong wage and in an industry actively seeking these highly demanded skills.

    Drafting & CAD Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Through this 2-year program, students in the Drafting & CAD Technology program at Gallatin College MSU acquire the skills necessary for entry-level drafting jobs in the design/drafting industry using computer-based systems to produce technical illustrations used in manufacturing, production, and construction. Sometimes called a CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) technician, students will create design concepts that are workable in the real world. Using the CAD software, students perform calculations, develop simulations, and manipulate and modify the displayed material. Although most drafters work at computer terminals much of the time, students will also learn traditional drafting which entails creating manual drawings at drafting tables.

    Interior Design A.A.S.

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Interior designers affect the function and efficiency of projects ranging from major industry to small residences. In the Interior Design program at Gallatin College MSU, students use tools such as manual and computer drafting, space planning and sketching along with a knowledge in construction and materials to bring their ideas to life. After graduation and working in the field, students may be eligible to sit for the NCIDQ Exam, a national certification exam considered as the gold standard in the interior design industry.

    Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

  • Construction Technology – Carpentry Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: Certificate = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years

    Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Graduates of the Civil Engineering Technology program are prepared to assist professional engineers in a wide variety of projects from transportation, to sewer and water supply, to material testing. The program has a strong math and science foundation reinforced with communication, computers, and area focused electives. Hands-on training provides the student with significant real world experience while enrolled in the program. This program is an excellent way for anyone interested in the engineering field to receive concentrated training in two years and be ready to enter the work force.

  • Construction Helper Certificate

    Building Information Modeling and Computer Aided Drafting and Design Certificate of Applied Science (CAS)

    Carpentry Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: In addition to developing teamwork and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in today's workplace, Missoula College’s one-year carpentry certificate will provide you with hands-on working knowledge of basic carpentry skills including site preparation and layout, concrete forming and placement, residential framing, roofing, siding and window installation. This is a great way to gain a number of valuable skills and experience that will introduce you to the carpentry profession.

    Heavy Equipment Operation Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: From crawler-tractors and backhoes to dump trucks, Missoula College’s Heavy Equipment Operation certificate program will equip you with a basic understanding of fundamental machine function and capabilities as well as apprentice-level skills in the safe operation of heavy equipment. The program also promotes an awareness of proper machine operation in a construction environment with emphasis on the ability to complete a task assigned verbally or from job plans and grade stakes on the site.

    Sustainable Construction Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: Certificate = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years

    • Description: Learn sustainable construction skills while working hand-in-hand with professionals both on campus and at construction sites with Missoula College’s Sustainable Construction program. You'll gain experience reading blueprints, using hand and power tools, and building construction. You'll construct real-world projects while you earn a Certificate of Applied Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

    Construction Management Certificate (2-year program)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: This two-year program in construction management from Missoula College prepares students to be successful in the construction industry. Many skills are acquired and honed through the program, including safe practices, management and skills competency and the construction of real-world projects. This hands-on education will provide a strong grasp of the ins and outs of construction. If you're eager to learn more after the two years is up, you can seamlessly pursue an associate of applied science degree with just one more year of education.

  • Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science A.A.S.

    Design Drafting Technology A.A.S.

    • Program Length: 2 years

    Electrical Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description:MSU-Northern's Electrical Technology program is the only program in the state to offer an Associate of Applied Science in conjunction with the State of Montana Apprenticeship program. The electrical program offers apprentices the opportunity to learn in hands-on courses and covers a major portion of the academic requirements of an apprenticeship. As a result, up to 3,115 hours can be applied toward the total 8,000 required apprenticeship hours, and graduates are prepared to start their career with a firm foundation of knowledge and skill. Graduates of the electrical program will have the capacity to perform basic electrical tasks with the supervision of a journeyman electrician on the first day of work. After approximately two to three years of on-the-job training and one test preparation course, the graduate will be able to apply to sit for their journeyman’s license.

    Plumbing Technology A.A.S.

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Montana State University Northern’s innovative plumbing degree is the only one of its kind in the state and is broadly supported by Montana's plumbing industry. Graduates enter one of the largest and highest paid construction industries in the country (1.5 million people) and play an important role in keeping our water clean. Northern's plumbing program offers plumbing apprentices the opportunity to learn in hands-on courses and covers a major portion of the academic requirements of an apprenticeship. As a result, the time spent in the classroom can be applied toward the total number of apprenticeship hours and graduates are prepared to start their career with a firm foundation of knowledge and skill.

  • Building Trades Certificate (2-Year Program)

Minors and Four-Year Programs

  • Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Carroll College’s Civil Engineering degree focuses on the social value of engineering while mitigating environmental impact through sustainable engineering solutions. In addition to a rigorous technical curriculum, you will enjoy many opportunities while you are at Carroll to develop and practice your skills in the field to benefit people locally, nationally, and all over the world. When you study Civil Engineering at Carroll you will learn how to design buildings and bridges, protect and preserve the environment, manage our precious water resources, and provide efficient transportation systems. This provides you with a broad base of knowledge and skills so that after graduation you will be able to find enjoyable and rewarding work, start your own business, become a leader in your profession, and/or pursue graduate studies in a wide variety of disciplines.

  • Land Surveying Minor

    • Program Length: 3 years

    Architecture – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Design

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Environmental Design students at Montana State learn how to design the spaces and structures where people live, work and play. Coursework focuses on scientific knowledge, technical expertise and high-level architectural design thinking both inside the studio and in the community at large. The Environmental Design program is specifically designed to prepare all graduates for acceptance into a Master of Architecture program, which licenses that candidate to work as a professional in the field.

    Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Students in the Civil Engineering program at Montana State learn how to design and build the big things that society relies on: roads, bridges, buildings, water treatment plants and more. Whether touring a construction site during class or working with a professor on research to make new kinds of high-strength concrete, Civil Engineering students are afforded a variety of opportunities to develop skills that will serve them in positions in construction, transportation, structural engineering and more.

    Construction Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description:The Montana State Civil Engineering department prepares construction engineering technology graduates to plan and supervise construction for major projects such as highways, buildings and industrial plants. The CET program offers experienced and well-connected faculty who teach students hands-on problem-solving techniques that will serve them throughout their careers.

  • Civil Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Graduates of the Montana State University Northern Civil Engineering Technology program will have the technical and managerial skills necessary to enter careers in the planning, design, construction, operation or maintenance of the built environment and global infrastructure. Montana State University-Northern's Civil Engineering Technology BS program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

  • Business - Construction Management, Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Montana Tech’s Construction Management B.A.S. track is specifically designed for students who have completed an AAS in Construction Technology or a related field. These students continue to a bachelor’s degree where they receive specific business coursework related to the construction industry. The business training includes a general business curriculum as well as specific coursework related to estimating, construction contracts, labor issues, safety issues, information technology, and project management. Historically, students studying under the Construction Management track have been very successful in landing industry related internships and full-time professional employment.

    Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Learn to identify and solve complex engineering problems by applying engineering, science, and mathematics principles through the ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Montana Tech. Montana Tech’s civil engineering degree has close ties with industry, bringing in not just occasional guest lecturers, but accomplished professionals who co-teach with faculty in civil engineering.

Post Graduate Programs

  • General Engineering Master of Engineering (MEng) option in Civil Engineering

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: The Masters of Engineering degree at Montana Tech is a 31-credit coursework-only master’s degree for those with a B.S. degrees in engineering, including practicing professionals and recent graduates. It provides an avenue for professional advancement and licensure. It also provides a curriculum path for high-achieving undergraduate engineering students seeking a Master’s degree, but who aren’t interested in research careers. The student will take advanced courses within the civil engineering option in addition to 6 credits selected from a core. All options require a one-credit exit exam.

  • Master of Architecture (MArch)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Montana State’s Master of Architecture program is specifically designed to hone the creative and scientific skills obtained in a candidate’s undergraduate studies with comprehensive design studios, investigative projects and preparation to take the ARE in order to become a registered architect. Candidates will have opportunities to forge their design sensibilities and scientific knowledge with explorations of sustainable building practices and the impact of architecture and the environment.

    Civil Engineering Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Candidates in the Civil Engineering graduate program at Montana State delve into research subjects that include geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation, water resource, environmental engineering, construction, land surveying and beyond. By earning a Masters of Engineering degree, candidates further their understanding of new subjects in the civil engineering field alongside award-winning faculty who are recognized leaders in their areas of expertise.

    Civil Engineering Master’s of Science (M.S.) or Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

    • Program Length:

      • M.S. = 2 years

      • Ph.D. = 4-5 years

    • Description: Candidates in the Civil Engineering graduate program at Montana State delve into research subjects that include geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation, water resource, environmental engineering, construction, land surveying and beyond. As candidates select their research focus, they also choose how that project unfolds: either as a capstone thesis or as a professional paper in conjunction with a research project.

Skill Development and Certifications

  • The RDO Equipment Co Access Your Future Service Program is for students interested in a career in the equipment industry as a Service Technician. This program provides two distinct career paths, Service Intern and Service Technician Apprentice, for qualified students who will be attending, are currently attending, or have just graduated from accredited diesel, heavy equipment service, powersports, or other RDO-approved programs. The program provides paid work experience and training along with the potential to earn tools, a graduation bonus, and 4 years of post-graduation financial incentives.

  • Accelerate Montana’s Job Site Ready (“JSR”) course is a Rapid Training Program designed to provide participants essential skills needed to join Montana’s booming construction industry. As a job-preparedness program, Job Site Ready equips participants with essential skills required to start an entry-level job in the Construction trades. Participants will be given exposure to tool use and maintenance, materials handling, workplace safety, industrial practices, and project management. The JSR course is offered through Bitterroot College, Blackfeet Community College, City College, Gallatin College, Great Falls College, Helena College, and Missoula College.

  • The Montana registered apprenticeship training programs are designed to be structured, yet flexible, and meet state, federal, and industry standards. Through collaboration with employer sponsors, the Montana registered apprenticeship program meets real work situations and skill requirements. Apprenticeship Programs are sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups (JATC's) that can hire and train in a real-world working situation.

  • DAC offers in-house training through Registered Apprentice, affording employees the opportunity to accelerate their career trajectory. This well structured program delivers written, oral, and hands on education provided by DAC professional educators.

  • Guided online courses offered by the American Society of Civil Engineers are led by practicing engineers who are leading experts in their fields to help you hone your technical skills and advance your career. Students can participate in courses ranging from 5-week, 6-week, and 12-week durations and can work at their own pace. The American Society of Civil Engineers also has a certificate program consisting of multiple guided online courses that enable you to go broader and deeper into specific technical areas.

  • The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is a multi-division exam used to assess your knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. The ARE is designed to assess aspects of architectural practice related to health, safety, and welfare. Specifically, the ARE focuses on areas that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impact of a building, as well as an architect’s responsibilities within firms, such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other professionals.

  • Stand out from the competition with an Autodesk AutoCAD credential that shows employers your proficiency in AutoCAD design and drafting. The AutoCAD certification provides written proof of your skills, allows you to input your name into the national AutoCAD database to connect with potential employers, and provides an AutoCAD logo and digital badge that you can share with your professional network to lend credibility to your designs and prove your program completion.

  • The AGC Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM) is an assessment-based certificate credential that denotes knowledge and understanding of concepts related to BIM adoption, practice and process transformation outlined in the AGC BIM Education Program. Successful candidates who pass the exam will carry the CM-BIM designation.

  • NCIDQ Certification is the industry's recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer's commitment to the profession. The requirements of the NCIDQ Exam give clients and employers added confidence in the caliber of work from NCIDQ Certified interior designers. The exam covers seven areas that capture the core competencies of interior design: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice, and project coordination.

  • The University of Providence’s Argo Connect and dual credit programs are crucial in helping to increase the educational options and opportunities for currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors. Not only do these programs provide students with a unique opportunity to earn credit at the secondary and postsecondary levels simultaneously – they provide students with an early glimpse of college life; including course load, deadlines, structure, and more. Students in Dual Enrollment can take up to three 3-credit courses at no cost.

Additional Career Resources

  • Check out our construction career pathways page to explore in-demand construction jobs in Montana.

  • As Montana continues to emerge as a thriving tech hub, it’s creating abundant opportunities across the state’s diverse tech sector. Our list of 31 Hot Montana Jobs 2025 includes opportunities for Montanans of all backgrounds, with pathways into fields such as robotics, digital forensics, and game design.

  • To identify in-demand roles in Montana, our team at the Montana High Tech Business Alliance pored over workforce data from the U.S. Department of Labor, research studies, and online job listings to create a list of tech jobs projected to grow fast in the next few years. See our list of 31 hot Montana jobs projected for 2023.

  • Build Montana is a nonprofit that works to address the shortage of skilled workers in the equipment distribution industry through a strategy that brings dealers, manufacturers, and educators together.

  • We invite you to take advantage of Microsoft's Skills for Jobs initiative, which offers free access to LinkedIn Learning courses covering a wide range of topics, including AI and soft skills. Enhance your digital skills and empower your team and community with valuable knowledge that aligns with the evolving needs of today's economy.

  • CompTIA’s Career Explorer is a comprehensive resource designed to inform, inspire, and guide individuals toward their next career step in the tech industry and beyond. Explore the entire portfolio of Career Explorer resources at no cost, watch video profiles featuring diverse professionals sharing their non-traditional paths into tech careers, and gain insights into earnings potential, job outlook, employer hiring trends, remote work opportunities, and much more across the U.S. and 250 metro areas.

  • Reach Higher Montana’s Work-Based Learning Collaborative website features resources for employers to grow their talent pipeline through work-based learning, materials to help educators connect their classroom learning to careers, and links to resources that will help Montana students explore their career interests through on-the-job training.

  • The WBLC Data Dashboard aims to make data on work-based learning in Montana accessible to help improve workforce support, work-based learning, and educational opportunities so that young people are better prepared for employment success and employers gain skilled workers. Updates are made annually.

  • Produced by the Montana Work-Based Learning Collaborative, the Work-Based Learning Toolkit for Employers provides employers with resources, tools, and guidance to successfully develop high-quality work-based learning experiences for student workers.

  • The informational interviews handout from the University of Montana College of Business lists five steps for setting up successful informational interviews to learn more about a specific company or industry.

  • Internships serve as crucial stepping stones into the workforce. Check out “Internships 101: Aceing Your Application” for expert tips from Montana High Tech Business Alliance members to confidently apply for your next internship.

  • Read “5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success in a Tech Career” to learn tips for launching a career in tech from hiring managers at Blackfoot Communications, Submittable, GL Solutions, onX, Skyfish, Cognizant, NorthWestern Energy, Pathlabs, Snapchat, and Instacart.

  • In “5 Tips from Hiring Managers - How to Land a Montana Tech Job or Internship” local hiring managers from Boeing Helena, Hyundai Motor Group, and Zoot Enterprises share advice to help students stand out when applying for a Montana tech job or internship.

  • See what tips you can use to give you an advantage in pursuing tech jobs or internships in Montana.

  • Check out MHTBA’s Great Places for Tech article series to learn more about high-tech opportunities in Montana.

  • Take a look at our Jobs board that we use to post many tech jobs that are in Montana from entry level to Senior level positions.

  • If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our Jobs Board, see this O*NET Career Database for additional information.

  • Interested in more careers outside of Montana or outside the High-Tech Industry? Find additional occupational information with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.

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