VOLUME 4
A Guidebook for Built Environment Careers
2020 Media Kit
Volume 4: Mid-Atlantic
Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., & Northern Virginia
RELEASE DATE: March 2021 (Digital); Fall 2021 (Print)
MD
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DC
NOVA
Past Editions - 2017, 2018 & 2019
2021 Edition - Mid-Atlantic
About Build Your Path
The fourth edition of Build Your Path will once again be a mid-Atlantic campaign. The mission of this campaign will be to promote the built environment industry to the next generation of the workforce by changing the narrative of the industry and showing the potential in each career.
Build Your Path is a built environment career resource guide created by MCCEI, promoting different careers in trades, design, management and related professions. The guidebook’s first edition hit the streets in March of 2016 and the second edition was released in April of 2017, both were solely for the Maryland market. In 2019, we expanded Build Your Path’s reach to DC, Delaware, and Northern Virginia.
2,500 Advertisers
Build Your Path was created on suggestions from high school counselors and outlines pathways for those with Built Environment career ambitions. The publication emphasizes pathways, which are neither linear nor mutually exclusive.
1,500 Industry
Volumes 1, 2 & 3 Distribution Totals:
52,000 copies sent to: 466 High Schools 142 CTE Directors/Teachers 105Advertisers 61 Recreation Centers 914 Counselors 511 Industry Professionals
Why You Should Advertise
In addition to the print distribution, our digital presence will be aided by paid promotion throughout the duration of the volume’s relevance (120,000-150,000 digital impressions).
3,500 One-Stop Centers
Build Your Path A Guidebook for Built Environment Careers
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, maintain, and supervise large projects and systems, including roadways, airports, tunnels, large commercial buildings, bridges, and water systems. Civil engineering is one of the most diverse fields in the construction industry.
Construction Manager Construction managers oversee all aspects of worksites and construction projects. They plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise all phases of construction through project completion. Construction managers may work as a general
What Construction Managers Do Construction managers oversee most of the personnel working on construction sites, meaning that their role is supervisory. They develop a detailed construction schedule and coordinate with electricians, HVAC mechanics, and plumbers, among others, to ensure that projects stay on schedule and within their budgets. It is possible for large projects to encompass multiple worksites at once, in which case construction managers need to oversee the entire project. Construction managers may also work as cost estimators. Communication is a critical aspect of a construction manager’s job. For the duration of a project, the construction manager coordinates all meetings among owners, architects, engineers, bankers, and government officials. Work Environment Most construction managers work from a field office on a construction site—most typically, a trailer equipped with everything normally found in an office setting. Working onsite allows the construction manager to oversee the entire project and make quick decisions when necessary. Traveling is required, especially if construction managers
Build Your Path
oversee multiple projects.
What Civil Engineers Do Civil engineers normally begin projects by analyzing site plans, which are similar to maps, and other data in order to plan projects accordingly. Specifically, civil engineers take into account government regulations, environmental hazards, and risk analysis data when planning projects. They are responsible for developing the project budget and schedule for the civil engineering work, as well as for submitting all permit applications before beginning a project. Civil engineers oversee soil testing in order to determine the type and durability of any foundation that is needed.
Most managers work full time on weekdays. However, working on weekends and as part of overtime may be required, especially to meet deadlines or in the case of an emergency. Since problems and emergencies do arise, many construction managers are on-call 24 hours a day. Becoming a Manager Construction management is a unique field, in which many managers have worked their way up from trade or engineering positions, whereas others have earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management at a 4-year university. In either case, it is highly recommended for construction managers to have field experience and to understand all aspects of construction. Currently, certifications are not required, yet are becoming increasingly popular.
Civil engineers use software programs in designing transportation, hydraulic, and structural systems. While designing such systems, they make sure that plans align with industry standards. Once a project is underway, they oversee all aspects, from the initial survey to the structure’s completion. Many engineers also go on to maintain and repair infrastructure.
When beginning this career, a budding construction Averagewill Salary manager likely work as an assistant under an experiThe average starting is $65,287. With experi-for a enced manager. He orsalary she may stay in this position ence, they can earn to years or over $117,842. couple of months to aupfew before being promoted to management. Important Skills Analytical skills Business skills Communication skills Customer service skills Decision-making skills Initiative Leadership skills Speaking skills Technical skills Time management skills Writing skills
Civil engineers occupy supervisory positions. They may work on other projects and receive assistance from civil
The Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation
A Guidebook for Built Environment Careers
HVAC Mechanic Quick Facts Average Salary: $54,053,
but will vary depending on experience and training.
Education: A High Diploma or GED is required. An apprentice-
Sponsored by The Building Congress & Exchange Foundation
15,000 School Distribution
Estimated Print Pass Along rate - 3 Total Estimated Print Reach - 75,000
The Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation
There was an immensely positive response from industry and education partners alike. Counselors asked for extra copies as well as invited MCCEI to represent Build Your Path at careers fairs across the state. Industry training providers asked for additional copies to distribute. Teachers are now seeing at least moderate increases in interest and enrollment in built environment programs in schools. Teachers have also used the publication as a teaching tool in the classroom.
In addition to the print version of Build Your Path, there also has been an ongoing digital campaign. BuildYourPath.org is a website that highlights the different career paths. Our other Build Your Path initiatives include: Social Media, Videos, Podcasts, Events, and Minis (Pamphlet).
Build Your Path will be sent to high schools across the mid-Atlantic. This includes all public high schools in Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. The publication is directly sent to programs where students are naturally interested in built environment careers and are the perfect audience for Build Your Path. The publications will also be sent to counselors and administration to get in the hands of all students.
Across the nation the labor shortage is deteriorating the built environment industry. The upcoming generation for the workforce does not have the industry in-mind when choosing their life-long career path. Build Your Path is the voice to open student’s minds to the industry and change the narrative. Students will see this campaign and recognize that they are needed in the industry and the potential for their career.
25,000 Copies
Response
The Campaign
2,500 surplus for marketing
Geographic Focus
ship is the traditional pathway.
Some HVAC mechanics specialize in a certain area, such as solar-panel systems or commercial-refrigeraCustomer-service skills tion systems. Attention to detail Mechanical skills Mechanics need to know and understand all required Physical strength government regulations, including how to handle Time-management skills and dispose of certain fluids and gases.
Some HVAC mechanics oversee an electrician or install electrical wiring and controls, then test the entire system. Many mechanics are assigned to a certain project’s system and are responsible for all repairs and routine maintenance.
that the projects comply with regulations. Civil engineers work on complex projects and tend to specialize in one of several areas, including the following: Construction engineers complete construction projects such as drainage systems, railways, and road systems. Geotechnical engineers work with earth materials to build, for example, retaining walls and foundations. Structural engineers design structural supports for bridges, space stations, stadiums, airliners, and other structures. Transportation engineers design transportation systems as part of urban planning, waterways, roadways, and air
transportation. Work Environment
Audience Build Your Path is a resource for teachers, students and anyone interested in the built environment. The target audience is young people ages 13-24, who are thinking about what kind of job they would like to pursue. Students could be just starting their career research in middle or high school. For example, college may not be for them, or they have been in the workforce for some time but looking for a change. Build You Path is written in a way that this audience can clearly understand, without using many technical terms.
In the event of a malfunction, they need to determine the cause and to repair any worn or defective parts. HVAC mechanics are normally either installers or repairers, depending on their skill set.
Important Skills:
What Do HVAC Mechanics Do? HVAC mechanics must understand how to read construction documents, plans, and specifications. HVAC systems are highly complex and are some of the first aspects that contractors analyze in order to estimate the duration and cost of a project. Mechanics install or repair systems that, once they are completed, may require a water or fuel supply to be connected, as well as air ducts and other pieces that make the entire system work. Given new standards for buildings, HVAC mechanics may also check energy use and suggest ways to improve a system’s efficiency.
engineering technicians. If federally employed, then civil engineers may be able to inspect structures and projects in order to make sure
Work Environment Most HVAC mechanics are employed full time by a company, although roughly 9 percent are self-employed. Evening and weekend work is sometimes required, and overtime may be necessary to address serious issues and deadlines. Many locations are assigned through contracts by which mechanics work in one location for a certain period, whether it’s only a week or a year. Others may travel to different sites during the day to make service calls. Most HVAC mechanics work in indoor environments, but they may have to go outside to check systems. Since most systems are in small spaces, cramped working conditions are common. If an air cooling or heating system malfunctions, the temperature may vary while working inside a building.
Teachers and career centers have used Build Your Path as a resource to explore different options available in the built environment. The guidebook is lightweight, simple to read, and provides quick information such as education, average salary, growth potential, and skills needed.
The Future of the Campaign We are expanding our reach as we evolve the Build Your Path brand. As we seek to engage more students, we are adding to our brand repertoire. Our website features a podcast to accompany each built environment career and eventually will have its own educational video. This visually engaging approach will attract younger people to our industry. The following are current and future initiatives: • • • • •
Podcasts Videos Minis Events Social Media
Highlighted Careers Each edition of Build Your Path highlights different careers in the built environment industry. Careers are listed alphabetically to show the many different pathways for all education attainments. Below is a list of careers highlighted in previous editions of the Build Your Path Guidebook. The actual list that will appear in Volume 4 is still under consideration. Regardless of placement in the print edition, all are updated regularly and highlighted on buildyourpath.org. Architect Carpenter Civil Engineer Construction Manager Crane Operator Drone Pilot Electrician Elevator Mechanic Environmental Engineer Facilities Management Framer Heavy Equipment Technician
HVAC Mechanic Interior Designer Iron Worker Landscape Architect Mechanical Engineer Plumber Real Estate Developer Safety Manager Sheet Metal Worker Urban Planner Virtual Designer Welder
About MCCEI The Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI) strives to develop, promote, and connect career opportunities in the built environment industry. MCCEI is an independent and trusted adviser and resource for industry, education, and government. Together, we will make careers in the built environment a first choice option.
“It was so helpful to be able to hand a student something with great information about different industries in a world that pushes so much college info.” Alissa Bridges, M. Ed., NCC, LPC - College & Career Counselor at Battlefield High School (Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“This resource is awesome. We are getting the publication into the hands of our middle and high school students. So far the High School teachers have been excited to add this resource to their programs and curriculums” Douglas H. Handy - Director, Career & Technical Education and Fine Arts for Baltimore County Public Schools ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Build Your Path magazine is a valuable resource to help educate students about construction-related professions. I find it extremely helpful when I am speaking to a group of high school students about degree and non-degree career opportunities in our industry. Construction is thriving and we need resources like Build Your Path to continue to attract talented individuals.” Kathy Humm - Director of Human Resources at Harkins Builders -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The core values of MCCEI include; passion, inclusion, integrity, urgency. Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation was founded in 2009 to help solve the workforce needs of the built environment industry in Maryland specifically. Since the inception of Build Your Path, MCCEI has expanded its reach to help the industry as a whole.
For more information: www.mccei.org mpyne@mccei.org 410-517-7396
MCCEI PO Box 600 Parkton, MD 21120 410-517-7396
www.mccei.org