Construction Careers Youth Committee

• Participating in and supporting major high schools career events for the area
• Continuing High School Partnerships (two were added to the partnership in 2009)
• Assisting CMEF with audit and certification of schools participating in NCCER curriculum

School To Career
Our nationally award-winning School-to-Career program brings the construction industry to Houston area students of all grade levels from elementary to high school. Through classes and events, these students are exposed to the many exciting aspects of construction.

Elementary School
Once a year, area construction businesses participate in Camp Construction. This fun event offers fifth graders the chance to spend a day at a member-site and explore the day-to-day dealings of a construction company. Students participate in exhibits on subjects ranging from safety to blueprint reading, and are able to observe craft professionals in action.

High School
These training units are partnered with ABC of Greater Houston and its educational affiliate of Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation. All schools use the Contren Leaning Series Curriculum, who is partnered with NCCER. Through these classes, students get a head start on their craft training, which usually begins in college. With 10 area high schools participating, and more to come, Houston area students are being exposed and recruited into this booming industry!

Participating High Schools
Aldine High School
Aldine MacArthur High School
Alvin High School
Deer Park High School
Galena Park High School
Galen North Shore High School
Humble High School
Kingwood High School
Pasadena LP Card Skills Center
Pearland High School

 Events Supported By The Construction Careers Youth Committee

Provides a supportive environment for high school students to explore and be introduced to basic craft skills and opportunities in the construction industry.

• Is a one of a kind event supported by industry and encompasses numerous hands on activities and events in safe environment.
• Shares the value of safety and the industry commitment to safety.
• Builds awareness of training available and assists students in making informed career and technical education choices.
• Builds positive relationships with high school districts, instructors and students while opening the doors for ongoing mentoring and engagement at the high school level.

Over 100 volunteers dedicated their time and resources to this major event. With the leadership of our chairperson, who has guided us for 2 consecutive years, De’Ann Gill with Becon.

  Magic Camp

Offers high school girls a gender neutral environment to learn and practice new skills without fear of being teased or isolated.

• Develops greater self confidence and better self-esteem for girls who tackle challenging projects and successfully complete them.
• Develops a safety first attitude and 'we can do it' mindset via the safety and history of women in construction seminars on the opening day of camp.
• Introduces high school girls to women role models who have achieved success in all areas of construction. From tradeswomen to engineers, architects to accountants, project superintendents/supervisors and business owners to clerical support, the girls learn there is room in the construction industry for their dreams too.

Block Kids 

   

The Block-Kids Building Program is a national building program competition that is sponsored on the local level by NAWIC members and other organizations.

• The award winning program introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in one of the many facets of the industry.
• The program is open to all elementary school children in grades 1- 6. (Our current focus is on the 5th grade as they are nearing opportunities for career and technical training.)
• The competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks and three of the following additional items: a small rock, string, foil, and poster board.
• Local winners advance to Regional competition, and one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the National Program competition.
• National prizes are awarded to the top three projects.

To participate in the Construction Careers Youth Committee (CCYC) contact Amanda Burke a.burke@abchouston.org
If you are a high school that wants more information on how to become a sponsored training unit contact Francis Hernandez f.hernandez@cmefhouston.org