October is Careers in Construction Month

Words: Jennifer WilkersonNCCER and its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative are once again declaring October as Careers in Construction Month. Throughout the month, industry and education partner locally to host career events that introduce students to rewarding construction careers.

This year, governors in Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, Texas, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi have all proclaimed Careers in Construction Month in their states. It is not too late for other states to do the same. Any state resident can file a proclamation for his or her governor to sign. To simplify the process, BYF offers proclamation guidelines for each state and a sample proclamation at byf.org.

BYF also provides a number of online resources at byf.org to make it easy for organizations to host career day events during Careers in Construction Month, such as a career day guide, field manual and helpful hints. Organizations can also register their events at byf.org/register for added publicity.

In celebration of Careers in Construction Month, NCCER and BYF have teamed up to create the “I BUILT THIS” video contest, giving aspiring craft professionals and their instructors an opportunity to showcase their construction projects. The contest is open through Oct. 18 to students and instructors in secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs. In the videos, contestants will describe their projects, share their favorite construction careers and explain what they enjoy most about the industry. First place winners will receive GoPro HERO cameras and second place winners will receive Google Chromecast streaming devices. For official rules or to submit a video, visit nccer.org/I-BUILT-THIS.

With a projected shortage of 1.5 million craft professionals by 2019, now is the time to promote construction careers in each state. Recognizing October as Careers in Construction Month can generate added publicity for the construction industry and help promote career opportunities.

To learn more, visit byf.org. For the latest news and updates on career events visit facebook.com/BYFcampaign and follow twitter.com/buildyourfuture.
Fall Conversations That Set the Stage for Spring Projects
October 2026

Why early planning helps masons deliver smoother installs, stronger customer relationships and lasting results A successful masonry installation often takes shape long before the first material arrives on the jobsite. For projects slated to begin or ramp

New CMHA Manual Advances Masonry Storm Shelter Design
October 2026

A new manual from the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) provides structural guidance to help engineers, architects, and mason contractors design and build ICC 500-compliant tornado shelters using reinforced concrete masonry. Funded by the

Masonry Cosmetics Recommits as a Gold in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to announce that Masonry Cosmetics will recommit as a Gold Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

CrewTracks Continues as a Cornerstone in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is delighted to share that CrewTracks will continue as a Cornerstone Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.