Architecture and Construction Career Cluster

Revised June 2024

The Architecture and Construction career cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment. Careers include architect, carpenter, construction manager, electrician, plumber, and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician.

Statewide Program of Study: Electrical

The Electrical program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. This program also addresses installing and repairing telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Principles of Construction
• Level 2: Electrical Technology I
• Level 3: Electrical Technology II
• Level 4: No Level 4 course offered; current sequence completes endorsement requirements

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Participate in an internship with an electrical company to develop installation skills
• Join a pre-apprenticeship program involving determining if electrical wiring is up to code
• Interview an electrician about training and educational requirements

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in SkillsUSA
• Participate in trade competitions

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Electrician

Associate Degrees

• Electrical and Power Transmission Installation
• Electrical Power and Controls
• Electromechanical Technology

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Construction Engineering
• Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering
• Engineering Electrical Engineering

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Construction Engineering
• Construction Management

Additional Stackable Licenses/Certifications

• Journeyman Electrician
• Master Electrician

Example Aligned Occupations

Electrician Helpers

• Median Wage: $38,140
• Annual Openings: 1,632
• 10-Year Growth: 20%

Electricians

• Median Wage: $54,769
• Annual Openings: 9,221
• 10-Year Growth: 27%

Construction Managers

• Median Wage: $95,072
• Annual Openings: 6,325
• 10-Year Growth: 24%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications

• C-200 Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist – Level 1
• Electrical Apprenticeship Certificate Level 1
• HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT), Basic Electrical
• HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT), Core
• NCCER Core
• NCCER Electrical Level I
• NCCER Electrical Level II
• NCCER Electronic Systems Technician Level I
• NCCER Electronic Systems Technician Level II
• TRIO Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship (EPP) Certification
• Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) – Electrical Systems

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Electrical program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study