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Let’s take a look at both of these misconceptions, get the facts, and learn how careers in infrastructure are an excellent path to a comfortable middle-class life. There are many quality careers (both inside and outside the infrastructure sector) that do not require a bachelor’s degree or higher for entry. Many infrastructure professionals have associate degrees, postsecondary diplomas, or even high school diplomas. In fact, 53.4 percent of infrastructure workers have a high school diploma or less, according to the Brookings Institution. This is much larger than the percentage of workers in all jobs (31.7 percent) who only have a high school diploma. Many infrastructure careers require training via an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship program is a great option because it provides both classroom and hands-on training to students. It also offers pay while you learn. As a new apprentice, you’ll start out at a salary that is about 60 to 70 percent of what an experienced worker earns, and then get pay raises as you learn more and develop your skills and knowledge. Nothing beats earning while learning! Some people who work in infrastructure obtained training by serving in the military. They were educated to be civil engineering technicians, plumbers, electricians, and many other professions. Those who are in the military also receive a salary while they learn. After you leave the military, it is relatively easy to land a job. Many employers seek out former members of the military because they have a reputation for being disciplined, working hard, following instructions, and being diligent in their work. Some companies even have military-to-civilian worker programs to recruit veterans. The second stereotype about many infrastructure careers is that they do not pay well. Again, this is untrue. There are low-paying jobs in any field, but the majority of infrastructure careers pay salaries that are equal to or higher than the average salary for all workers. For example, the median annual wage for all construction and extraction

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