October is Careers in Construction Month. We are proud to support this annual celebration year after year. In today’s blog post, we share all the ways you can help celebrate along with us. First, we’d like to share a little bit about who is behind this important initiative.
Careers in Construction Month is founded by The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) in partnership with their Build Your Future (BYF) organization. Together, they raise awareness about the opportunities available in construction, especially throughout the month of October every year.
NCCER is a non-profit organization that works to support the education of skilled craft professionals. Founded in 1996 as a collaboration of more than 125 construction CEOs, academic professionals, and other industry leaders, NCCER was formed with a focus on safety, productivity, and education in the construction industry. NCCER provides a comprehensive workforce development system that starts with training, is validated with standardized assessments and certifications, and continues with ongoing career development solutions for those working in the construction industry. Click here to learn more about NCCER.
BYF is NCCER’s “national image enhancement and recruitment initiative for the construction industry.” BYF hopes to recruit the next generation of skilled tradespeople through all sorts of initiatives, including shifting the outdated perception of the industry, encouraging prioritization of career and technical education, and providing a clear career path to industry hopefuls. Click here to learn more about BYF.
As we’ve shared in countless posts before, there are plenty of opportunities available. But we, NCCER, and BYF need your support in sharing the potential with the next generation of skilled laborers. Our communities need these professionals to start training now, as it’s estimated that by 2023, we will need 1 million jobs filled. We are in a critical time to address the labor shortage and fill the ever-widening gap. But what’s the best way to get involved?
For educators and students at schools of all levels: Take part in the annual “I BUILT THIS!” video contest.
This is the sixth annual “I BUILT THIS!” video contest. And, for the first year ever, there is a special theme to keep in mind: “Construction is Everywhere!” As educators and students everywhere know, education looks a little different this year. But, the need for solid construction remains the same everywhere.
If you are a secondary or post secondary student or trainee, consider which projects you’re most proud of. Educators, inspire your students to showcase their work. Everyone, there is still time to submit your video. Don’t wait – you have until October 1st. There are some incredible prizes to be won, so you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. Click here to learn more about the competition.
For employers and industry leaders: Get the word out.
From career days and field trips to online articles sharing professional success stories and myth busters, no matter how you choose to do so, help us spread the word that construction is not only a viable job choice, but a lucrative long-term career path. BYF and NCCER have already done plenty of the upfront work for you. Click here for helpful resources.
For active members in the construction industry: Sign their pledge.
This year, in honor of Careers in Construction Month, BYF and NCCER are asking all construction industry colleagues to connect with students the week of October 19th through October 23rd. The best way to do so is by signing their pledge, which shows your commitment to share their resources and help students discover potential career paths in construction. Of course, this doesn’t have to be in person, given the current state of the world. There are plenty of virtual options available to support their mission of training the next generation of our construction industry. Click here to sign the pledge.
Let’s all work together to recruit the next generation of skilled tradesmen and women throughout all of October and beyond. Click here to learn even more about Careers in Construction Month.
