MoDOT holds Construction Career Day

Friday, September 30, 2016
MoDOT External Civil Rights Director Lester Woods Jr. starts the Construction Career Day, encouraging young people to start a career in the construction industry and fill the needs of an "aging workforce."

MINER, Mo -- There are times when job opportunities pass people by, but as for other opportunities citizens pass almost every day, there is construction.

The Missouri Department of Transportation hosted a Construction Career Day Thursday at the Miner Convention Center.

MoDOT has partnered with several area high schools and the Lincoln University Extension to offer students experiences associated with working in the construction industry.

Activities included an overview of careers in the construction industry, a concrete plant tour with Delta Companies and an equipment tour. In addition, indoor exhibits included discussions about the roundabout construction in Jackson, survey procedures and traffic control. Representatives from MoDOT's Equal Opportunity Division were also present.

In addition, representatives from Ameren UE, Sikeston Regional Chambers of Commerce, Three Rivers Community College, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Lincoln University Extension, Southeast Missouri State University Extension, Roland Machinery and Fabick Equipment were available to help educate students on construction careers.

"There's an aging workforce in the construction industry," said Lester Woods, Jr., external civil rights director for MoDOT. "We really want to get more young people interested in the construction industry."

High school students from Caruthersville, Hayti, Portegeville, Charleston, New Madrid and Sikeston appeared a little heavy-eyed during opening of the career day at 9 a.m., but when students heard the the salaries, loud cries of enthusiasm filled the room.

Prevailing wages in the construction industry with MoDOT are about $25-28 an hour with benefit package of health insurance, holiday and sick leave and vacation days. "You're 18 years old right of high school and making money," Paul Smith, vice president of Associated General Contractors of Missouri announced in a presentation. "It's hard work and it's hot, but they'll take care of you."

Some positions take four-year degrees while others only require little training or trade school experience. Construction careers range from office jobs, such as architects, design and superintendents to skilled craft professionals that include carpenters, cement masons or electricians.

Woods also mentioned that there's not as much interest in the construction industry as in past times. "We want to make it exciting," Woods said. "Someone would never know what they may have an interest in doing unless they become interested in it or exposed to it."

MoDOT Assistant District Engineer Matt Seiler links the lack of involvement due to "more enticing" competition in other trades involving computers, technology and science.

Construction industry is important because "they built the roads, the buildings, the waterlines and all of this that we enjoy today," Seiler said. "Someone has to follow along and keep that stuff going and rebuild because it's getting old. It is a concern with a lot of the companies in the construction industry."

One of the perks today is, because of advancements in technology, the construction industry isn't as strenuous.

"A lot of it is a lot easier," said Seiler. "The equipment we use today is so much better, so much more advanced. It takes less skill to learn and do a good job on it and it just performs better."

The most important skill to have is math and "willingness to be coach," according to Smith.

"Math helps you think logically and systematically," said Smith in his presentation.

Smith looked up and pointed to the ceiling before he quizzed the students. How many two-by-two tiles would be required for the ceiling in the room, he asked. They responded with puzzled faces. Smith added, "If you're not thinking logically and systematically then you're not problem solving."

Landon Faire-Adams, 17, of New Madrid High School is already planning to make a career in the construction industry. "I've piqued an interest in MoDOT -- $25 is a lot per hour," said Faire-Adams. "My grandpa went into construction in St. Louis. He built Busch Stadium and the big bridge leading into Illinois. It's just something I've always been interested in."

Faire-Adams said he plans to attend Lincoln College of Technology in Nashville to get his certification in heavy machinery operations where he'll move back to Missouri and try to get a job working for MoDOT.

Whether you're a laborer or carpenter, or steel worker or piper fitter -- "it's a noble career," said Seiler. "It's good pay, good work. You can take care of your family and buy the things you want and make a good career out of it."

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