High school students experience construction industry at equipment rodeo
Valley Corp. hopes to inspire young people to consider construction as a career.
By News Channel Nebraska
VALLEY, Neb. - On Thursday, September 15 more than 100 students from various high schools will get a hands-on experience of working in the construction industry. Rebar tying, concrete pouring, underground boring, fiber optic line splicing, and other activities are scheduled for the second annual Valley Corp. “Equipment Rodeo”.
“A couple of the most popular things the students really enjoy are the Skid Loader Obstacle Course and Excavator Basketball,” said Matt Bevington, president of Valley Corp.
Over the past two decades the labor shortage in the construction industry has been widely reported industry experts and economists. The average age of construction workers in
the U.S. is 42 years old. A recent survey found 80 percent of construction firms struggled to fill positions in the last year.
“Our ultimate goal of this Equipment Rodeo is to give young men and women a first-hand look at how the construction industry can help them become financially stable at a young age and enjoy a fun, rewarding, lifelong career,” explained Bevington.
Students and chaperones from seven area high schools will participate in activities, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Valley Corp facility, and enjoy a catered lunch. High schools attending include: Millard West, DC West, Plattsmouth, and Mead.
“We understand that to maintain a strong American construction industry, Valley Corp. and other companies must attract and embrace the energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity that young people bring to the labor market,” said Bevington. “They are our country’s backbone and future!”
Valley Corp. offers a paid summer internship program which interested students may apply for during the event. Upcoming high school graduates from anywhere in the metro area may apply on their website or by emailing Darren Elliott at [email protected]
.
WHAT: Valley Corp 2nd Annual Equipment Rodeo
WHERE: Valley Corp., 28001 Ida Cir, Valley, NE 68064
WHEN: Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.