Stacy Gunderson's blog

At an early age, young children, especially boys, are given all sorts of construction toys. These toys spark creativity and allow our kids the opportunity to use their imagination. They develop concepts such as structural design and receive an early introduction into math, physics, mechanics, and engineering – all of which are turned into fun learning adventures. Cartoon programs with names such Handy Manny and Bob the Builder have become popular and appeal to children’s imaginative personalities. My own son even runs around with a hardhat and tool belt fixing things that don’t really need to be fixed.

If construction is considered to be a great early learning experience, why is it not an acceptable career option for an adult?

Most parents who once supported their child’s curiosity for construction are the first to say it is not a career option. These parents are not knowledgeable about the opportunities that exist for their children or the money that can be made working in the field.   [node:read-more:link]

Editor's note: The following article was originally posted on the MarekBros.com blog.

Power tools are used daily in our line of work; we use them to cut metal, secure fasteners, and shape materials. Knowing how to identify and use power tools safely and correctly is very important to our trade. That is why it is a valuable and necessary part of our Workforce Development Program.

On Tuesday May 6th, our Marek Austin apprentices who have been studying the NCCER Core Curriculum Introduction to Power Tools Module did a performance test on their usage and knowledge of the tools. The types of tools that are studied in this module are electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic. An important aspect of this class is that all apprentices must complete the Basic Safety Module before moving into the power tools section.    [node:read-more:link]

Originally posted on Marekbros.com.

The Build Your Future (BYF) initiative along with various industry partners are excited to announce that they have teamed up in San Antonio to host a Construction Career Day event on April 9, 2014 at Freeman Coliseum's Expo Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We are anticipating over 600 students from 20 different schools from San Antonio and the surrounding areas, up from last year’s student attendance of around 350. These students will have an opportunity to watch equipment and welding demonstrations, speak with local employers in the construction industry, and visit booths representing various professions in construction.

The goal of this event is to encourage awareness to the different construction trades and lead students into long-term rewarding careers in construction.   [node:read-more:link]

On Wednesday, March 20th, Construction Career Day was held on the Warren High School campus in San Antonio, Texas – the site of Northside Independent School District’s Construction Careers Academy.  Over 350 students from high schools around NISD attended the one day event.  Overall, 450 students, instructors, and industry contractors were in attendance.

There were 30 construction contractors at the event demonstrating their tools and equipment.  Demonstrations included wall building, surveying, electrical wiring, plumbing, welding, and tool-use competitions.

Each student who attended received a hard hat, a T-shirt, and safety glasses.  Additionally, over $2,000 worth of tools were given away at the event.  At the job fair area of the event, contractors actively recruited qualified students for summer and full-time employment.

NISD has realized that there will be an increased demand for skilled construction workers in the future.  The baby boomers that hold a majority of the positions in the industry are quickly reaching retirement age.  When they retire, the need to fill their positions will be enormous.   [node:read-more:link]

Youth are vital to the construction industry.  Today’s high school students represent the pool of workers from which the construction industry will recruit its future work force.  Northside Independent School District (NISD) understands this and is hosting its first annual Construction Career Day next week on March 20.

The event will be held at Warren High School’s Construction Careers Academy in San Antonio, Texas.  Teachers from NISD high schools have selected 350 students who have shown interest in pursuing careers in construction.  The students will be introduced to many of the rewarding and diverse careers in the industry, and will have the opportunity to speak with potential employers about what working in the industry is like and how it could impact their career paths and futures.  Students will visit booths representing various professions in construction, watch trade demonstrations, and see how different types of equipment are used. [node:read-more:link]

There is a myth in our culture that all high school graduates must attend college.  This is a topic that gets introduced to them in middle school and then pounded into them once they reach high school.  This is a problem that needs to be addressed.  Schools are not talking to students about the other options that are out there, and this leaves them in the dark over other respectable vocational or employment opportunities.  As a society, it is our responsibility along with the schools’ educators to recognize our children's strong and weak points and steer them in the direction that best suits their abilities.

Our world would not be a better place if all of us were to become white collar professionals.   [node:read-more:link]

Construction site risks can come from many directions.  A worker twists his back while unloading a dolly of sheetrock.  A new employee misses a briefing on PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and cuts his finger.  A site supervisor rushes his crew to meet a deadline, taking shortcuts with fall protection procedures.

The construction industry has one of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities among all industries.  Building a strong safety program that provides clear recommendations and procedures can help identify and mitigate potential risks.

While Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations set standards, construction firms can go above and beyond these requirements to strengthen safe practices.  The benefits include fewer at-risk behaviors, lower accident rates, less turnover, lower absenteeism, and high productivity.  Many accidents and injuries lead to recuperation away from work, transfer to another job, restricted duties or a combination of these actions – sometimes resulting in lost wages or reduced income for workers and their families.  

How do we overcome the stereotypes that many younger students have about the construction industry?  There is definitely an image issue that the construction industry is dealing with.  When picturing a construction worker, many people envision a guy with a tool belt hanging low, someone who's not very bright, who maybe didn't graduate from high school or even get a GED, who took a job in construction because that was the best job that he could get; however the stereotype-versus-reality is totally out of line.