The Construction Industry Helps Us Live. Promote the Opportunity.
Coach Carmen Duncan, Chief Coach + Founder, Mission Accomplished Transition Services The construction industry is often forgotten when emerging young professionals and entrepreneurs are exploring the myriad of career options and business ideas. However, the truth is, it’s because of skilled tradesmen and women we are able to function within our homes and apartments, walk safely through neighborhoods on sidewalks, access some of our favorite stores and travel from one part of the country to another by driving over bridges. My team and I believe strongly that we, in the education and workforce development field, need to do a better job at uplifting the opportunity within this sector. Because we believe so strongly in the power of this career choice, in 2018 my team (James Mitchell and Jennifer Danaher) and I developed the Construction + Design Institute (formerly known as Construction Initiative). The purpose behind this career and business development program is to expose to and assist individuals with advancing their careers in construction, architecture and interior design and help those building a construction business with scaling up.
Between May 2018 and Feburary 2020, we exposed 315 people to various career opportunities from carpentry to electrical work to masonry. Of the 315, 125 people connected with various construction trade unions within the Capital Region. Of the 125, 38, a combined total of people of color and women, enrolled in a trade union and secured employment. Our methods to increase the community’s awareness about this sector included 4 construction and informational career fairs; we held 2 Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) information sessions to educate business owners about the M/WBE certification process within New York State, and provided coaching services for four business owners to assist them with navigating the overwhelming certification process. It is with motivation in my voice, that I encourage you to promote trades as a viable and meaningful career choice to the emerging young professionals in your life who enjoy building things. It is with continued motivation in my voice, that I encourage you to consider a career in construction if you are unsure of your next big step. There is money to be made and debt will not be incurred as a result of your desire for advanced education and a liveable wage.
Hired with Blast Trans, Inc. Apprentice with North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
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