Brooks Bridges Gap Between Construction Industry & Educators in 7th Connecting Careers and Classrooms Event

WESTFIELD, IN – Today, Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) hosted her seventh Connecting Careers and Classrooms event, which was an opportunity to discuss the vast array of construction career opportunities. This year’s event focused on bridging the gap between leaders in the construction industry and educators in order to prepare students for rewarding careers in construction.

“Fueling a brighter future for Hoosier students includes ensuring industry leaders work with educators to make sure our schools have the necessary information and tools to equip students for career opportunities upon high school graduation,” said Brooks. “These events do just that by giving our teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators the opportunity to better understand the jobs and careers available to students and make sure our educators understand what skills and training students need to be successful in a variety of careers.”

A number of employers within the construction industry spoke to participants this morning to share insightful advice and information on how educators can help students understand available job opportunities and prepare for the workforce. Representatives included experts from the Indiana Construction Roundtable, Meyer Najem, Cabinet Crafters, IN/KY/OH Regional Council of Carpenters, Holladay Construction, Arbor Homes, Gaylor Electric, and the Hagerman Group. Sixteen school districts from throughout the Fifth District of Indiana were also represented.

“Cooperation between industry and educators is a key part of ensuring our students are aware of the job opportunities that can lead to rewarding careers,” continued Brooks. “There are opportunities for students and newly-graduated high school seniors in the construction industry that go beyond building homes and facilities – construction provides fulfilling careers in accounting, project management and more. Educators can prepare their students for careers in the construction industry by fostering strong communication skills and encouraging students to seek out internships or apprenticeship programs so they can get a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them and what they need to do in order to join the workforce.”

Participants received a behind the scenes look at what went into the development and construction of Westfield’s Grand Park Events Center. Grand Park sits on 388 acres of land and is one of the largest centers of its kind in the world. The facility only took two years to build and opened to the public in 2016. As of this upcoming summer, Grand Park will be the new home of the Indianapolis Colts’ summer training camp.

Connecting Careers and Classrooms has been attended by over 350 educators since Congresswoman Brooks held the first event in 2014. Previous Connecting Careers and Classrooms events have focused on careers in public service and public safety, healthcare, agribusiness, technology, financial services and life sciences. Participants who attend have the opportunity to earn continuing education credit along with the chance to connect with top local employers.

###