(KNSI) – After an Omicron-fueled delay, Constructing Tomorrow is finally getting a chance to make its pitch to area students on Wednesday. The consortium between a dozen trade disciplines and the state’s largest contractors is hoping to convince high schoolers to take a chance on construction, masonry, and other skills that are desperately needed.
Constructing Tomorrow was formed in 2013 to try and tackle the labor shortage, one that has expanded to the entire market. Board member Jon Jasken says the problem is only getting worse. Jasken hopes to reach 10th and 11th graders in particular, before they make post-graduation plans.
Jasken likens Constructing Tomorrow to a job fair, with a twist. “There will be several apprentices attending as well. They’ll be able to tell the students — just to inform them of their trade.”
The expo happens at the Rivers Edge Convention Center, running from 8:30 to 11:30 AM before breaking for lunch and then concluding in the afternoon. Jasken says most students aren’t aware of how quickly they can begin earning money during an apprenticeship. He calls it, “learn as you earn.”
“Most of the trades have a day of classroom instruction and then the rest of the week the apprentices would be out working on the job site.”
The expo was originally scheduled for February.
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