Nevada's construction firms are facing a daunting future; finding more than 28,000 qualified workers within the next decade to meet the demands of the nation's second largest industry. To seed the employment field, construction industry groups are once again joining forces for the 2nd annual Construction Career Day on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Reno Sparks Convention Center.
The event begins with exhibitor setup at & a.m. with event following from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event features hands-on and interactive demonstrations from local construction firms trades groups, apprenticeship programs and heavy-equipment companies to promote construction and the related trades as viable and lucrative career paths.
"Construction encompasses everything from brick-layers, carpenters and heavy equipment operators, to project managers, architects and technical support staff," said Rob Benner, Business Development Director for the Building Trades Council.
And there looks to be a lot of job openings. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation projects that between now and 2024 there is a need for more than 28,000 workers in Nevada's construction industry sector.
That estimate may be a conservative, according to Benner.
"With 22 percent of the construction labor force over the age of 55, and only 7 percent age 25 or less, we are near critical mass in replacing workers who are aging out of the industry," he said.
Construction industry groups Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association and Nevada Builders Alliance along with the Washoe County School District's Department of Career and Technical Education are hosting Construction Career Day.
The AGC, NNACA and the NBA have joined forces to create www.BuildNv.org, a website with resources for individuals to upload their resume, learn about the Reno-Tahoe area and the many programs available to assist with construction industry employment.
Last year, more than 650 students met with over 35 exhibitors in construction and related trades. This year's event has been moved to a larger space at the Convention Center which will also host morning construction career and curriculum educational sessions for Washoe County School District counselors and instructors. The mid-morning and afternoon sessions are set aside for high school and middle school students to explore the hands-on activities and meet with representatives from area construction firms, union and non-union apprenticeship programs and higher education programs focusing on construction related degrees.
For media inquiries and/or exhibitor information, please call Melissa Duvall at 775-329-6116.
