According to the organization, the success of this week will greatly depend upon local industry involvement. To help create community awareness, NCCER will provide an array of promotional materials and suggestions, including a comprehensive DVD of career image videos and career resources such as promotional posters, media tips, sample press releases, ad slicks, and a Careers in Construction planning guide. Materials will be distributed free of charge to contractors, schools, and association chapters. Select materials will also be available for download from the NCCER Web site (www.nccer.org) in August.

"By dedicating the third week of October to construction careers, we hope to increase public awareness of the hard work and contributions of our nation's craft professionals," said NCCER president Don Whyte.

By 2012, 1 million skilled workers will be needed to fill construction jobs, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. "It is absolutely imperative that we address the skills shortage by reaching out to today's youth," added Whyte. "By dedicating a week to construction careers, we hope to promote recognition among parents, teachers, and students of the rewarding career opportunities available in construction."

Publication date: 07/18/2005