By Jerry Miller, President, Southwest Region
People are our biggest asset, and as such we must continue to fight the war for people in the construction industry.
With many more projects than skilled trade professionals to build them, our industry will struggle and the firms with the best people will win. Ames has the best craftspeople and skilled teams in the business, and we must continue to build our benches to protect our future.
After graduating high school, my son started college in 2019 but became disappointed with the experience during the pandemic. Remote learning was not his thing; he is a hands-on person. Although I pounded into his brain that he needed a college education, he made the decision to enter the trades last year in the electrical field.
Encouraging young people to pursue a career in the construction trades instead of college requires a shift in mindset and education.
I could not be prouder of his decision even though I was pressuring him to stay in college. That was bad advice from me and got me thinking. How do we get more young people interested in the trades?
Encouraging young people to pursue a career in the construction trades instead of college requires a shift in mindset and education. Here are some of my suggestions:
Change the Narrative
One of the biggest challenges in getting young people interested in the construction trades is the perception that these are jobs for those who couldn’t make it in college. Not true. We need to educate young people about the various career opportunities available in the construction trades, the high salaries and job satisfaction they offer, and the potential for advancement.
Highlight Success Stories
We can share success stories of individuals who started in the construction trades and have built successful careers, specifically at Ames. These stories can highlight the skills, dedication, and hard work that contributed to the success of these individuals.
Hands-on Learning
We can support high schools and vocational schools in incorporating hands-on learning experiences into the curriculum, such as welding and mechanics. This can include construction projects and apprenticeships, allowing students to see the real-world application of their skills. We can also host heavy equipment construction rodeos to give kids exposure to the equipment.
Partner with Industry
We can partner with the AGC, clients, trade unions, and other industry organizations to offer internships, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities. Open houses at project sites and at our shops give young people the chance to see the action firsthand. This will allow young people to learn from experienced professionals and gain insight into the industry.
Offer Incentives
Financial incentives such as scholarships, grants, and other support can help young people interested in pursuing careers in construction trades. We have done this in Arizona for mechanics, welders, and oilers to help with their apprenticeship costs. Nothing like getting paid to learn!
These are just a few ideas. By taking some of these steps, we can help shift the narrative around the construction trades and encourage young people to consider pursuing a rewarding and fulfilling career in trades at Ames Construction.
