We know you only want the best for your child—a secure future that offers them growth, financial stability, and an opportunity to be the best version of themselves. For many students, the path to a career includes a traditional, four-year degree. For other students, this path is not a great fit. If you feel like your child would not thrive in a degree program or would be better suited in a more hands-on profession, we encourage you to discuss careers in construction with your child.
I Build America – Ohio is a movement to generate pride and respect for the construction industry and to recruit young people into the industry as a rewarding and valuable career.
You are a critical part of our mission. Explore the points below for great ways to begin discussing a career in construction with your child.
Why consider construction?
Construction isn’t what it used to be. Today, there are thousands of high-tech and digital jobs as well as technical, hands-on jobs available. Careers in construction can lead to self-employment, financial security, and job stability for decades to come.
Construction is honorable work.
The men and women who work in construction regularly report the honor and pride that comes with being part of projects, developments, and ongoing work that is literally forming our country. From infrastructure to housing developments to cutting-edge research centers, it all starts with an idea that we build into reality.
Financial security can begin at a young age.
Many skilled trades offer apprenticeship programs, which follow an “earn-as-you-learn” model in which young people get paid as they learn the skilled work of the trade. This also helps students avoid the massive debt that can come with a four-year degree program!
The future is bright in construction.
Across Ohio and the nation, there is a lot of investment into our country’s infrastructure. From housing communities to highways to urban redevelopment, the list of projects is long—and there’s no end in sight!
