HUDSON VALLEY- More than 700 local high school students recently got an inside look at the world of building and construction last week at the 24th Annual Construction Career Day, the premier industry-sponsored career exposition in the Hudson Valley.
Students from six counties filled the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse on and learned first-hand how the industry’s “new collar” careers offer strong earning potential, job security, and the ability to build a career right in their own communities—without the heavy financial burden of college tuition.
Hosted by the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC) and the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc. (BCA), Construction Career Day is designed to reinvigorate the industry’s labor force with young talent.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) both attended the event.
“We want students to see that the trades are not just a backup plan—they’re a first-choice career path,” said Matthew Pepe, Executive Director of the CIC and BCA. “The demand for skilled labor is increasing, and we’re seeing infrastructure investments at the state and federal levels, so there is a need for these critical skills. We’re proud to be a part of this important effort to enhance our workforce, invest in our communities, and strengthen our overall economy.”
The event connected students with experienced union members and skilled trades professionals from 19 union organizations and four private-sector companies from the Hudson Valley, who led live demonstrations in plumbing, welding, masonry, carpentry, and metalwork. This year’s Construction Career Day attracted 726 students from 33 high schools and learning centers in Rockland, Sullivan, Orange, Ulster, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties.