architecture

Architecture & Construction Career Pathways

Miami-Dade Career and Technical Education (CTE) middle school and high school secondary programs of study integrate rigorous academic study with technical and work skills in specific career pathways of the career cluster Architecture and Construction.

Students may also participate in Pre-Apprenticeship Building Trades program offered at select high schools sponsored by South Florida CareerSource. 

After high school graduation students can continue career pathway preparation in CTE post-secondary programs at M-DCPS Technical Colleges and Adult Education Centers.

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Career Exploration in Middle School

At the middle school level, students are introduced to CTE programs in Engineering & Technology Education courses, which are designed to pique their interest in learning about architecture, construction and manufacturing technology. Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in Technology Student Association (TSA) leadership training and competitions. Courses are aligned to Florida state-approved "Integrated Technology Studies" curriculum frameworks; and to further study in high school and post-secondary CTE programs. Emphasis of instruction is placed on hands-on activities and project-based learning.

Career Pathway Programs in High School

High school students begin study of CTE Architecture and Construction programs in the ninth grade, which provides them an opportunity to concentrate their efforts in a specific career pathway. Architecture and Construction programs consist of 3 or more year-long courses, participation in SkillsUSA or TSA, achievement of industry certification, and work-based learning opportunities.

High School Programs of Study

  • Architectural Drafting
  • Building Construction Technologies
  • Building Trades & Construction Design Technology
  • Drafting
  • Technical Design

Additional Program

  • Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship sponsored by South Florida CareerSource

High School Programs

  • Barbara Goleman Senior High
  • Design & Architecture Senior High (DASH)
  • Hialeah Gardens Senior High
  • Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High
  • John A. Ferguson Senior High
  • Miami Coral Park Senior High
  • Miami Palmetto Senior High
  • Robert Morgan Educational Center
  • South Dade Senior High
  • South Miami Senior High

Pre-Apprenticeship

  • Coral Gables Senior High
  • Homestead Senior High
  • William H. Turner Technical Arts High

Career Pathways after High School (Post-Secondary)

Programs offered at M-DCPS Technical Colleges.

Post-Secondary Programs of Study

  • Architectural Drafting
  • Building Construction Technologies
  • Building Trades & Construction Design Technology
  • Drafting
  • Technical Design

Additional Program

  • Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship sponsored by South Florida CareerSource

Average Salaries 

OCCUPATIONS Median Hourly Wage  

Miami-Dade County 

Median Hourly Wage  

Miami State of Florida 

Architectural and Civil Drafters  $27.78  $26.60 
Civil Engineer  $37.12  $42.82 
Construction and Building Inspector  $  27.81 $ 29.39
Electricians  $ 23.30 $22.06
Construction Equipment Operators  $23.24 $20.44
Machinist  $ 22.24 $20.93

Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) February 2021

Female Plumber Working On Central Heating Boiler

Florida Career Cluster Information

21-22Architecture-Construction