SAVE THE DATE!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
High Schools, Students & Sponsors Wanted
Each year, hundreds of area high school students get hands-on experience working in the construction industry by attending our Equipment Rodeo. Throughout the day the students are rotated as groups through various activities such as: Skid Loader Obstacle Course; Excavator Basketball, rebar tying; concrete pouring; underground boring; fiber optic line splicing; and more.
“Our ultimate goal of the rodeo is to give young men and women a first-hand look at how the construction industry can help them become financially stable at a young age and enjoy a fun, rewarding, lifelong career,” explained Valley Corp CEO Matt Bevington.
The event is in response to the fact that fewer and fewer young workers are entering a lucrative and rewarding career in the construction industry. A recent survey found 80% of construction firms struggled to fill positions in the last year. Over the past two decades, the labor shortage in this field has been widely reported by industry experts and economists, and the average age of construction workers in the U.S. is 42 years old. What was once a common practice for high school graduates to enter the industry, many have opted for service industry jobs, which typically don’t offer the same opportunities for advancement while learning a lifelong skill.
At Valley Corp, we believe these are some of the most important reasons why young people should consider entering the construction industry:
- Competitive Salaries: The construction industry offers competitive salaries and benefits packages. Many jobs in the industry do not require a college degree, which means that young people can start earning a living wage early on in their careers. Additionally, as they gain experience and move up the ranks, their earning potential increases.
- Job Security & High Demand: The construction industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US economy, with a high demand for skilled workers. With a growing population and urbanization, there is an increasing need for new homes, infrastructure, and commercial buildings. This demand for construction projects ensures job security for those in the industry.
- Variety of Job Opportunities: The construction industry is not limited to being a construction worker or a laborer. There are opportunities in various other career paths, such as project management, engineering, architecture, surveying, estimating, and many more. These roles require different skills and education levels, meaning there is something for everyone in the industry.
- Hands-On Learning: The construction industry offers hands-on learning experiences that are valuable for professional and personal growth. Young people can learn technical skills, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, through on-the-job training. This experience provides an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
“We understand that to maintain a strong American construction industry, Valley Corp. and other companies must attract and embrace the energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity that young people bring to the labor market,” said Bevington. “They are our country’s backbone and future!”
Valley Corp. offers a paid summer internship program which interested students applied for during the event. Upcoming high school graduates from anywhere in the metro area may apply on their website or by emailing Keith Peyton at [email protected]
Annually, nearly 100 high school students gain practical experience in the construction industry through activities like rebar tying and concrete pouring at Valley Corp.’s “Equipment Rodeo.” The event aims to address the construction industry’s labor shortage and aging workforce by showcasing construction as a financially rewarding and lifelong career option for young people.
Valley Corp also offers a paid summer internship program, emphasizing the importance of attracting young talent to sustain the construction industry’s future.
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