LAS VEGAS — High school students in Southern Nevada are gaining early exposure to construction careers as industry leaders ramp up efforts to address growing workforce demand across the region.
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Junior and senior students enrolled in the Construction Technology program at Southeast Career & Technical Academy (SECTA) recently participated in a career roundtable that connected them directly with professionals from across the construction, engineering and architecture sectors. The event was designed to provide students with real-world insights into career pathways while strengthening ties between education and industry.
Hosted by Nigro Construction in collaboration with local partners, the roundtable featured panel discussions and small-group mentoring sessions, allowing students to engage with industry professionals and learn about the day-to-day realities of working in the field.
“For many students, exposure to these careers can be limited to what they see day-to-day, so creating space for direct interaction with industry professionals is critical,” said Lucas Inman, construction instructor at SECTA. “This gives them a clearer understanding of what’s possible after graduation and helps them feel more confident in taking that next step.”
During the event, students interacted with professionals representing a range of disciplines, including construction management, structural engineering and architectural design. Participants shared insights into required skills, certifications and expectations on job sites, helping students better understand how to transition from the classroom to the workforce.
The roundtable included representatives from companies such as Pete King Corp., Lochsa Engineering, Ware Malcomb and Wright Structural Engineers, offering a diverse perspective on career opportunities within the built environment.
“Bringing together professionals from across the industry is really about opening doors for trade students early,” said Cory Frank, vice president of business development and project management at Nigro Construction. “The relationships you build and the people you meet can shape your entire career, and we want students to have access to those connections now — not years down the line.”
Students said the experience broadened their understanding of potential career paths and encouraged them to remain open to different opportunities within the industry.
“Before today, I was stuck on one career path,” said Adrian Shortsleeve, a construction engineering student at SECTA. “But after talking with all the different companies today, I learned to keep an open mind even if it isn’t something I’ve had my eyes on.”
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As Southern Nevada continues to experience population growth and increased development activity, demand for skilled construction workers remains high. Industry leaders say initiatives like the SECTA roundtable are essential for building a sustainable talent pipeline.
By connecting students with professionals early in their education, programs like SECTA help bridge the gap between workforce needs and training, ensuring that graduates are better prepared to enter in-demand roles across the construction sector.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between educators and industry stakeholders in addressing labor shortages and preparing the next generation of skilled workers.
Nigro Construction, which has more than four decades of experience delivering commercial and industrial projects, said efforts like these are part of a broader strategy to invest in the future workforce while supporting regional economic growth.
Originally reported by Kaela Coons in Nevada Business.
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