
Columbus, Ohio – In recognition of National Construction Appreciation Week, which runs from September 16-20, Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder are emphasizing the growing demand for construction jobs across the state. With over 245,500 Ohioans currently employed in the construction sector, this industry plays a crucial role in shaping Ohio’s future, offering lucrative career paths for those willing to build their skills.
Growing Demand for Construction Workers in Ohio
Governor DeWine highlighted the increasing need for construction workers as Ohio’s economy expands. “As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, more and more companies are moving into our state or expanding their operations here, so construction workers are in demand to build out these sites,” said Governor DeWine. “There are incredible opportunities right now in this field, and we appreciate all of the hardworking Ohioans in construction jobs today who are literally building our state’s future from the ground up.”
Lt. Governor Husted echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the construction industry to Ohio’s role as a leader in American manufacturing. “You can’t do ‘Made in America’ without ‘Made in Ohio,’ and if we want to continue to be a national leader, making the things that people need to live and thrive, we need sites to do that,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “As I have traveled the state, I hear from businesses constantly that they need construction workers. I encourage everyone looking for a new or better opportunity to see for themselves what the industry can offer them.”
Apprenticeships Offer Pathways to High-Paying Careers
Construction apprenticeships provide an attractive alternative to traditional higher education, allowing participants to earn while they learn and avoid student loan debt. Once they complete their training, apprentices can earn an average of $72,000 per year. The construction industry offers opportunities in more than 20 high-demand occupations in Ohio, including roles such as laborers, electricians, carpenters, welders, and operating engineers.
“At least 20 occupations in the construction industry are in demand in Ohio, including laborers, electricians, carpenters, welders, operating engineers, and more,” said Damschroder. “These jobs pay well, have promising futures, and offer many opportunities for advancement. They’re also vital to our communities, which rely on construction workers for everything from new schools and hospitals to highway maintenance to corporate expansions.”
ODJFS oversees ApprenticeOhio, which ensures that registered apprenticeship programs meet national standards for quality and safety. These programs are sponsored by employers, groups of employers, or labor-management committees and include at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction, often held at local colleges or universities.
New Training Requirements for Ohio School Counselors
In an effort to promote construction careers among young Ohioans, all school counselors for grades 7 to 12 are now required to complete a four-hour training course on building and construction trades career pathways, including apprenticeships. This initiative aims to better equip counselors with the knowledge needed to guide students toward these promising career options.
For those interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities, Ohio residents are encouraged to visit ApprenticeOhio.gov or their local OhioMeansJobs Center. More information about finding a local OhioMeansJobs Center can be found at OhioMeansJobs.com by clicking “FIND A JOB CENTER” at the bottom of the page. Additionally, a full list of in-demand construction jobs is available at topjobs.ohio.gov, and more than 3,600 open positions in the construction industry can be viewed on OhioMeansJobs.com.
The construction industry in Ohio continues to provide robust opportunities for job seekers, playing a critical role in building the state’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth. With strong demand, competitive wages, and clear pathways to advancement, construction remains a vital and rewarding field for those looking to start or advance their careers.