Every fall, I look forward to tailgates, football games, cooler weather and seeing the ABC Pelican Training Center parking lots full again.
Every evening, there are lines of vehicles filled with the next generation of the construction industry, making their way to our training centers. Despite the long day of work they have already put in, these students are eager to learn and continue to master their craft. I am proud that we are one of the many ABC chapters where this scene repeats itself. With two training centers and several satellite locations, the Pelican Chapter of ABC will educate approximately 1,500 students this fall.
My favorite time of the year
Students learn about industrial pipe and valve fittings during the ABC Pelican Southwest Build Your Future event.
October is officially Careers in Construction Month, a national effort to educate the public about the opportunities available for craft professionals. While you and I know plenty about construction-related careers, the public does not, and we should be informing high school students, parents and those in the workforce about these opportunities. During Careers in Construction Month, ABC provides resources to local educators and industry representatives, and inspires high school students to choose a rewarding career as a craft professional.
Throughout October, schools, contractors and organizations will partner locally to host events or conduct activities that raise awareness and introduce students and young professionals to rewarding careers in construction. Simply put, Careers in Construction is a nationwide campaign designed to educate the public about the opportunities available for a craft professional.
My favorite time of the year
Students from Southwest Louisiana testing out FallTech safety gear during the ABC Pelican Southwest Build Your Future event.
For 14 years ABC Pelican has been partnering with Build Your Future, a non-profit organization aimed at recruiting the next generation of craft professionals. We always host two Build Your Future Days, one in Southwest Louisiana and one in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Build Your Future provides a collaborative grassroots approach to construction workforce forecasting and development that includes recruitment, training, placement, retention and image enhancement strategies. If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to get involved in this mission-driven organization.
This fall’s Build Your Future Day in Baton Rouge will bring more than 60 local high schools and we have already scheduled field trips for more than 1,000 high school students to learn about the many career pathways available for them in the construction industry. Local contractors, industry professionals and suppliers will showcase their specialties with booths and other displays set up in a local exposition center. From hands-on conduit bending to VR to real-life safety testing, students will experience various aspects of a career in the construction industry.
With the increasing need for workers in the construction industry, I hope you and your business can participate in Careers in Construction Month to shed a positive light and realistic image of the construction industry. It is more important than ever to inform the next generation of the possibilities a career in construction can offer them. Reach out to your local high schools, technical colleges or ABC chapter to see how you can get involved.
For more information, visit abcpelican.org or call (225) 752-1415.
