NCWorks NextGen Youth Program, Step Up Ministries and Made in Durham teamed up June 7 to introduce 25 young adults age 17-24 to the construction industry and the chance to interview with 10 local employers.
Construction trades are the second-highest in-demand talent need behind life sciences in the Triangle and across North Carolina, but the industry gets a bad rap that makes talent recruitment tough.
Local construction industry representatives and employers, workforce experts and other Made in Durham partners hope to change that perception through events, such as this, and introduce young people to the great opportunities skilled trades offer.
Related story: Durham employers, educators, elected officials, others convene to begin planning how to build a strong skilled trades talent pipeline
CT Wilson, Carolina Sunrock Group, Dragados USA and other local employers met with the well-dressed, well-prepared young people who have entry-level experience and are looking for work.
They used a speed interview arrangement to spend six to eight minutes with each young person and one minute to rate interviews in multiple areas. Scorecards with feedback were provided to each young person to provide insight on areas of improvement.
Within one week of the event, four young adults had already received call-backs for second interviews. Partners expect to host the event annually.
Join our email list for news and information on linking work and learning in Durham.
Provide financial support for Made in Durham community partners and initiatives.
