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Building You: Construction group focuses on recruiting young people
01.20.21
Watch the KWCH story here:
https://www.kwch.com/2021/01/20/building-you-construction-group-focuses-on-recruiting-young-people/
KWCH-12/CBS anchor Lily Wu interviewed AGC of Kansas Executive Vice President Mike Gibson to discuss efforts to recruit young people to professional careers in construction – a vocation they may not automatically consider. Gibson notes that, “Right now, we need between 8,000 to 10,000 new construction workers just to keep up with current demand. That is expected to jump to about 25,000 over the next five years.”
Choosing the Right Path
Gibson encourages viewers to check out the Build Up Kansas campaign. Its website serves as encouragement to choose construction as a rewarding career and offers two distinct paths – one based on starting right out of high school and another for those on a college track. Entry-level construction positions range from $12 to $16 an hour with pay jumping to $16 to $25 an hour in just a few years, Gibson says. There are even opportunities to earn while they learn.
Resources Close to Home
Prospects hold the future in their hands. The construction industry offers a way for them to build the lives they want for themselves. In Kansas there are roughly 325 construction companies actively seeking professionals to join its already 9,000-strong workforce. For those wanting to take the college track, they don’t have to go far with area four-year schools offering construction-specific programs including Fort Hays State, Kansas State and Pittsburg State.
AGC of Kansas also offers ways to stay competitive on Kansas job sites. Both entry-level and incumbent professionals can tap into its quality construction training and development programs. Skills enhancement ranges from management and foreman training to safety and BIM/LEAN programs. Not only does construction offer personal benefits, it builds up communities and our state. It also helps retain talent here at home.
A Situation Where Everyone Wins
“It’s really a win-win for both the younger generation and also gives their parents some encouragement that their son or daughter is not going to leave Kansas,” says Gibson.
There are jobs open and waiting, he says. It doesn’t matter whether you are a newbie just getting started or an experienced pro ready for the next challenge. Positions can be found here.