Construction Trades, Other.

Degree Overview

Construction Trades, Other (CIP 46.9999) is a flexible and inclusive skilled trades classification focused on hands-on construction careers that do not fall under a single, narrowly defined trade category. This designation captures specialized, hybrid, emerging, or multi-skill construction programs that prepare students for real-world building work across residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. It reflects the reality that modern construction increasingly requires adaptable workers who understand multiple systems rather than just one isolated craft.

For a degree search site, Construction Trades, Other represents versatility, employability, and future-proof skill development. Construction remains one of the strongest employment sectors in the economy, driven by housing demand, infrastructure investment, disaster recovery, and ongoing maintenance of the built environment. This degree appeals to students who want a practical, hands-on career with strong job demand, flexible specialization options, and minimal automation risk without committing immediately to a single trade path.

What Is a Construction Trades, Other Degree?

A Construction Trades, Other degree or certificate is an applied workforce program designed to train students in construction skills that span multiple trades or focus on niche areas not classified elsewhere. Programs under this designation may combine elements of carpentry, electrical basics, plumbing fundamentals, finishing work, maintenance, and construction technology.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Core construction techniques across multiple trades
• Jobsite safety, coordination, and communication
• Tool use, materials, and equipment handling
• Construction math, measurement, and layout
• Adaptability across different construction environments

Colleges, technical schools, and workforce training centers offer this degree to:

• Provide broad entry points into the construction workforce
• Support students exploring multiple trade pathways
• Train workers for specialized or hybrid construction roles
• Address labor shortages requiring multi-skilled workers

Construction Trades, Other is often ideal for students who want flexibility before specializing or who plan to work in general construction, maintenance, or small contracting roles.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how construction projects function from start to finish and how different trades work together on a jobsite. You’ll gain exposure to a range of construction tasks, materials, and systems while developing the practical skills needed to work safely and productively.

The curriculum emphasizes applied learning. Rather than focusing heavily on theory, students train in labs, workshops, or simulated jobsite environments. You’ll learn how to read plans, measure accurately, follow safety protocols, and adapt to changing site conditions—skills essential across all construction careers.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• General construction techniques—basic framing, installation, and repair
• Tool and equipment operation—hand and power tools
• Construction math and measurement—accuracy and layout
• Blueprint and plan reading—understanding drawings and specs
• Jobsite safety and OSHA standards—risk prevention
• Material identification and handling—wood, metal, concrete, composites
• Problem-solving and adaptability—responding to site challenges
• Teamwork and jobsite communication—working with multiple trades

These skills are transferable across nearly all construction and building maintenance roles.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by program but often includes:

• Introduction to Construction Trades: industry overview
• Construction Safety and Regulations: OSHA and compliance
• Basic Carpentry and Structural Concepts: framing fundamentals
• Electrical and Plumbing Fundamentals: system awareness
• Construction Materials and Methods: building components
• Hand and Power Tool Usage: safe operation
• Construction Math and Layout: measurements and calculations
• Maintenance and Repair Practices: building upkeep
• Multi-Trade or Applied Construction Project: hands-on experience

Programs often emphasize versatility rather than deep specialization.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Construction Trades, Other degree prepares students for entry-level and mid-level roles across the construction and building maintenance industries. It also provides a strong foundation for apprenticeships or later specialization.

Common career paths include:

• Construction Laborer or Technician: general jobsite work
• Multi-Skilled Trades Worker: varied construction tasks
• Maintenance or Facilities Technician: building upkeep
• Construction Helper or Assistant: supporting skilled trades
• Residential or Commercial Crew Member: project-based work
• Apprentice in a Skilled Trade: carpentry, electrical, plumbing
• Long-Term Path: journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or business owner

Workers with broad skill sets are especially valuable to small contractors and maintenance teams.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in environments where buildings and infrastructure are constructed or maintained:

• Residential construction and remodeling companies
• Commercial and industrial contractors
• Facilities and property management organizations
• Construction and infrastructure projects
• Maintenance departments for schools, hospitals, and businesses
• Public works and municipal agencies
• Self-employed or small contracting businesses

Construction trades professionals are needed in every community and region.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings depend on skill level, experience, location, and specialization.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level construction roles: often $35,000–$45,000
• Experienced multi-skilled construction workers: commonly $50,000–$70,000
• Supervisors, specialists, or contractors: can reach $75,000–$110,000+

Certifications, union membership, overtime, and business ownership can significantly increase income.

Is This Degree Hard?

Construction Trades, Other is considered physically demanding but academically accessible. Coursework focuses on applied skills rather than abstract theory. Students must be prepared for hands-on labor, safety responsibility, and working in varied environments and weather conditions.

The challenge lies in consistency, precision, and physical endurance rather than classroom difficulty.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy hands-on, practical work
• Like variety rather than repetitive tasks
• Want strong job demand without a four-year degree
• Are exploring multiple construction career paths
• Prefer learning by doing instead of lectures

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a construction trades program:

• Take math, shop, construction, or technical education courses
• Develop strong measurement, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills
• Learn basic tool use and safety practices
• Participate in building, repair, or trade-focused programs if available
• Build physical stamina, responsibility, and teamwork skills

Construction Trades, Other (CIP 46.9999) is an excellent choice for students who want flexibility, stability, and real-world impact. It provides broad construction skills that translate directly into employment while leaving room for specialization, advancement, or entrepreneurship. For those who value practical ability, independence, and tangible results, this degree offers a durable and adaptable foundation in one of the world’s most essential industries.