About 2,000 middle and high school students from across Northern Nevada are expected to get a hands-on look at construction careers Friday at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
The 9th Annual Northern Nevada Construction Career Day runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will bring students together with contractors, skilled trades professionals, apprenticeship programs, educators, and other industry partners.
The event features 50 exhibitors, giving students a chance to try hands-on activities, watch demonstrations, and talk with people who work in the construction industry. The goal is to help students better understand the different careers available and what it takes to get started.
“Construction Career Day consistently introduces students to opportunities they didn’t know existed,” said Carisalynn Stratton, Workforce Development Manager for AGC. “Construction offers so many different career paths, and this event gives students the chance to experience them firsthand, talk directly with the people doing the work, and hopefully walk away excited about a future they may not have considered before.”
Apprenticeships will be a key part of the event. Students can meet training coordinators and skilled trades professionals and learn how apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training.
"Apprenticeship changes lives, giving young people a path straight from high school into a union construction career that offers great pay, amazing health care, and a pension,” said Charlie Zemp, President of NNACA. “Construction Career Day gives them a chance to get hands-on and see if that path is the right one for them. A lot of kids walk out inspired and excited about their futures. That's why we love being part of this event every year."
The event also gives students a chance to connect what they learn through Career and Technical Education programs with employers and potential career paths after high school.
“Construction Career Day showcases the power of partnership. By bringing students, teachers, and industry professionals together, the event helps students explore rewarding careers, strengthens classroom learning, and helps build the skilled workforce our community will depend on for years to come,” said Matt MacKay, CTE Coordinator for WCSD CTE.
The event is organized through a partnership involving the Associated General Contractors of Nevada, Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association, Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada, and Washoe County School District Career and Technical Education.
The annual event is supported by sponsors and exhibitors who provide resources, expertise and hands-on opportunities for students.
