Teaching Teens About Trades

Students Get Real-World Glimpses into Hands-on, High-Tech, and High-Paying Careers

More than 700 local high school students got an inside look at the world of building and construction last week at the 24th Annual Construction Career Day, the premier industry-sponsored career exposition in the Hudson Valley.

Students from six counties filled the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse on March 28 and learned first-hand how the industry’s “new collar” careers offer strong earning potential, job security, and the ability to build a career right in their own communities—without the heavy financial burden of college tuition.

The event connected students with experienced union members and skilled trades professionals from 19 union organizations and four private-sector companies from the Hudson Valley, who led live demonstrations in plumbing, welding, masonry, carpentry, and metalwork. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with apprenticeship instructors about what it takes to join a registered apprenticeship program. These programs follow a “learn-while-you-earn” model, where participants receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training, earning wages that increase as their skills grow. Graduates earn nationally recognized credentials and join a workforce that continues to grow in demand.

Hosted by the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC) and the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc. (BCA), Construction Career Day is designed to reinvigorate the industry’s labor force with young talent.

“We want students to see that the trades are not just a backup plan—they’re a first-choice career path,” said Matthew Pepe, Executive Director of the CIC and BCA. “The demand for skilled labor is increasing, and we’re seeing infrastructure investments at the state and federal levels, so there is clearly a need for these critical skills. We’re proud to be a part of this important effort to enhance our workforce, invest in our communities, and strengthen our overall economy.”

This year’s Construction Career Day attracted 726 students from 33 high schools and learning centers in Rockland, Sullivan, Orange, Ulster, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. According to the exit data and school registrations, approximately 20 percent of the students were female and more than 60 percent were listed as minority.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day praised the Construction Career Day program. “I am proud to once again host Construction Career Day here in Rockland County,” Day said. “All too often, schools put value on college and don’t put good value on the trades, which offer tremendous options for our young people.”

Also in attendance and expressing strong support for the campaign were U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (CD-17), New York State Sen. Shelley Mayer and Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne as well as a representative from the New York State Department of Labor. Congressman Lawler presented the BCA with a Congressional Proclamation recognizing its contributions to the construction industry.

This year, CIC and BCA introduced a new component to the career program—Career Night—an open-house tailored for parents and their children to explore careers together. Held March 27, more than 75 students attended and engaged with trades professionals to learn about careers and apprenticeships. Students seeking apprenticeship opportunities are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent GED. There are more than 20 skill trades represented among the building and construction trade unions. For information about apprenticeship programs and job opportunities, visit cicbca.org/union.