Nebraska Hosts Construction Career Days - Students Learn to Build, Design, and Create their Futures

LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Career education is taken to a new level this fall, when 6 community colleges across the state bring hundreds of students on campus to learn about their future job opportunities in the construction industry.  

Construction Career Days offers students opportunities to experience real-life hands-on activities, meet the college faculty, and talk with industry professionals in the field - all at the same time.  At each college location, students will visit 5-7 stations that give them a real world look and feel into a set of career options for their future. 

Some examples of stations students will be able to choose from include robotics, welding, carpentry, electro-mechanical systems, commercial truck driving, heavy equipment operation, surveying, power line repair, drafting, electrical, plumbing, and many, many more!  It is open to students grades eight through twelve. 

There is no cost to attend thanks to amazing industry sponsors, such as Midland's Contracting, NMC, and a number of other construction related employers from across the state.  The event is a result of a partnership with Integrated Global Dimensions, Nebraska Department of Roads, Nebraska Department of Education, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the US DOT Federal Highway Administration and the Nebraska Construction Industry Council.

"The Nebraska Construction Career Days are an excellent way for students to get a 'hands-on' experience in the construction industry.  This event is designed for any student and their parents to explore and see the awesome opportunities in the 'new age' construction industry and the rewarding career that can be obtained," says Tony Glenn, Education Specialist for the Skilled and Technical Sciences Career Field, at the Nebraska Department of Education.

Careers in construction offer rewarding jobs that also offer a great salary - not to mention most often very little student debt.  In many cases, students can earn while they learn as an apprentice, intern or an on-the-job trainee.

"As an industry, we are so excited to be a part in the Career Days! Many construction firm employees are looking forward to participating with College staff at all locations.  We want young people to know the construction profession has multiple entry points into the industry, with each entry point having a great career ladder, along with above average pay at each step," says Jean Petsch, Executive Director, Associated General Contractors-Nebraska Building Chapter.  

Construction Career Days provides students the opportunity to talk with future employers about job shadowing, scholarships, internships, and starting pay out of school as well as advancement opportunities. 

The demand for employees in the construction and construction related fields is projected by the Nebraska Department of Labor to increase over 25% from 2012 to 2022 (2.3% annually).

The events will generally run the length of the school day and the dates and locations are listed below:

• Southeast Community College – Milford: September 22
• Northeast Community College – Norfolk: September 24
• Central Community College – Hastings: September 29
• Metropolitan Community College – Omaha: October 2
• Mid-Plains Community College – North Platte: October 27
• Western Nebraska Community College – Scottsbluff: October 29

Please visit the project website: http://nebraskaconstructioncareerdays.com/ for more information and to sign up online today!  Space is limited to 100 students at each site.  We welcome everyone to also follow us on Facebook this fall at: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskaccd where we will be featuring photos, videos, and more from each of the locations as we bring Construction Career days to Nebraska!

SOURCE Integrated Global Dimensions