PRM Concrete Participates in First Rhode Island Construction Career Day

On May 23, 2001, in keeping with our commitment to education and recruitment within the Rhode Island construction industry, PRM Concrete participated in the first statewide construction recruiting drive in the northern United States. The Rhode Island Construction Career Day, whose principal sponsors are the RI Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, brought approximately 1200 high school students from all over the State to North Scituate to participate in this day-long event. Also scouting out the event were state transportation officials and construction representatives from New York and Connecticut.

Over 60 exhibitors, including the major trade unions, equipment and material suppliers, and educational institutions staffed display areas. Each student was given a goody bag containing an ANSI approved hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves and other construction items. Lunch was also provided for all students, exhibitors and volunteers.

PRM supplied the concrete for a hands-on demonstration given by the Rhode Island Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 40 Union. Students were encouraged to trowel, edge, broom finish, and cut lines in the sample concrete pads. A colored and stamped concrete demonstration was also held.

Students were also given an opportunity to view and operate heavy equipment. There were bulldozers, bucket loaders, welders, rollers, backhoes, dump trucks and trailers on display. Participating students were also offered the chance to try their hand at welding, brick laying, and even wearing translucent blue biohazard suits with oxygen tanks.

Every year, there are approximately 250,000 construction job openings nationwide according to federal statistics. However, the worker pool is very limited. Construction Career Day was an attempt to instill the concept of a career in construction in students while still in high school. While the industry realizes that construction does not appeal to everyone, it does provide lucrative employment to those who enjoy working with their hands or out in the field.

Based on its huge success, Construction Career Day will become an annual event and PRM Concrete will be there!