Colorado Construction Career Days
Words: Ann WolterOver 300 Denver Public Schools high school students participated in the 2005 Colorado Construction Career Days at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton on Oct. 5 and 6.
The event gives students and educators firsthand knowledge about the construction industry through hands-on activities such as laying bricks, a nail hammering contest, designing a traffic circle, testing materials, surveying, troubleshooting equipment and more. Students were assigned to an industry representative who served as their guide and resource for information during the event.
Representing the masonry industry during the two-day event were Larisa LaBrant, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI), as well as volunteers from Berich, Eberlein and Grosvenor Masonry who helped instruct the large group of potential new masons.
LaBrant reports that the Channel 2 News was on hand to cover the event. Many of the teenagers interviewed said their favorite activity for the day was "laying bricks with the masons." Fabulous! RMMI hopes that some of this youthful enthusiasm translates into some bright new apprentices next year.
Colorado Construction Career Days was started to improve the image of the construction industry while providing high school students with an overview of the rewarding and diverse career opportunities available. Colorado contractors, engineers, architects and the state workforce centers have joined together to sponsor this event.
For more information on RMMI, visit www.rmmi.org.