For most Americans, October is synonymous with cooler weather, college football, and pumpkin everything. But for those of us in construction, October is “Careers in Construction Month.”
This annual honorary month was founded by The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) as part of their Build Your Future initiative (BYF). BYF’s goal is to “shift negative public perception about the construction industry and careers in construction and provide a path for individuals to become craft professionals.”
Designed to “increase public awareness and appreciation of construction craft professionals and the entire construction workforce,” we at I Build America – Ohio support this goal and are joining NCCER in their mission this month and every month. In fact, Ohio is one of the states that have officially proclaimed October as Careers in Construction Month.
During this month, “employers, associations, and schools are encouraged to conduct job fairs, panel discussions and local community events to inform students of the vast employment opportunities in construction,” according to Build Your Future (BYF).
You can help us raise awareness about the opportunities in the construction industry and inspire the next generation of craft professionals. Not sure where to begin? We have a few ways that you can get involved:
Share your story.
If you’re in the construction industry, consider submitting a video for their “I Built This!” Video Contest or a photo for their “Career Day” Photo feature.
“I Built This” is the perfect opportunity for industry insiders to showcase their outstanding construction projects with aspiring skilled tradesmen and women. All levels are welcome, even if you’re just starting your career. In fact, submissions are categorized into these five categories to get everyone involved:
- Individual Secondary
- Individual Postsecondary
- Group Secondary
- Group Postsecondary (maximum of five group members)
- People’s Choice
The contest is now open and accepting entries through October 31st. You can learn more about the contest and see the 2018 winners here.
“Career Day” Photo submissions are the perfect way to get involved with existing images from previous or current projects. Show off the best parts of the industry and prove your passion. It’s sure to make an impact on all.
But this initiative is more than an individual effort. It’s meant to bring the entire construction community together, so inspire your employer to:
Open your jobsite to the interested public.
Most people only get a glimpse into the construction industry as they drive past a job site on the highway or witness a home improvement project in their own home. Show students the range of career opportunities and adults the power of every position, both out on the jobsite and in the office.
Host a “We Built This” event.
If bringing outsiders to your work-in-progress construction site is a bit too daunting for you, show a finished project. This provides a perfect opportunity to highlight the combined efforts of a range of skill sets that created familiar structures in the local community.
If you would like to lead a community event, click here for a helpful guide by BYF, which will help you properly promote your event for the best possible attendance.
While we wholeheartedly recommend inviting the public to experience your work firsthand, if you’re an employer, don’t forget about those who do great work for you. Careers in Construction Month is the perfect time to honor those who are already making an impact in the industry.
Celebrate your current employees
If you are the leader of a construction company, take the time to give thanks to your current employees. Recognizing their hard work will inspire them to continue their great work, and may even help bring others into the industry. But don’t share the award in secret with just the recipient. Send a write-up to your local newspaper or share on your social media page to showcase your best workers to the public.
We make it our mission to inspire a statewide movement that generates pride and respect for the construction industry and to recruit people into the industry as a rewarding and valuable career every day of the year. But this month especially we invite you to join us in this mission.
We would love to see how you celebrate with your teammates, employees, and community members. Share your Careers in Construction Month pictures and videos with us by tagging @ibuildamerica_ohio on Instagram with #CareersInConstructionMonth.
