Question:
Careers in the Building Industry ?
Answer:
The Utah Department of Workforce Services definitely can see the
advantages. So the state agency, in concert with educators and industry
employers, sponsored Utah Construction Career Days recently to expose
junior high and high school students to a wide range of construction jobs.
The three-day event funneled 5,500 students into the Utah State
Fairpark to tie rebar, watch electrical installation and operate
life-size versions of Tonka Trucks.
New to Utah this year, the event was largely a response to a looming
shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. The
Department of Workforce Services has forecast the number of
construction jobs in the state will grow 3.4 percent per year between
2002 and 2012 - creating an additional 23,000 jobs.
But the construction industry already is outpacing that prediction.
So far in 2005, the number of construction jobs in Utah has increased
by 10.6 percent from last year.
And some worry there are not enough young people coming into the field
to fill those ranks. The industry is dominated by older workers - the
average age of a construction worker is 48 - many of whom may retire
in the next few years.
"It's not a glamorous industry," said Melisa Stark of Workforce
Services. "In the past, it's been seen as a last resort: 'If you don't
go to college, you can work construction.' We're trying to change that
perception."
Construction is a good option for all students, whether college-bound
or not, Stark said.
Students pursuing architecture, engineering or construction management
degrees can gain valuable on-the-job experience and pay their tuition
by working construction. Others can apprentice to be plumbers,
electricians or brick masons and work into careers that pay salaries of
$40,000 or more. Eventually, some may choose to open their own
businesses.
