2002 Construction Career Days
"Bigger & Better"

The 2002 Construction Career Days were held on Wednesday, April 24th and Thursday, April 25th, at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Midstate Facility in Coventry. Because of the tremendous response to the previous year's program, it was decided to hold the event over a two-day period rather than one.

Attendance in 2002 was over 700 high school students per day as compared to 900 attendees in 2001. Principal sponsors were the RI Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. With over 50 exhibitors including the major trade unions, educational institutions, equipment and material suppliers, and 25 pieces of equipment, it was truly an exciting two days.

PRM Concrete and the Rhode Island Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 40 Union presented a hands-on concrete demonstration. Students were encouraged to trowel, edge, broom finish, and cut lines in sample concrete pads. A colored and stamped concrete demonstration was also held. PRM also staffed a booth showing the various positions available at a ready mixed concrete facility (drivers, equipment operators, quality control and dispatch personnel).

Nationally, Rhode Island is one of only 12 states to hold a Construction Career Day event! However, by the end of 2002 that number is expected to grow to 20 states with a total student participation expected to reach 80,000.

It is important that we be as aggressive and visible as possible in order to dispel the misinformation and stereotypical image that our school children have of the construction industry. Only by promoting our industry will they become aware of the diverse and rewarding careers construction has to offer. For example the 2000 edition of the Jobs Rated Almanac ranked construction 247th on a list of 250 jobs!!

Rhode Island Construction Days should definitely "open the eyes" of our future work force to the opportunities and rewards of a career in the construction industry and PRM will continue to work towards this educational goal.