BuildNV.org, in partnership with the Washoe County School District Department of Career and Technical Education, is seeking exhibitors for the 2nd annual Construction Career Day at the Reno Sparks Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event features hands-on, interactive and demonstration displays to promote construction and the related trades as viable and lucrative career paths. Last year’s event saw over 600 Northern Nevada students, educators and counselors interacting with over 35 exhibitors.
“This is a perfect time for young people to explore careers in construction,” Rob Benner, business development director for the Building Trades Council of Northern Nevada, said. “With 22 percent of the construction labor force over the age of 55, and only 7 percent age 25 or less, we are nearing critical mass in replacing workers who are aging out of the industry.”
Benner said the event is designed to provide students and job seekers real-world information on available career paths in construction.
“Construction is so much more than just swinging a hammer,” he said. “Construction encompasses everything from brick-layers and carpenters to project managers, architects, designers and support staff, and it provides a great living.”
The day-long event features morning educational sessions for Washoe School District counselors and faculty, and separate sessions of hands-on, interactive displays and exhibits for middle and high school students. Local area officials are also expected to attend and present a proclamation from the Governor’s office declaring October Careers in Construction Month.
Representatives from area construction firms, associations and higher education will be on hand to answer questions, meet with students and faculty to showcase various aspects of the construction industry.
Dr. Dana Ryan, Washoe County School District director of Signature Academies and CTE, said students will see and experience a wide variety of construction-related industries.
“Last year we had hundreds of kids engaging in hands-on activities, asking questions and actively learning about construction,” she said. “Many of our students – and teachers - were amazed by the variety of career and educational opportunities available to them in this industry.”
BuildNV.org and Construction Career Day is a collaborative industry effort comprised of Nevada Builders Alliance, The Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, the Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association and the Washoe County School District.
For information on registering as an exhibitor or sponsor for Construction Career Day, contact outreach@nevadabuilders.org, or call Pam Duxbury, outreach coordinator at Nevada Builders Alliance at (775) 882-4353.
