Kicking Off Careers in Construction Month with Our 6th Annual Heavy Equipment Rodeo!
October 1st marked the beginning of Careers in Construction Month, and we’re kicking it off with our Annual Heavy Equipment Rodeo & Trades Day this Friday at Expo NM!
We’re excited to welcome over 1,300 students to experience hands-on learning with skilled industry professionals.
PRESS RELEASE
September 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katrina Soto, Program Director
AGC NM
505-842-1462 |ksoto@agc-nm.org
High school students to receive hands-on immersion into construction industry at Heavy Equipment Rodeo & CIEF Trades Day Event
AGC-New Mexico and the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) are partnering to connect high school students in the construction industry.
Albuquerque, NM – (October 4, 2024) – AGC- New Mexico & The Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) is hosting a high school Heavy Equipment Rodeo and Trades Day event at Expo New Mexico - 300 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 on Friday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Thirty-two high schools with nearly 1400 students registered students will participate in hands-on construction trade demonstrations. The participating high school students will interact with construction trade professionals from 51 local construction entities.
“At Spear D Construction, we build the essential systems that keep schools and communities running smoothly. We’re excited to be part of the event again this year, where we get to help students discover the rewarding world of construction and infrastructure trades,” said Eddie Padilla, President, Spear D Construction and TLC Company Inc.
Among the various exhibits, high school students will try their hands at conduit bending, bricklaying, plastering and thin stone installation process, crane operations, drilling and nail driving competitions, drone operations, bricklaying, door hardware installation, and roofing, all while connecting with local industry professionals and gaining valuable workforce experiences.
"The past Heavy Equipment Rodeos at ACE Leadership High has been an incredible opportunity for our students to engage directly with skilled industry professionals, gaining invaluable real-world experience. Each year, this event reinforces the hands-on, project-based learning approach that defines our school’s vision and brings an element of excitement and fun for construction. We are thrilled to see this event grow, providing even more enriching experiences with the industry for students across the State of New Mexico.“ Kelly Roepke-Orth, AGC CEO
“Events like this connects construction industry professionals with students for in-depth career exploration through hands-on learning,” said Brittany Albaugh, CIEF Director of National Youth Programs. “These wonderful educators and amazing partners understand the power of real-world teaching experiences that inform and inspire students for careers in the built environment, ultimately creating pathways to fill the nation’s need for passionate and skilled tradespeople.”
About AGC-NM
AGC New Mexico stands as the state's premier unified voice in the construction industry, steadfastly dedicated to enhancing the profession on a daily basis. Our mission is centered on collaboratively addressing challenges and crafting programs aimed at enhancing the construction profession, the communities it serves, and the financial success of individual businesses within the industry. In so doing, the ethical standards of Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility are promoted and followed.
About CIEF
Born out of the Sacramento Regional Builder’s Exchange to help fill the built environment career pipeline, CIEF works to introduce and engage high school students and young adults to the rewarding careers available in the construction industry. In 2023-24, CIEF served 9,985 students through its programs and awarded more than $150,000 in academic and summer program scholarships. This event is one of twelve trades days CIEF will hold this Fall. Learn more about CIEF and find more information about the Trades Day event at: https://www.cie.foundation/trades-day.html.
