A construction career fair is slated for next month.
The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is a two-day event in September that will expose middle school students, and adults looking for a career change, to training programs and construction career paths.
The construction industry is facing a shortage of workers in all areas as it faces a smaller pool of younger workers and problems that include parents discouraging their children from entering the trades and long-running myths of frequent layoffs and hazardous conditions.
“We’re working hard to make sure that all Delawareans have the opportunity to succeed and share in our state’s economic progress,” said Carney. “Careers in the building trades have historically provided paths into the middle class for thousands of Delaware workers and their families. Those same opportunities exist today. This Construction Career Expo will help connect Delawareans with meaningful career opportunities in construction fields, and expose Delaware students and adults to good-paying, skilled construction careers that are in demand and can help strengthen Delaware’s workforce.”
The construction industry is one of Delaware’s fastest-growing employment sectors with more than 3,500 job openings expected through 2024. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo will introduce training and career paths to students and those looking to move from jobs to meaningful careers. The Governor’s initiative is also an opportunity to connect employers and career-seekers, and to continue to train and develop a strong, skilled Delaware workforce.
On Friday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Center in Wilmington, middle school students from various schools in New Castle County will have the opportunity to participate in one of three scheduled blocks to meet with employers, sample fun activities and tools, and participate in heavy equipment demonstrations and virtual simulators. This specialized field trip was coordinated with school principals and school districts.
Students, families, and members of the public, are invited to attend the Construction Career Expo on Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The free family-oriented career fair will include activities for both youth and adults, skills training opportunities, on-site job interviews, heavy equipment demonstrations, food trucks, and giveaways.
The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is presented in partnership with:
- Office of the Governor
- AFSCME
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- City of Wilmington
- Delaware Chief School Officers Association
- Delaware Contractors Association
- Delaware Department of Education
- Delaware Department of Labor
- Delaware Department of Transportation
- Delaware State AFL-CIO
- Delaware Technical Community College
- Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council
- The Committee of 100
“Many local employers are having trouble finding enough people to fill vacant job openings. We will train and pay a great wage, but we just need to find people looking for a stable and good-paying job,” said Alisha Wayman Bryson, vice president of Wayman Fire Protection. “The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is going to be an amazing event for all ages. On Friday, kids are going to see firsthand the magic of construction, and on Saturday, we will show the entire family the benefits of a career in the construction industry. We look forward to having trades, local employers with job openings, training centers, and schools all under one roof.”
Click on the highlighted text to learn more and sign up to receive updates about the Governor’s Construction Career Expo.
