Annual Construction Career Fair Teaching Tomorrow's Workforce
Like many industries facing a shortage of skilled workers, the construction trades are planning ahead to find tomorrow's workforce. But here in Waukesha, it's not just talk. The trades are actively helping kids learn about the industry and future careers in a unique and very popular way.
Hundreds of students from Southeastern Wisconsin will spend the day learning about careers in the building trades at the fourth annual All Construction Career Day being held Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21, at the Waukesha County Expo Center. The program is sponsored by the Allied Construction Employers Association (ACEA) and other Building Advantage members.
John Topp, executive director of Building Advantage, says the event gives students the chance to learn about the many opportunities available to them after they graduate high school. “Our industry is on the verge of a long-term expansion, and we're looking ahead to tomorrow's talent,” says Topp. “In the next few years, these kids will be making choices about their career paths. We want to show them what careers in the trades are all about.”
School teachers and guidance counselors who attended in past years say the event has been well-received by their students. Jason J. Huber, technology education instructor at Nicolet High School, has attended the event with his students the past several years. Huber says, “My students and I value the All Construction Career Day because it not only provided a variety of trades to network with, but more importantly, it was the hands-on aspect that really helped enlighten the students to what each trade entailed, such as knowledge base requirements and utilization of problem-solving techniques.”
John Lonergan from Hartford Union High School brought his class to last year's event. Lonergan teaches a class in which students build a home in one school year. “We mainly do the carpentry aspect of the home,” he says.?“The students I‘ve brought the past few years have come away with several other career options in the construction field.?We especially liked the hands-on activities provided to the students. Having the punch cards for the students made sure they went to all of the booths. The trades people have been willing to spend time with our students, which is a good opportunity for them to share their knowledge and promote their trade. Most of the trades are looking for new, qualified workers.”
According to Ed Hayden, ACEA president, there's a shortage of skilled workers entering the trades. “Currently, apprentices graduating each year replace between 40 percent and 60 percent of those retiring,” he says. “This certainly underscores the need for recruitment.”
According to a 2006 Manpower survey, the construction trades are among the top five most difficult positions to fill in the country.
“This career fair is important for so many reasons,” says Hayden. “We have a distinct responsibility to the future of construction in our area, as well as to all the students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about the many rewarding career opportunities in the trades.”
To learn more about the ACEA All Construction Career Fair or to register, call 262-785-1430.
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