October is Careers in Construction Month

Words: Jennifer WilkersonNCCER and its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative are once again declaring October as Careers in Construction Month. Throughout the month, industry and education partner locally to host events that introduce students to rewarding construction careers.

So far, 15 states and the District of Columbia have filed proclamations declaring October 2016 as Careers in Construction Month. Any state resident can file a proclamation for his or her governor to sign. To simplify the process, BYF.org provides each state's guidelines and a sample proclamation. Once filed, it can take anywhere from two weeks to over two months for the governor to sign. To encourage every state to participate, BYF is giving away a $50 Visa gift card to each of the first five states that submits a photo of the official proclamation signed by the governor.

BYF also offers a number of online resources to help organizations participate in Careers in Construction Month, including How To: Plan a Career Day guide and Helpful Hints for Career Day Exhibitors. Organizations can even register their events at BYF.org for added promotion.

With shortages of craft professionals across the country, now is the time to promote construction careers in each state. Recognizing October as Careers in Construction Month can generate publicity for the construction industry and help promote career opportunities.

For the latest news and updates on career events visit facebook.com/BYFcampaign and follow twitter.com/buildyourfuture.
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu