Every October, a significant event occurs in the construction industry. October officially marks Careers in Construction Month, a nationwide effort to highlight a vital part of our economy. If you’ve ever driven past a construction site and wondered what it is really like, this month is for you.
This is an opportunity to pull back the curtain on an industry that shapes the world around us. This celebration, this push for awareness during Careers in Construction Month, is more than just a simple showcase. It’s a direct response to one of the country’s biggest challenges today.
Invest in value. Deliver consistent high-quality work.
Become an ABC Member Today
ABC SoCal lays the groundwork for California contractors and equips them with the best resources and tools for success.
Join NowWhat Exactly is Careers in Construction Month?
Think of Careers in Construction Month as a month-long open house for the entire construction industry. It’s an initiative to share the story of modern construction with everyone. From high school students to veterans transitioning to civilian life, this event is for them.
The goal is to change perceptions and highlight the incredible career opportunities available to young people. Spearheaded by organizations like NCCER and its Build Your Future initiative, this movement brings together construction companies, schools, and communities. These groups aim to raise public awareness of the rewarding career paths available in the skilled trades.
Throughout the month, industry professionals host events to show what working in construction truly means today. The month is packed with activities, including job fairs, hands-on demonstrations, and guest speakers in the classrooms. It is all about creating connections and opening doors for the next generation of skilled trade workers.
Why Construction Needs a Spotlight Right Now
The urgency behind this movement is real. America is facing a massive skilled labor shortage in the construction trades. There are not enough qualified skilled workers to fill the open positions for critical construction projects.
According to a report from Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry is expected to need to attract over half a million additional workers in 2024 alone. That number is staggering, highlighting a critical gap in our future workforce. The demand for building homes, roads, and hospitals has not slowed down, which makes this shortage a national concern.
A significant part of this problem is the impending retirement of experienced craft professionals. For decades, these individuals have been the backbone of the industry. As they hang up their tool belts, we need a new wave of talent to step in and continue their essential work in the building trades.
For too long, the primary message in high schools has been that a four-year college degree is the only path to a successful career. This has steered countless students away from the trades, creating a perception gap. Careers in Construction Month works to raise awareness and present a different, equally valuable career pathway.
More Than Just Hard Hats and Hammers
When you hear the word “construction,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s an image of tough, physically demanding labor out in the elements. While that can be part of the job, it’s a tiny piece of a much larger picture.
Today’s construction sites are hubs of innovation and technology. They are places where brainpower is just as essential as physical strength. The variety of jobs available might surprise you, spanning from the job site to the corporate office, with each requiring a different skill set.
Let’s look past the old stereotypes. You will find a wide range of professional roles that require different skills, talents, and educational backgrounds. It is a field with something for almost anyone interested in pursuing a career that builds America.
High Tech Roles on the Modern Jobsite
Technology has completely changed how we build. Do you have a knack for computers or video games? You may be a perfect fit for a tech role in the construction industry.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialists create detailed 3D models of projects before a single shovel hits the ground. Drone operators capture aerial data to track progress and enhance safety on construction sites. Some companies are even using robotics and GPS-guided heavy equipment, which requires skilled technicians to operate and maintain them.
These jobs blend digital skills with practical application. They make construction safer, faster, and more efficient than ever before. It is a field where your tech-savvy can literally help shape the future construction of our communities.
Leadership and Management Paths
Are you a natural leader or great with numbers? Construction is also a business, and it needs sharp minds to run it smoothly. These roles are critical to a project’s success from start to finish and can lead to a lucrative career.
Project managers are the conductors of the orchestra, ensuring that everything and everyone works together on schedule and on budget. Estimators analyze project plans to calculate the costs of labor and materials. A senior director of safety creates and enforces protocols to ensure that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day.
These careers offer high earning potential and the chance to lead significant projects that shape our communities. They prove that a construction career can mean a corner office with a great view of the city you helped build. Many career paths enable trade workers to advance into leadership roles, with some eventually becoming executive directors or owners.
When you think Safety ... Think ABC
ABC sets the industry standard for jobsite safety
Keeping your workforce safe reduces accidents, eliminates OSHA fines, and reduces your workers’ compensation costs, making your business more productive.
Learn MoreThe Heart of the Industry: Skilled Trades
Of course, the skilled craft professionals are still the foundation of it all. These are the artisans and technicians who bring plans to life. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and heavy equipment operators are in higher demand than ever.
A career in the skilled trades offers incredible benefits. You often get paid to learn through apprenticeships and craft training programs, which means avoiding the crushing student loan debt that comes with a four-year college education. The skills you learn are portable and always in demand, providing you with excellent job security.
Let’s not forget the pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction and extraction occupations was $55,980 in May 2023. Many experienced tradespeople earn well into the six figures, far surpassing many jobs that require a four-year college degree.
| Skilled Trade | 2023 Median Pay | Typical Entry-Level Education |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $61,680 per year | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $61,550 per year | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Construction Equipment Operators | $55,270 per year | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Carpenters | $57,210 per year | High school diploma or equivalent |
The table above is just a sample of the many rewarding career opportunities available in the construction trades.
How to Get Involved During Careers in Construction Month
So, what can you do to participate? The great thing about this initiative is that anyone can get involved. Whether you are looking for a job or looking to hire, there is a role for you to play.
The month is all about action and provides a perfect time to get involved. It’s about taking that next step, asking a question, or sharing a story. Here are a few ways different groups can make a difference during this critical school year event.
For Students and Job Seekers
If you are curious about a career in construction, this is your opportunity to explore. Start by checking for local construction events in your area, as many companies host open houses. You can often tour a facility or a local construction site.
Reach out to your local trade schools or a union apprenticeship training program. They can provide you with information on various career pathways and the necessary steps to get started. Attending a career fair, either in person or online, can connect you directly with hiring managers who are looking for fresh talent.
This month is an ideal opportunity for career readiness activities. Look for a resume-building session or ask for resume tips from industry professionals. Many local associations provide interview coaching to help students prepare for job applications.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. People in the industry are passionate about their work and are usually happy to share their experiences with others. It could be the start of a life-changing, rewarding career.
For Construction Companies and Organizations
If you are already in the industry, your voice is needed. Consider hosting your own event to increase public visibility. A construction day tour for high school students can make a significant impact on their career choices.
Partner with local schools and support students in your community. Offer to send an employee to speak to a class about their career path or sponsor a school’s craft training program. Sharing personal stories is one of the most effective ways to inspire young people and show them what a successful career can look like.
You can also use your social media channels to highlight your fantastic team. Post videos of your employees talking about why they love their jobs. Celebrate their successes and showcase the modern, diverse face of your company to help raise awareness.
Engaging in community service or partnering with groups like Boys & Girls Clubs can also make a difference. These activities demonstrate your company’s commitment to the community. They help build a positive image of the construction craft for the next generation.
Unlock Your Future with Apprenticeship!
Career opportunities that can take you in many directions in the construction industry!
Join California's State & Federally Approved Program Today - Learn, Earn, and Thrive Without Student Debt!
Join NowSuccess Stories: Building the Future Workforce
Efforts like Careers in Construction Month really do work. All across the country, innovative workforce development programs are already making a big impact. They serve as a model for what is possible when the industry comes together.
In states like North Carolina, programs work with public schools to create a pipeline of talent. They introduce students to the trades early on with hands-on learning and clear career pathways to apprenticeships after graduation. This early exposure helps demystify the industry and presents it as a viable and respected career choice.
Other initiatives focus on specific groups. Programs for veterans help translate their military skills into construction careers, recognizing their discipline and teamwork. These targeted efforts show a deep understanding of what different groups can bring to the job site.
Imagine a scenario where an executive director of a local builders association partners with several high schools. They secure a grant to build a state-of-the-art craft training lab for students. This allows students to learn valuable skills during the school year, preparing them for a future in the construction industry.
These are not just isolated examples. They are part of a growing movement that understands that building our future workforce is as important as building our next skyscraper. It takes commitment, partnership, and a shared vision to celebrate rewarding career paths.
Conclusion
Careers in Construction Month is so much more than a date on a calendar. It is a critical movement for the health of our economy and the future of our nation’s infrastructure. It is about building a strong, skilled, and diverse workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Whether you are a student planning your future, a veteran seeking a new mission, or a professional looking for a change, the construction industry has a place for you. It offers careers that are rewarding, stable, and essential. This October, take a closer look at the opportunities all around you and help share the story of what a modern building career looks like.
By getting involved with Careers in Construction Month, you can help build a stronger future for everyone. Let us all work together to month celebrate the people who build America. All rights reserved for progress and innovation are in the hands of the next generation.
