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Construction and Skilled Trades

Overview

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Volunteers work with communities and local governments to facilitate the construction of potable water, sanitation, and irrigation infrastructures.

Depending on your specific assignment, you might:

  • Transfer construction skills to tradespeople and students in their communities
  • Estimate costs and quantities of materials, determine types of tools required, assure inventory control, work with industrial equipment, and teach building techniques
  • Teach vocational education in schools, technical institutes, and training centers
  • Conduct community outreach to heighten awareness of water, sanitation, health, and environmental issues

How do I qualify?

Education

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in industrial arts, technical education, or any other discipline and at least six months of work experience;
OR two or more years of full-time journeyman work experience as described in the next column.

Experience

Relevant experience includes journeyman work in general construction, masonry, carpentry, or plumbing. Other relevant skills include proven leadership experience in youth or adult service organizations, demonstrated interest in teaching or tutoring, and community organizing or outreach. All applicants should be eager to work with their hands and transfer their skills to others.

Note: Most of these positions require Spanish language.

How will this advance my career?

Through serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, you can gain fluency in a foreign language, international experience, and cross-cultural understanding, attributes that are highly sought-after assets in today's global economy. Experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in public health is valued by numerous organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Public Health Service, and many private companies and nongovernmental organizations seeking individuals with unique skills. Find out how returned Peace Corps Volunteers receive advantages in federal employment.

Also See: Volunteer Benefits

Last updated May 17 2013