More than 1,300 students from 55 schools in Eastern Iowa are slated to attend the Eastern Iowa Build My Future Construction Career Day.
The April 29 event is being held at the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center in Cedar Rapids.
Hosted by the Future Builders of Iowa, the event gives students in grades seven through 12 an opportunity to spend a day in the construction industry through an interactive showcase. Students registered through their schools.
Hands-on learning labs – led by volunteers from over 50 area construction and related companies – include construction industry practices, such as carpentry, plumbing, heavy equipment, masonry, drywall and more. There also will be educational displays and equipment operations.
According to a release from Future Builders of Iowa, learning about the construction trades in this way shows students an alternative path to a four-year college degree and lets them test-drive different careers.
“The lack of skilled workers continues to be a major challenge for builders and general contractors,” Iowa City Area Home Builders Association Vocational Training Council board member Tim Ruth said. “Showing students the various career opportunities in the construction trades while they’re in school allows them time to learn more about the field, find what peaks their interests and explore how it can be a viable and rewarding choice for them. Our hope is that in the end, they will go into the field.”
This is the third year that Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Association board member Andy Becker of Stonegate Custom Homes has volunteered at the Build My Future construction event.
“It has been rewarding to work alongside other trade professionals from the area to show kids all across Eastern Iowa the interesting and profitable opportunities that are available to them after high school right here in Iowa,” Mr. Becker said. “Sparking an interest for construction trades at a young age is vital for keeping up with the growth in the industry and maintaining a strong healthy workforce.”
In addition to the hands-on activities, 11 area high schools will be participating in the second annual Industry Skills Competition for Carpentry and Welding. Teams of five students will be building an assigned project on site with a timed deadline. Individual students will be judged on a stick welding assignment. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place carpentry teams and welders.
The Eastern Iowa Build My Future event is hosted by the Future Builders of Iowa, a non-for-profit organization created by The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders and Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Associations to support and expand their workforce development efforts throughout Eastern Iowa.
“Our mission is to empower and educate students about the vast array of opportunities available in construction and related industries,” said Amy Pearson, Workforce Development Director for Future Builders of Iowa. “We aim to inspire the next generation of construction professionals and contribute to a vibrant future for Iowa’s construction industry.”
