EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
San Francisco 49ers former cornerback Eric Wright posed for a “selfie” with attendees at the Bay Area Career Awareness Day in March.
Inspiring Students to Consider Construction Through Career Awareness Days
By Haley Fernandez, AGC CEF Well over 7,000 Northern California
high school students had the opportunity to learn about the many career opportu- nities available to them in the construc- tion industry, thanks to two Construc- tion Career Awareness Day
(CCAD)
events held this year in Richmond and Sacramento, CA. The AGC of California Construction
Education Foundation (AGC CEF) plans, facilitates, and sponsors the CCAD events each year, along with industry partners in support of its mission to promote the development of construction careers and establish construction as a viable career option with young people. The CCAD events offer high school students the op- portunity to meet and interact with con- struction professionals. They experience first-hand the numerous career paths available in the industry through interac- tive exhibits from local area contractors, suppliers, labor unions, apprenticeship
14 November/December 2014
programs, and education providers and institutions.
Richmond CCAD Highlights Construction Opportunities The first CCAD event, sponsored by
Skanska USA Civil West as Presenting Partner, took place on March 27, 2014 at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Califor- nia. More than 650 Bay Area high school students turned out for the dynamic event that introduced them to career opportu- nities in the industry including building, heavy equipment, engineering, highway, and related trades. The event featured an indoor exhibit hall, outdoor equipment area, workshops, hands-on activities, and student demonstrations. Students started their day hearing from
two emerging construction professionals, Amanda Lenhart, HENSEL PHELPS, and Peter Razavi, Skanska, about their recent graduation from an AGC Student Chapter, their current jobs, and what it takes to work in construction. During the lunch hour,
students also heard from George Hanible, compliance officer for Skanska, and City of Richmond Mayor Gayle McLauglin. The Keynote speaker,
former corner-
back #21 from the San Francisco 49ers, Eric Wright, gave a rousing address to the students. Wright currently works as the executive sales vice president for Gar- cia Sales, LLC and Channel Lumber. He outlined some of the opportunities in the construction industry and even posed for a “selfie” with all the students. Throughout the day, students explored
the 50 indoor and outdoor exhibitors, an outdoor equipment area, hands-on activi- ties, and demonstrations ranging from a concrete pump from Cal Con Pumping to Kiewit using models to demonstrate equip- ment operation. The exhibitors participated in a competition in which the students voted for their favorite booth to encourage hands- on exhibits. The winner was Honey Buck- et’s activity of fitting as many individuals in a portable toilet unit as possible. (The win- ning school fit 11 students!) Honey Bucket
California Constructor