NAWIC Maine & AGC Maine welcome over 1000 High School Students for Immersive Construction Event
West Bath, Maine – The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC Maine) are anticipating over 1000 students, from all over the state at the third annual Maine Construction Career Day on Thursday, October 10th, 2024.
The day is focused on providing high school students with exposure to hands on construction experiences. Contractors will be onsite to provide opportunities for students to operate excavators, cranes and other construction equipment. Students will be able to try welding, wiring electrical or even framing a wall. There will be learning experiences spanning all facets of construction including building, highway and renewable energy.
“It is essential that we are connecting our young people to quality career opportunities within our state, and making these jobs accessible for everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the trades such as women,” Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said. “The Construction trades provide so many opportunities, and there are multiple clear pathways to rewarding careers through programs such as pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship. Maine Construction Career Day is the perfect venue to learn more about potential interests, make connections, and start on a rewarding career path.”
AGC Maine will be onsite to share the growing certified pre-apprenticeship program known as the Maine Construction Academy Immersion Program. This program extends student exposure to the trades from this single day into a 4-week experience offered as a partnership between local schools and the trade organization. Students who find interests at the Maine Construction Career Days will have an opportunity to apply for the Maine Construction Academy to deepen their knowledge and expand their exposure to construction careers.
“Our mission at both NAWIC and AGC Maine is to show young people that construction provides a wide variety of career opportunities, and to give them a chance to experience those opportunities. Our hope is that a student may have a meaningful hands-on experience that leads to a career in the future.” Says Kelly Flagg, Executive Director for AGC Maine and member of NAWIC.