Shining a light on careers in construction | Dump Trucks Charlotte NC

While construction offers job satisfaction, lucrative salaries and high demand, it is facing a critical shortage of workers. 

To fight this issue, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and Build Your Future (BYF) are celebrating the tenth annual Careers in Construction Month (CICM) this October. 

Careers in Construction Month is a nationwide campaign held every October to increase public awareness of construction careers, inspire the next generation of craft professionals and make an impact on the perceptions of a career in construction.

During this month, supporting organizations can get involved by submitting a proclamation, signing the CICM pledge, spreading the word on social media, signing up for CareerStarter and participating in the I BUILT THIS! video contest.

Proclaim October as Careers in Construction Month:

To help make the CICM celebrations even more official, individuals can file requests for their state government to officially proclaim October as Careers in Construction Month. In a record-breaking year, proclamation requests were filed by industry supporters in 47 states and U.S. territories in 2021.

All who submit their state's official proclamation are entered into a raffle for BYF swag and a $300 gift card. The winner will be chosen in mid-October. Visit our CICM page for more information on how to proclaim.

Take the Pledge: 

Teamwork is important in construction, and so is building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations. Our goal is to encourage both industry representatives and educators to create meaningful connections. 

By signing the pledge and participating in at least one classroom engagement, such as giving a classroom presentation or showing up for a career day, you can help connect industry and education. Whether this happens virtually or in person, industry organizations will be entered into a drawing for one of four $5,000 scholarships to be given to the construction craft training program of your choice. 

Spread the word on social media: 

Download our social media guide and graphics kit for content ideas, images and more!

Sign up for a free CareerStarter account:

CareerStarter is a new construction career tool where industry members can post jobs, and students and entry-level workers can explore open positions.

Click here to get started. 

Show your skill with the I BUILT THIS! video contest:

Our annual I BUILT THIS! video contest is a nationwide competition inviting construction craft students and trainees to showcase their building projects.

Celebrating the art of building, high school career and technical education students and postsecondary construction trainees or apprentices are eligible to enter the I BUILT THIS! Contest.

While shining a light on careers in construction in the other 11 months of the year is important, October is a special time where industry and education can rally and do their part to fill the skills gap and form positive perceptions of construction. Whether you’re a student, educator or industry member, there is something for everyone to promote careers in construction during October!