On Thursday, September 15th nearly 100 students from various area high schools got hands-on experience of working in the construction industry. The students rotated through 9 different activities such as rebar tying, concrete pouring, underground boring, fiber optic line splicing, and other activities at the second annual Valley Corp “Equipment Rodeo”.
“A couple of the most popular things the students really enjoy are the Skid Loader Obstacle Course and Excavator Basketball,” said Matt Bevington, president of Valley Corp.
Over the past two decades the labor shortage in the construction industry has been widely reported by industry experts and economists. The average age of construction workers in the U.S. is 42 years old. A recent survey found 80 percent of construction firms struggled to fill positions in the last year.
“Our ultimate goal of this Equipment Rodeo is to give young men and women a first-hand look at how the construction industry can help them become financially stable at a young age and enjoy a fun, rewarding, lifelong career,” explained Bevington.
Students and chaperones from seven area high schools participated in activities, got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Valley Corp facility, and enjoyed a catered lunch. High schools attending were: Avenue Scholars; Wahoo; Cedar Bluffs; DC West; Mead; Plattsmouth; and Millard West.
Valley Corp. offers a paid summer internship program which interested students applied for during the event. Upcoming high school graduates from anywhere in the metro area may apply on their website or by emailing Keith Peyton at [email protected]
“We understand that to maintain a strong American construction industry, Valley Corp. and other companies must attract and embrace the energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity that young people bring to the labor market,” said Bevington. “They are our country’s backbone and future!”
Thank you to the 2022 Equipment Rodeo Sponsors
