Jobs in the residential construction industry continue to be in high demand. To help recruit the next generation of highly skilled craftspeople, NAHB recognizes Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month®, a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE. Now is the time to begin planning how your business or HBA will engage with local classrooms.
CTE programs are designed to help students explore different career pathways, earn industry recognized certifications and learn the soft-skills needed for today’s workplace. As you begin planning for an in-person or virtual event, consider hosting a dynamic panel discussion or leading a candid conversation, which is much more engaging for students than a standard presentation. If able to safely do so, a hands-on activity or other creative form of career exploration can make a big impression on students.
Simple Ways to Engage Students
Here are a few suggested activities to participate in or lead during CTE month:
- Participate in Job Shadow Day. On Feb. 2, consider volunteering to virtually share a “day in the life” of your career with a classroom. Students will be able to see real-world examples of careers in action, as well as be exposed to the workplace.
- Host a Career Exploration Panel at your company or HBA, Feb. 8-12. Highlight rewarding job opportunities and inform your audience of the daily joys and challenges of your profession.
- Donate Equipment, Feb. 15-19. Members may be in a prime position to donate equipment or supplies that meet industry standards, ensuring that students in secondary and post-secondary institutions have access to appropriate instruments for the respective career fields they hope to enter.
- Teach a middle school lesson plan for Teach-In Week, Feb. 22-26. Engage students at the middle school level, creating excitement for technical career pathways. View sample lesson plans.
- Share on Social Media. Use photos, link to press releases, or share your CTE story on social. Include hashtags #CTEmonth, #STEM, #WorkforceDevelopment, and #CareerTechEd and #SkillsGap.