Joint venture aims to excite students about construction careers

The Building Congress & Exchange and the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI) are teaming up in a new initiative to help students learn about great career opportunities in the construction industry.

“There is evidence that when an industry professional goes into a classroom and talks to students, it has a positive effect on students’ perception of that career option,” said Jennifer Sproul, MCCEI President.

The MCCEI-BC&E Guest Speakers Bureau database will include professionals of different ages, gender, race and other demographics, as well as represent a diversity of jobs in construction.

“So when a teacher says to me, I have a class of Black girls in Baltimore that are curious about architecture, we can get a Black, female architect from Baltimore to talk with them,” said Sproul. “We want to get that specific because if you can see it, you can be it.”

MCCEI and BC&E are encouraging construction industry professionals to volunteer as a speaker.

“If our members talk to students about the passion they have for their job and the impact they have on our communities, they will no doubt spark an interest and excitement among those students,” said Donna De Marco, BC&E’s Executive Director. “Through this Speakers Bureau, our members will play a vital role in helping to shape the future of our industry.”

Speakers will be provided with core materials for a presentation and can team up with other construction industry professionals to do a group presentation. Sproul estimates that speakers will only be asked to volunteer a few hours a year.

Interested in getting into the classroom to share your passion? Contact Donna De Marco at ddemarco@bcebaltimore.org for more information.