Construction Career Day

Nevada ’s second Construction Career Day, slated for October 15, 2010, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is expected to show more than 700 high school students the challenges and earning potential the construction industry has to offer.

Major general and subcontractors, labor unions, higher education, developers and building departments will support the biennial Construction Career Day with some 60 interactive workshops, 60 heavy equipment displays, breakout classes and more. The event will be nearly twice as large as the successful inaugural event in 2008.

With the rapid growth of Las Vegas comes the need for construction and construction-related professionals. The event benefited students by allowing them to learn about these fields, as well as ways to pursue a successful career in the industry.

“As veterans in construction, we have built a wonderful city during our time in the construction business,” said Sherry Hashimoto, NAWIC member and CCD chair. “We need to ensure that a new generation of capable and skilled workers continues our legacy and maintains Las Vegas’ structural landscape.”

The Las Vegas chapters of the National Association of Women in Construction and AGC organize and coordinate the event, with generous support from the industry and the community. The Clark County School District provides transportation for the official field trip, and construction firms and related industries distribute hard hats, stickers and other giveaways to students who visit their displays and exhibit booths.

Dozens of construction equipment displays will punctuate the skyline in the speedway’s infield, and vendors such as the American Public Works Association, Nevada Power Co. and AGC member companies set up shop in the speedway’s Neon Garage to demonstrate career opportunities in the construction trades, management and more.

At Construction Career Day, students will get hands-on instruction in carpentry, plumbing, drywall hanging, sheet metal installation, welding and more. They can find out about available internships, apprenticeship programs and college courses in construction management, engineering and architecture. They will discover how to apply for AGC’s $12,000 Michael T. Martin Memorial Scholarship. And they can try their hands at operating various construction equipment simulators. Students will leave with plenty of giveaways from participating organizations and will be treated to a delicious catered lunch.

The local Construction Career Day planning committee invites companies, trade unions, employer groups, individuals and anyone interested in sponsoring the event or providing an equipment display, interactive presentation to contact Amanda Williams at awilliams@mccarthy.com or 702-990-6707.