As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare our students not only for higher education but also for the workforce. While many believe that college is the only route to success, other career paths, such as civil construction, are available to lead to success and are in high demand. This blog will explore the benefits of promoting civil construction as a viable career option for high school students and how educators can integrate construction courses into their curriculum.
Promoting Civil Construction: Benefits and Solutions
Addressing the Skills Gap: According to a survey by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 80% of construction companies struggle to find workers for hourly craft positions. This skills gap is a real problem that affects many companies, and promoting civil construction as a viable career path can help address this issue while providing students with promising career opportunities.
Giving Students Hands-On Experience: Including construction lessons in the classroom can give students real knowledge of the industry and valuable hands-on experience that would be difficult to obtain outside of school. This experience may allow them to pursue further education and training or to become better qualified for entry-level positions in civil construction.
Encouraging Career Exploration: Promoting civil construction as a viable career path can encourage students to explore different career options and broaden their horizons. This exposure to different career paths can help them make informed decisions about their future and set them on the way to a fulfilling career.
Meeting Local Needs: The construction sector, particularly civil construction, is in need of workers in many localities across the country. By promoting civil construction as a viable career path, we can help meet this need and support the local economy.
Integrating Civil Construction Courses into the Curriculum
Partnering with Industry Experts: Partnering with industry experts and professionals can provide students with valuable insight into the construction industry and the skills required for success in the field. These partnerships can also lead to job shadowing opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships, providing students with practical experience and career opportunities. They also assist the companies in providing them with skilled workers to help offset workforce development issues.
Offering Elective Courses: Incorporating elective courses in civil construction into the curriculum can provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills. These courses can cover various topics, from construction basics to more advanced skills, such as heavy equipment operation and project management.
Providing Career Pathway Programs: Providing career pathway programs that integrate coursework with technical training can help prepare students for entry-level jobs in civil construction or provide a foundation for further education and training. These programs can also include industry-recognized certifications, like OSHA 10, providing students a competitive edge in the job market or preparing them for a technical trade school or college. This also helps companies hire entry-level workers as they will have a strong foundation of knowledge when leaving school.
Conclusion
Promoting civil construction as a viable career path for high school students can provide various benefits, from addressing the skills gap to providing hands-on experience and encouraging career exploration.
By incorporating construction classes into the curriculum and partnering with industry experts, educators can prepare students for success in the construction industry and help them achieve their career goals. As educators, you are responsible for providing our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce, and promoting civil construction as a viable career path is one way to do so.
If you know a high school student who would be interested in a career in civil construction, send them to this blog!