Workshops give high schoolers a preview of construction jobs

Jordan Anderson wants to work with his hands after he graduates from Holmen High School. Hes just not sure how he wants to put them to use.

Maybe as an electrician. Maybe a general contractor.

The 17-year-old tried his hand at something new Wednesday using an electronic simulator to mimic welding. La Crosse and Holmen high school students dabbled in carpentry, plumbing and welding in a series of workshops sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin.

So far, its been a very helpful experience, Anderson said. I have never thought about the different options.

Students visited the business park headquarters of Carpenters Local 1143, near Kwik Trip, for a series of hands-on demonstrations in construction careers. The goal of AGCs Construction Trades Workshops event is to expose high school students to new post-graduation opportunities, said Laura Cataldo, director of workforce and industry outreach for AGC.

Retiring boomers and projected industry growth have sparked concerns about future worker shortages, Cataldo said. Wisconsin is projected to add more than 26,000 construction jobs between 2010 and 2020, according to the Department of Workforce Development, a 28 percent growth in employment. More than half of those positions are expected to open up as a result of retirements.

Programs such as the La Crosse School Districts Construction Academy show there is an educational swing, in classrooms toward more workplace readiness training, Cataldo said. La Crosse educators introduced the Construction Academy in 2012 as an option for students interested in the skilled trades. The academy gives teens on-site training and job shadowing opportunities.

Those opportunities arise as a result of collaboration between local schools, local businesses and Cataldos group. Its not about putting students on a narrow track to a specific career, she said.

Really, its taking a look at what are the different industries youre interested in, Cataldo said.

Holmen teacher Dan Lilla brought his building construction students to the event because he wanted them to explore the various fields.

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Workshops give high schoolers a preview of construction jobs