Sector Analysis and Strategies: Construction/Green Building   

The construction industry has been a leading source of job growth in Washington State over the last decade.

Construction industry jobs are generally an excellent source of family-wage jobs for our region. Over 80 percent of all jobs in the industry and 67 percent of entry-level jobs pay a living wage. Union apprenticeship programs, the primary path into the industry, provide wages and benefits to those learning the trade.

• Map a career in construction with this diagram showing occupations, wages and training required. (November 2007)

• The WDC is leading our region in identifying "green jobs" and skills that will be required both for the next generation of workers and the workers who are in the field today. To this end, we convened a skills panel of representatives from all parts of the industry to develop a strategic plan to meet the new workforce demands.

• The WDC's strategies for this sector include a partnership with local employers, unions and Seattle Vocational Institute to help low-income individuals prepare for apprenticeships in construction. Find out more about the PACT program...

• Read the WDC's thorough analysis of workforce needs in the construction sector (2005).

• For more information on construction sector efforts and careers, see our list of organizations and resources.

• Check out Seattle's Construction Industry, a February 2007 analysis prepared by the state. (Powerpoint presentation)