The Next Generation of Construction Trade Professionals
Outreach is an important part of the culture at the Walbec Group and is one of the ways we inform our communities about the great opportunities within our company. There are many avenues available in the construction trades so we make it a priority to get that message out to our neighbors. Whether it is talking to youth about apprenticeship, adults about learning opportunities and career growth, or job-seekers about the importance of apprenticeship as a pathway to working while they upgrade their skills, promoting Walbec careers is something we take great pride in.
Tracey Griffith, HR Compliance and Outreach Manager, has been working on building a strong partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. This is the second year our company hosted a “trade day” at the Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp at Camp Whitcomb.
“Finding innovative ways to spark an interest and engage youth in construction is imperative to the future of our workforce. People are retiring, unemployment is down, and we know our future workforce is out there. Our future workers aren’t going to just find their way to us; we have to find them," said Tracey.
Our future trades workers, project managers, and Engineers could be the students taking the bus from Milwaukee to Camp Whitcomb. Traditional college is not for everyone, and we have to keep educating students, teachers, guidance counselors, and parents, that the trades are a viable option for their future.
Apprenticeship is where they can learn a skilled trade, avoid college debt, and earn family-supporting wages; hopefully finding their way into the Walbec Group family of companies.
At "trade day", the Laborer’s union donated backpacks for the youth, which was a nice surprise for the youth when they received a bag filled with fun items from the Walbec Group.
Griffith coordinated trades to attend the camp in which each trade could highlight their specialty through hands-on activities. Carpenters, Cement Masons, Laborers, Operating Engineers, Painters, Sheet Metal Workers, Tilesetters, and Bricklayers were all participants.
A highlight of the day was a visit to the Waukesha Quarry where the Walbec team provided a tour, exploration of equipment, safety education, and even an actual quarry blast.
Now that the students are back at school, we hope they remember what they learned about future career opportunities in the trades and look forward to applying what they learn today in their careers of tomorrow.
