It's always interesting to speak to the next generation and engage them in a discussion about the wonderful world of Construction! While my main goal at these events is to hopefully find someone to join our team, I do my best to talk about the construction industry as a whole, highlighting the diversity within, the different trades and the variety of opportunities available.
At this particular event, parents were guiding their kids through the area, some walking past construction related stations, and commenting "that's construction, keep walking". When I volunteered at another event with even younger minds, it was somewhat unnerving to hear the majority of children proclaiming they want to be YouTube influencers when they grow up. Talking to these middle school and high school students, they are constantly told that in order to have a good job with actual living wages, you need to go to a good college. If you do that, sure you will have student debt, but you will also have a good salary. These students have acquired a narrow view and perhaps some misconceptions about Construction.
Now, I am in now way saying that college isn't good or in some cases necessary, especially as the majority of companies require a 4 year degree. What I am saying is that not everyone is ready for college, or want to go to college for whatever reason. So my thought would be, instead of pushing kids to go to college, teach them that there are other options, there are trade schools and other opportunities too. There are so many programs that high-schoolers can become educated in a trade during their HS career, earning credits and if desired, can graduate with a degree as well as a license and maybe even a job offer.
Working in construction as a GC, we have a unique view of the different industries. Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Misc Metals and my favorite... Masonry -- all have need. These are not dying industries, these are industries that are alive and well and will forever be, but don't garner the interest of the young. And for those who know, being in the C-suite isn't the only career where you can make a 6-figure salary and have a vacation home. (--That's not me... I'm just saying)
All that said, Construction is so much more than wearing boots, a safety vest and a hardhat. It takes management, accountants, human resources, public relations, IT, and a myriad of others. It takes the whole team with knowledge of the industry to run efficiently. Lets encourage the Youts (said in Joe Pesci's thick Jersey accent) the benefits and diversity of our industry!
TMG attended the Career and Trade Fair at Loudoun Valley High School last week to speak with students about the construction industry and opportunities at TMG. Students from Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove High Schools attended the event to gain more insights from local businesses in the trade field and beyond. TMG was proud to support our local community! #TMGBuilds
