Hands-On Guidance Shapes Career Choices (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Southern Nevada – High school juniors and seniors at Southeast Career & Technical Academy immersed themselves in the realities of construction careers during a recent roundtable hosted by industry professionals. The event on April 28 highlighted pathways into a sector strained by the region’s rapid expansion. Students left with clearer visions of their futures, forged through direct conversations with experts from engineering, architecture, and building trades.
Hands-On Guidance Shapes Career Choices
Professionals from Southern Nevada’s construction landscape gathered at Nigro Construction for panel discussions and small-group sessions with SECTA’s Construction Technology students. These interactions revealed the skills, certifications, and daily challenges that define success in the field. Participants shared stories of project demands and advancement opportunities, helping students connect classroom lessons to actual job sites.
Lucas Inman, a construction instructor at SECTA, emphasized the value of such exposure. “For many students, exposure to these careers can be limited to what they see day-to-day, so creating space for direct interaction with industry professionals is critical,” he said. This approach builds confidence as graduates prepare to enter a competitive market.
Key Voices from the Front Lines
The roundtable featured a diverse lineup of speakers who offered targeted advice on breaking into the industry. Their insights covered everything from entry-level roles to leadership positions, underscoring the interconnected nature of construction, engineering, and architecture.
- Jared Noa from Pete King Corp discussed operational roles on large-scale projects.
- Patricia Yin of Lochsa Engineering outlined engineering pathways and required credentials.
- Andrew Martin with Ware Malcomb addressed architectural design integration.
- Tanya Carrazco at Wright Structural Engineers focused on structural expertise.
- Cory Frank, vice president of business development and project management at Nigro Construction, moderated the discussions.
Cory Frank highlighted the long-term benefits of early networking. “Bringing together professionals from across the industry is really about opening doors for trade students early,” he noted. “The relationships you build and the people you meet can shape your entire career.”
Filling the Skills Gap in a Growing Region
Southern Nevada’s ongoing development has intensified the need for qualified workers in construction and related fields. Nigro Construction, with over 40 years of experience and more than $1 billion in completed projects, partnered with SECTA to bolster the local workforce pipeline. Such initiatives address shortages by equipping students with practical knowledge before they graduate.
Programs like SECTA’s Construction Technology track play a pivotal role in this effort. They expose participants to a wide array of disciplines, from site management to specialized engineering. This broad perspective encourages flexibility in career planning amid fluctuating industry demands.
Students Discover New Possibilities
One SECTA construction engineering student, Adrian Shortsleeve, experienced a shift in outlook during the event. “Before today, I was stuck on one career path,” Shortsleeve said. “But after talking with all the different companies today, I learned to keep an open mind even if it isn’t something I’ve had my eyes on.”
These personal encounters demonstrate how targeted events can pivot ambitions. Students not only gained technical insights but also built initial networks that could prove invaluable. As Southern Nevada’s building sector expands, such connections position young talent to thrive.
Initiatives like this roundtable signal a proactive response to workforce challenges, ensuring local high schoolers contribute to the region’s growth. For details on SECTA’s Construction Technology Program or Nigro Construction, interested parties can explore further resources. The momentum suggests more collaborations ahead, readying the next generation for sustained prosperity.
