Careers in Construction Month (CICM) is a nationwide campaign held each October to increase public awareness of construction careers, inspire the next generation of craft professionals and impact the perceptions of a career in construction.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031; the increase is expected to result in approximately 252,900 new jobs over the decade. Approximately 723,400 openings each year are projected to come from growth and job replacement needs.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median annual wage for construction was $48,210 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
During Careers in Construction Month, organizations can get involved by submitting a proclamation, signing the CICM pledge, spreading the word on social media and/or participating in the I BUILT THIS! video contest.
How to Take Part:
- Proclaim October as “Careers in Construction Month” (CICM) by spreading awareness of career opportunities in construction.
- Pledge to make a connection to reach out to students and society at large to help shape positive perceptions of the construction industry.
- Take part in the annual I BUILT THIS! video contest. The contest invites construction craft students and trainees to showcase building projects for the chance to win in three categories: secondary, postsecondary, and people’s choice. For all rules and how to enter, go to: https://byf.org/get-involved/i-built-this-contest/. Entries are due by October 31.
According to Build Your Future (BYF), which was born in 1997 from the need to educate students about career opportunities in construction, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan in construction. In fact, construction skills are in high demand throughout the nation.
To check out the variety of careers in construction, visit https://byf.org/explore/career-paths/.
BYF now offers the Build Your Future Scholarship fund for students with scholarships awarded through Associated Builders and Contractors, The Associated General Contractors of America, and Folds of Honor Foundation.
