CAMPERS EXPERIENCE HANDS-ON VIEW OF CONSTRUCTION FIELD
STUDENTS EXPLORE CAREER OPTIONS THROUGH ANNUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
- July 30, 2018
PEARL ― More than 25 students experienced the world of design and construction during the recent USM Building Futures Summer Camp sponsored by the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation in conjunction with the University of Southern Mississippi.
Hosted on the USM campus in Hattiesburg, the weeklong event featured hands-on building activities in which eighth through 10th grade students learned from certified professionals. Participants built a small structure from start to finish while exploring building design, architectural plan reading, hammering, plumbing, concrete, roofing, electrical and much more.
“One of the goals of our summer camp is to put career options in front of young people who might be unfamiliar with the construction industry,” said MCEF President Mike Barkett. “With a rising demand for more than 80,000 craft professionals, making students aware of the possibilities has never been more important.”
Barkett noted that many students and advisors are unfamiliar with opportunities available in career and technical education, a situation that MCEF is working to change through initiatives like the Building Futures Summer Camp.
Following a day at the construction site, campers relaxed at New Century Park residence hall while enjoying swimming, movie night and rock climbing.
“That’s really what the USM Building Futures Summer Camp is all about – giving students a chance to explore a complex, important and engaging career in the design and construction industry and having a blast in the process,” said Barkett.
The mission of the non-profit MCEF is to promote careers, recruit capable individuals and train a quality workforce for the construction and manufacturing industries in the state of Mississippi. MCEF also offers workforce training and credentialing in construction, industrial maintenance and manufacturing trades.