Construction Corps
The skilled trades: we wire, weld, pipe, machine, fix and build the hardware every other department depends on.
Frontier work hiring now: Build the plants, fabs, data centers and launch pads the frontier runs on. Electricians, welders, pipefitters, millwrights, mechanics and techs are the people companies are short of.
On Earth
On Earth this is the skilled trades: electricians, welders, pipefitters and plumbers, HVAC techs, millwrights, machinists, mechanics, inspectors and the data center and manufacturing techs who keep plants running. Most people get in through a pre-apprenticeship or a registered apprenticeship and earn while they learn.
In space
On Mars every pad, hab, power line and plant has to be built and kept running by a small crew. NASA and its partners are already testing how to build with local material, such as 3D-printed structures, so the same trades will matter there.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor: Apprenticeship.gov · BLS Occupational Outlook: Construction and Extraction · NASA: 3D-printed habitat challenge
Roles on our board now
Real titles from current openings that lead toward Construction Corps work. 0 internship · 62 entry · 536 experienced
- Robotics Field Service Technician (12 open)
- Material Handler (10 open)
- Service Technician (8 open)
- Associate Service Technician (6 open)
- Quality Inspector (6 open)
- Facilities Technician (6 open)
- Sr. Service Technician (5 open)
- Welder (5 open)
Core skills
- Working safely on a job site
- Reading drawings, schematics and specs
- Hand and power tools
- Measuring, layout and fit-up
- Troubleshooting what is broken
Tools you'll see
- Multimeters and test gear
- Welders, torches and grinders
- Lathes, mills and CNC
- Lifts, rigging and forklifts
Earth backgrounds that transfer
- Construction laborers
- Military mechanics and engineers
- Auto and diesel techs
- Warehouse and plant workers
- Farm and ranch hands
- Anyone handy who likes building things
Starting out
Start with OSHA 10 and a pre-apprenticeship or a trade class at a community college. Then apply to a registered apprenticeship, where you get paid while you learn.
Changing careers
Lots of adults switch into the trades. Earn a starter certificate (OSHA 10, NCCER Core, AWS welding or EPA 608), then apply for helper and apprentice roles. Space, energy and data center builds hire these crafts directly.
Academy track
Coming soon. The Construction Corps track is in the works. Until then, the Systems track is open to everyone. It's good training, but it earns rank in Systems, not here.
How the ranks line up with the trades
We built Construction Corps ranks around the ladder the trades already use: safety training, helper, apprentice, journeyman, then master or lead. A rank here is not a license or a certificate. Your state, union or employer issues those. When you earn one, add it to your inventory so missions and job matches can see it.
- R1 Hard Hat. Your first day on a site. Most crews expect basic safety training. Certificates to aim for: OSHA 10.
- R2 Helper. Like a pre-apprentice or trade helper: you carry, set up, learn the tools and show up on time. Certificates to aim for: NCCER certification, Forklift certification.
- R3 Apprentice. Like a registered apprentice: paid on-the-job training plus classroom hours, usually 3 to 5 years. Certificates to aim for: OSHA 30, EPA 608 refrigerant certification, AWS D1.1 structural welding certification, NFPA 70E arc flash training, IPC J-STD-001.
- R4 Journeyman. Like a journeyman: you finished an apprenticeship or passed a license exam and work on your own. Certificates to aim for: Registered apprenticeship completion, Journeyman electrician license, Journeyman plumber or pipefitter license, FAA A&P license, NDT Level II (ASNT).
- R5 Master Builder. Like a master or inspector: more years, a higher license, and you sign off other people's work. Certificates to aim for: Master electrician license, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), NCCCO crane operator certification.
- R6 Corps Super. Like a lead, foreman or superintendent: you run crews and the job, not just the task.
Sources: Apprenticeship.gov, OSHA Outreach Training.
Construction Corps ranks
Ranks reflect Mars Mining Academy progress. They are not job titles and do not mean employment. Everyone starts at Hard Hat the moment they join and pick Construction Corps. Ranks are worked out from the quizzes you pass, the certificates you earn and the projects you finish. You can't set them yourself.
Hard Hat MM-R1
Join the department. Your Rank 1 coursework starts right away: the first core modules of your track.
Helper MM-R2
Pass 2 module quizzes in this department's track and fill in your resume basics: name, contact and target role, education and training, professional experience and skills. Opens when the Construction Corps track goes live.
Apprentice MM-R3
Pass every module quiz in this department's track, earn its track certificate, and finish early life, the work-style interview, passions and at least one portfolio item. Opens when the Construction Corps track goes live.
Journeyman MM-R4
Earn the track certificate and pass the Rank 4 coursework modules. A solo real-world project will be added once projects open. Coming: projects aren't open yet.
Master Builder MM-R5
Pass the Rank 5 coursework modules and finish a team project with other crew members. Coming: projects aren't open yet.
Corps Super MM-R6
Pass the Rank 6 coursework modules, lead a team project and pass the capstone. Coming: projects aren't open yet.
Changing department
You serve in one department at a time and start at Hard Hat (R1). You can change department whenever you like, with no wait and no penalty. Every department keeps the rank and certificates you earned there, so if you switch back you pick up where you left off.
You can hold top rank in every department. That takes years, because the higher ranks need real-world projects and team work, not just quizzes.
Is this you?
- You would rather build it than talk about it
- You like going home knowing exactly what you got done
- You are fine with early starts, gear and weather
If you nodded at two or more, Construction Corps is worth a look. Not sure? Take the quiz.