Construction companies are continuing to strengthen workforce development efforts by introducing students to career opportunities before they enter the labor market. Mortenson recently expanded that effort through its participation in the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Great Futures Fair, where students gained practical exposure to careers across the construction industry.
The annual event connected middle and high school students with professionals and organizations representing a range of career paths. Mortenson's activities focused on providing interactive experiences that demonstrated how construction projects are planned, built and managed.
Mortenson organized several practical learning experiences designed to introduce students to both field and office-based construction careers. Activities included bricklaying demonstrations, carpentry projects, virtual reality jobsite tours and construction-themed competitions.
This year's program also featured a garden bed construction project that allowed students to participate in the complete building process, from assembly through installation. The activity provided opportunities to learn safe tool handling while creating a finished project that will continue serving the Boys & Girls Club facility.
Beyond skilled trades, students received information about career opportunities in engineering, project management and construction safety, helping illustrate the range of professional roles available within the industry.
Mortenson has participated in the Great Futures Fair for three consecutive years as part of its broader community engagement and workforce development efforts. The initiative is intended to increase awareness of apprenticeship pathways and construction careers among young people as they begin planning their education and future employment.
Programs that connect students with construction professionals can help expand the industry's future talent pipeline while giving participants firsthand exposure to real-world construction skills and project delivery processes.
Construction owners and contractors continue to face long-term workforce challenges, making early career awareness programs increasingly important. Community partnerships that introduce students to skilled trades and construction management careers can help attract future craft professionals, engineers and project leaders needed to support growing demand across the building and infrastructure sectors.
Source: Mortenson.
