BUILDING INDUSTRY HOSTS 5TH ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAY
~Event features educational program for high school students~
(October 14, 2022 – RENO, Nev.) – A coalition of Reno Construction Industry associations, trades and contracting companies will come together to host the 5th Annual northern Nevada Construction Career Day on Friday, October 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Approximately 1,800 northern Nevada high school students will attend the event to learn more about career opportunities.
The collaborative effort between the Builders Association of Northern Nevada (BANN), the Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (NNACA) and the Nevada Chapter Associated General Contractors (AGC) the Coalition works in partnership with the Washoe County School District Signature Academies and Career and Technical Education to bring this event to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Students, educators and counselors from throughout the region are expected to attend and interact with the more than 40 industry experts about opportunities for careers in construction and the skilled trades. Construction Career Day is a chance for students to learn about the variety of careers available through fun and informative interactive displays and booths.
“Too often construction jobs are thought of as an alternative to college,” says Randy Canale, Training Coordinator for the Local 350 Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Program. “The registered apprenticeship programs offered through the NNACA organization actually are college. A registered apprenticeship offers the opportunity for an individual to learn a trade and earn a living wage while learning, and actually receive college credit while doing so.”
The event will demonstrate the benefits of a career in the construction industry to excite and encourage youth who may have an interest. As the demand for a younger generation of workforce grows, the supply hasn’t kept up.
“There’s something very special about being a part of something bigger when you can see the fruits of your labor in the community where you live, work and raise your family,” said Clint Stitser, president of the Builders Association of Northern Nevada. “The construction industry is ripe for young people who are looking for advancement whether through a craft, managing a project or working in an office.”
Craig Madole, CEO at the Nevada Chapter AGC, highlighted how important workforce development has always been in the industry. “Since the Nevada Chapter was founded in 1939, we have worked with the community, the building trades and other partners to meet the demand of contractors to provide a skilled, safe and capable workforce. Our members and their employees build the roads, schools and area businesses that make our community thrive – a qualified and competent workforce is paramount to keeping the public safe.”
Shortages of skilled labor and the supply chain have made it difficult for the construction industry to recover since Covid. This is on top of an ongoing stigma about the jobs in the construction industry. Construction Career Day aims to dispel those myths and serves as an opportunity for both the industry and the students to recruit the next generation of workforce. Whether one has a high school diploma or a master’s degree, a career in the construction industry offers a viable and lucrative career.
According to Rob Benner, Secretary-Treasurer for the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada, “Careers in the skilled construction trades are transformative, lifting families into the middle class. Our registered apprenticeship programs offer earn-while-you-learn opportunities and are excited to be a part of Construction Career Day to bring this information to students,” Benner says.
Representatives from area construction firms, industry associations and higher education will be on hand to answer questions and showcase various aspects of the construction trades. “We love this event because it shows kids what types of careers are out there in the real world,” said Josh Hartzog, Director of Washoe County School Signatures and CTE programs. “Students can talk directly to industry representatives, get real-world information and see what the various career paths are all about.”
Education and employment resources including the Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association, ACE High School, Truckee Meadows Community College and Sierra Nevada Job Corps will also be on hand to provide information on various post-secondary programs.
For more information visit https://www.buildingtradejobs.org/ or https://webuildnevada.org/
Media Contact:
Tiffany East
775-250-8092
