Ryan Klacking CPC Council Director The Voice Newsletter October 2023

To piggyback on my newsletter from September and how sponsorships, support, and education are not only critical to our future workforce, but also to the industry, I would like to bring awareness to the month of October, as it is Careers in Construction Month (CICM).

Since 2005, October has been touted as National Careers in Construction Month. What was once just a weeklong celebration, has now become a monthlong endeavor of education, awareness, and celebration of the industry.

“Concrete” specific jobs aren’t in the top ten of the fastest growing careers in the construction industry, Construction and Project Managers take the #1 spot, and we all use and depend on these key positions for our companies and businesses as they oversee the projects, track the progress, costs, issues, and carry out the detailed plans. With the need for more workers coming into this industry, supporting endeavors that help to bring awareness to the trade is crucial for not only the health of the industry, but also for our workforce, and our future business.

Below are some ideas and suggestions you can use to promote CICM:

• Highlight someone who has been a mentor or educator in your life through social media, and the difference they have made in your life or career with the hashtags: #careersinconstruction, or #CICM.
• Host an in-person or virtual meetings with people/students potentially interested in a career in the field. Some topics you can discuss can include high demand for the trades, skillsets needed, potential for upward mobility, and resources available.
• Spread the word. You can visit byf.org/cicm to download media resources and graphics to help promote CICM during the month of October.
• Whether it is through outreach, mentorship, sponsorship, training, or education, the need for more skilled labor and individuals is needed – and we have the ability to aid in the future paths of our successors.