GBC assists in educating students about careers in construction

Over the past school year, from October through May, the General Building Contractors of New York State has helped conduct seven different Construction Career Days programs throughout New York State. The Construction Career Days program is about youth, the construction industry, and partnerships of volunteers. Youth is vital to the construction industry. Today's high school students represent the pool of workers from which the construction industry will recruit its future workforce. Construction Career Days will expose high school students and adults to rewarding and diverse careers in the industry. The events offer students a career option that they otherwise may not have recognized. The construction industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers. If not addressed, the shortage will increase, affecting quality, safety, and the industry's overall ability to compete in building the infrastructure needed by an ever-growing population. The construction industry does not enjoy a visible and positive image among youth. The Construction Career Days program is designed to educate youth about a friendlier and more professional industry that cares about them and their future. Construction Career Days events are devised to introduce high school students to the vast career opportunities and unlimited potential for advancement within the construction industries. * Supervised by professional operators, students participate in hands-on activities, including the excitement of operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front loaders and skid steers. * Skilled tradespeople demonstrate crafts such as bricklaying, cement finishing, welding, plumbing, electrical installation, material testing and pipe laying. * Colleges and employers make themselves available to discuss the process of career and educational advancement. The program's success stems from an extremely dedicated set of volunteers and a financial grant from the Federal Highway Administration. Each location has a local committee that is made up of state agencies like DOT, DOL, DASNY, NYSOGS, private construction companies, labor and industry associations. With events being held in Albany, Buffalo, Finger Lakes, Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, Westchester and soon Newburgh, over 4,000 students a year are exposed to careers in construction. If you would like to find out more or learn how to participate in Construction Career Days, visit the website at www.constructioncareerdays.org.