Friday, May 1, 2015

Construction Pathway Career Fair (Submitted by Mrs. Gartley)

JP Cullen, a commercial contractor from Janesville, hosted the first annual Construction Career Fair for high school students interested in skilled trades. "Amazing" sums up the quality of this event and the benefit to students in attendance. Display booths included BIM & Technology, Ironworkers, Carpenters & Millwrights, Concrete Finishers, Masons, Operating Engineers, Safety, and General Construction Laborers. Students were guided through each station, listening to a brief presentation and able to try out a skill needed for the trade.

The opportunities in this career pathway are abundant. In most of the trades, apprenticeships are available- blending classroom training over four years with mentored, paid work experience (once students turn 18). Tradesmen stressed the importance of math, especially algebra, good reading and writing skills, the ability to communicate clearly, an understanding and use of technology tools, and a strong work ethic as important qualities to have entering the skilled trades.