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San Antonio Construction News • May 2017
Face to face with the next generation
T
he Texas Construction Career Initiative (TCCI) welcomed an estimated 1,350 high school students to its fourth annual Construction Career Day Apr. 12 at Freeman Expo Hall. “Overall, the focus of the event is to excite students about construction, and with the boost we’ve had here today and the participation we’ve had from the industry, I think we’re really succeeding at that,” says Kyle Kuenemann, owner of Diamond K Customs and a director for TCCI. Eight teams took part in the student build competition, including students from Sam Houston, John Jay, Reagan, Boerne, MacArthur, Brandeis, CCA, and Lanier high schools. Kuenemann notes that the contest gives students an opportunity to apply and
prove their knowledge of what they’ve learned in school. It also steps up the game for the teachers to concentrate on the current industry standards and preparing their students to work in the field. Raul Vasquez, training director for the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) San Antonio Chapter, who has helped run and oversee the contest every year, observes that the students who participate in the contest are more likely to stay in the trades, knowing that this is a career path with potential for them. “We started this four years ago, and I’m seeing them now out in the field, and they’re the ones that stayed,” says Vasquez. “These students here are really learning what their trades are asking for out in the field.” –mh
Joeris General Contractors
The Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MCA-SMACNA) gave students the virtual welding experience.
Jon Wayne Service Company Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA)
Comfort-Air Engineering & Primo Plumbing
Allen & Allen Co.
Diamond Plumbing
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Dynamic Systems
This year’s Construction Careers Academy (CCA) team for the student build competition was all girls.
Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing
Gibson Plumbing
Wilborn Steel Co.
United Tool & Fastener
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
Milwaukee Tool
Middleman Construction Company