PHOENIX (Oct. 4, 2012) – Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District joined with construction firms, schools and other exhibitors to be a part of the Association for Construction Career Development to participate in the 2012 Arizona Construction Career Days held Oct. 4 at the Papago Park Military Reservation in Phoenix.
Several hundred high school students from around Arizona participated in the two-day event. From its inception in 2007, the goal of the AZCCD was to support the growing need for students, teachers and career counselors to understand better the many career opportunities that are available in the Construction Industry.
“We’re trying to develop partnership with industry so the students can come out with certifications and education in various construction fields,” said Katie Mendoza, a member of the Workforce Development Group in the Maricopa Skill Center. “We like talking to exhibitors here to get their insight. We use that insight to help build curriculum to fill the needs of industry.”
According to the AZCCD, the Career Days events are a workforce development tool used to introduce high school students to careers in the construction industry and support the pipeline that will provide the professionals of tomorrow. Members of the LA District team were happy to participate in the event.
“I think it went really well,” said Kevin Thomas, chief of the Construction Support Branch at the District’s Arizona/Nevada Area office in Phoenix. “It’s very important that we take every opportunity to support students as they take steps to secure their future. We encouraged them to continue their education so they are better prepared to attain their goals.”