Previously we reported on National Manufacturing Day, October 3rd, which focuses on introducing high school and college age students to manufacturing careers. This is important, because even though the area has experienced a loss of manufacturing jobs this last decade, manufacturing is still a relevant element of the regional economy and a great source of middle-income wages.

Another important element is construction. Each October, local construction trade apprenticeship programs host Career Expo day for high schools and community colleges. This year’s event was hosted by the Pipe Trades Training Center in San Jose and attracted 173 students from 16 different high schools to experience a day of hands-on trade-craft.

Fourteen student groups rotated among carpenters, electricians, sheet metal workers, plasterers, surveyors, automotive workers, operating engineers, drywall/lathers, roofers and waterproofers, cement masons, sound and communications experts, iron workers and pipe trade workers. For many of these young adults, it was the first time they’d handled any tools more complicated than a kitchen knife. For those of us who can still recall the old high school industrial arts classes, this was a fantastic sight to see.

Just as with Manufacturing Day, the event introduced these young job seekers to career opportunities and training. The Valley is witnessing an economic resurgence driven by the high-tech sector that is driving new construction. A wide variety of construction projects are underway, including the high priority development areas of Fremont, such as Warm Springs. For young people who prefer working with their hands, these jobs can lead to a career path with strong growth potential

In addition to the individual trades, several private schools, community colleges and contractors participated. Many pre-apprenticeship training programs are offered at our 28 community colleges as well as management and other construction science courses. Most programs are now accredited, and students are encouraged to complete their certifications and AA degree for that point in time when they decide to move into management. “Today’s construction industry is ideal for creative smart young adults. The traditional construction industry image no longer applies,” said Brenda Childress of the Santa Clara County Construction Careers Association. Private schools, such as the Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (see below), as well as YWCA programs targeting younger at-risk youth were represented.

Equally important are the companies who donated their time to meet with the young job seekers: Cupertino Electric; SGI; and Skanska/Shimmick/Hersog. Their collective projects are impressive ranging from the Merritt College library upgrade to the BART extension to the Berryessa district.

Our region’s career options for the next generation go well beyond high-tech to include “high-touch” industries. Whether its manufacturing, education, hospitality, health care or construction, there are programs to help young people discover their passion and path to remain and prosper in Silicon Valley.