William Edwards, an electrician from Local Union No. 3 IBEW in Westchester, has been actively involved in Construction Career Day for an entire decade. This event, held at Rockland Community College in Suffern, offers a unique opportunity for unions and private companies to send representatives to conduct hands-on demonstrations like welding, carpentry, and soldering with students. Additionally, students get the chance to operate heavy machinery such as backhoes, mini-excavators, and skid steers. They can also interact with representatives from construction firms, unions, and colleges offering construction programs.

Edwards' Love for Connecting with Students

Edwards expresses his love for participating in Construction Career Day as it allows him to interact with the students. He notes that some students are highly interested in getting involved in the trades, which is a gratifying sight. The day is hosted by the Construction Industry Council and the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc. and is typically held towards the end of March each year for 11th and 12th graders. Its purpose is to bring younger talent into the labor force as the construction industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers. 1: Edwards sees Construction Career Day as a great time to connect with younger people and showcase the skills electricians use daily. Many of the demonstrations he and other union volunteers do with students involve hands-on activities like pipe bending. This gives students a glimpse of what a typical day at work is like and allows them to test their skills in electrical work. 2: Edwards has been a part of this since the 1980s and considers it a great career. Although it can be tough being out in the field sometimes, he believes he couldn't have been happy sitting in an office job when he was younger.

Clifford's Volunteer Experience and Advice

Michael Clifford, a field representative for Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers Local 1, has been volunteering for Construction Career Day for 20 years. He finds the day great as there are always skilled people retiring from the trades, and it's wonderful to see new people interested in the field. Clifford emphasizes that construction work is hard but offers a good career with benefits, pensions, good pay, and the cost of schooling covered. 1: On Construction Career Day, Clifford usually sets up mock spaces where students can lay bricks and plaster. He encourages students to explore different trades if college isn't the right fit for them. He highlights the uniqueness of being able to get paid during apprenticeships and trade school, which can benefit people greatly. There are opportunities to start in non-union or union jobs, and there is always room for growth. 2: Clifford started with a low wage of less than $3 an hour as a laborer. Through hard work and gaining skills, he moved up the ranks and joined the labor union. He describes his career journey as a "good ride" and advises students looking to enter a trade to show up on time every day, try their best, and they will be fine.Looking to enter a trade? Check out the next Construction Career Day in Westchester to explore all your options. Learn more about the event here.Related: What to Know About Joining a Union in Westchester County