The Future of Our Industry Looks Bright
by Ron Kubitz
April 18, 2011
125.jpg)
I recently spent four hours out in the miserable cold and rain, and I could not be happier!
The reason why is because I’ve just returned from the 2011 Construction Career Day at the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (a chapter of the AGC of America), and I am totally enthused about the future of our industry.
I am enthused, because I was able to meet close to 1,200 (yes, that is 1,200 and not a typo) students who demonstrated great interest and passion for learning more about our industry. Hearing their questions and seeing their eyes widen with joy and amazement as they admired 30 pieces of large construction equipment was truly a positive sign among all of the industry’s glum economic news of the day.
In addition to the outpouring of students on this otherwise dismal day, the success of this event was largely dependent on the 45-plus exhibitors consisting of heavy/highway contractors, engineering firms, material suppliers, manufacturers, apprenticeship programs, vocational training schools, colleges, universities and other businesses that play a role in the dynamic world of transportation/civil construction.
Lucky students at the event were able to engage in construction-related activities, including operating heavy equipment, testing materials, surveying, welding, designing a bridge, using safety equipment, concrete finishing, drilling, rebar tying, estimating a job, use of GPS/GIS information technology and much more. Watching the future engineers, surveyors, operators, carpenters, laborers, etc., getting to observe and operate concrete pumps, drills, cranes, excavators, backhoes and the like made me pause and take note that the future of our industry was indeed bright.
I was truly amazed by the quality of the student questions and the obvious research they had done prior to attending—it is clear that the next generation of professionals in our industry will be top notch. I am confident that as the market improves and the problems that we are currently facing diminish, we are headed to a future glowing with promise within the construction industry. My sincere thanks to the students at this event who clearly showed me that our future is in good hands!
What’s your take on the future of our industry? Are you encountering similar enthusiasm by future professionals in your area?
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
Comments (7)Post a Comment
Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
Title: Morris
By: Richard
Posted: April 19, 2011 7:25 AM
This is a great story and it definitely is a positive beacon in a negative and dark storm that we face today.
Thanks for sharing!
Title: Future of our workforce!
By: Bonnie Estep
Posted: April 19, 2011 2:23 PM
Thanks for sharing this story as it has brightened my day back here in the again rainy and gloomy east.
I would like to know more details of this event so that we may look to do something similar!
Thanks again and it sounds like a very benficial undertaking.
I heard great things regarding the CAWP at the recent Conference in Vegas.
Title: Future of our Industry!
By: Ron Kubitz
Posted: April 19, 2011 5:02 PM
Bonnie thanks for the kind words. Feel free to e-mail me at r_kubitz@brayman.com and we can arrange to discuss offline!
The CAWP is an excellent organization with extremely dedicated and talented individuals!
Title: Similar Results
By: Denny Green
Posted: April 20, 2011 1:52 PM
We have had similar results and turnout at events like this in the Chicago area. Many youngsters are looking at the construction trade as a great hands on future with outdoor work and little formal classroom education.
We have these events in our area and they are always well attended and lead to hires.
Title: Future
By: Sparky Daniels
Posted: April 21, 2011 4:20 PM
Our local Assn. starts the education/recruiting process in grade school with yearly events. By high school graduation we have a great pool of folks ready to enterthe work forceand have interested may others in engineering and related programs.
We have the right people now weneed the work!
Title: Youth of today!
By: Tim Mahoney
Posted: April 22, 2011 12:34 PM
Based on my experiences the youth of today scare me. When we participate in these types of events we find disinterest (rather play on cell phones), poor communicators, poor math skills.
Be afraid...very afraid!
Title: Future of INdustry
By: James Batten
Posted: July 11, 2011 7:45 AM
I am glad the future looks bright as the present certainly is not!