INVESTING IN OUR INDUSTRY


Collective Effort Enables Build California Summer Camps to Activate Next Generation Workforce


BY CAROL EATON I t takes a village.


When it comes to activating and engaging the next-generation con-


struction workforce, this age-old proverb has never been more true. From parents, educators, and indus-


try-leading programs such as Build Cal- ifornia to the construction professionals who devote time and energy connecting with students in classrooms, on jobsite tours, and at career fairs, internships, and summer camps, inspiring young people to consider the many well-paying, fulfill- ing career options in the construction industry is a team effort. To further this goal, Build California


launched its Northern and Southern California summer camps two years ago. Created as a catalyst for students inter- ested in exploring construction career pathways, the camps also advance the industry’s goal to strengthen the con- struction workforce pipeline in California. In 2026, the Build California summer


camps provided 34 rising high school juniors and seniors a comprehensive look at diverse construction career op- portunities through a mix of hands-on learning sessions, presentations by in- dustry professionals, interactions with trade and contractor representatives, and professional development workshops on resume building, personal commu- nications, interview tips, and more. In post-camp surveys, 75% of participants


Eros Mejorado with another student at the 2026 Build California Camp in Southern California.


reported an increased interest in pursuing a career in construction. But even as participants rated the


experience as overwhelmingly positive after attending, convincing high school students to commit to a week at a sum- mer camp can be a challenge. It requires educators and schools to raise awareness, parents to provide support and encour- agement, and students to be willing to try something new.


Standout Long Beach Attendee One example of that dynamic is Eros Me- jorado, a senior at Millikan High School in Long Beach. He decided to attend the 2026 Build California Summer Camp after


seeing information about it through his school – and was strongly encouraged to attend by his parents. “I found out about the camp through a flier in my weekly newsletter from my school,” Eros recalled. “I wanted to do something to show (my parents) that I could take control of my own future, so I signed up – and I’m really glad that I did.” Traveling 30 minutes to an hour each


way from Long Beach to the camp at the Southern California Laborers’ Training School in Azusa took commitment, but was well worth it, according to Eros. He not only met other students from throughout the region but also networked with trade representatives and local contractors.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026


15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28