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Gov. Herbert declares October ‘Careers in Construction’ month

Salt Lake City— Talent Ready Utah’s Architecture, Engineering and Construction Pathway program is excited to announce, with Gov. Gary R. Herbert, that October will be known in Utah as ‘Careers in Construction’ month.

Construction is a critical industry in Utah. Over the past year, the construction industry has grown dramatically. Despite the current pandemic and higher than average unemployment, the construction industry has continued to grow. According to the Department of Workforce Services, in Aug. 2020, there were 8,400 (+7.4%) more construction industry jobs in Utah compared to Aug. 2019. The construction industry provides many different training and career opportunities, including building, design and engineering.

“Construction has a profound impact on Utah’s economy, landscape and future, and I’m proud to support Governor Herbert in declaring October as Careers in Construction Month by promoting the value careers in construction, design and engineering bring to the great people of our state,” said Rich Thorn, president and CEO of the Associated General Contractors. “We encourage partners in industry to join us in our campaign #WeBuildUtah, to elevate careers in construction.” 

In 2018, Talent Ready Utah announced the Utah Architecture, Engineering and Construction (UAEC) Pathways program. This pathway provides students with opportunities to specialize in one of many construction, design, and engineering careers in Utah. Students learn valuable skills training, earn a guaranteed job interview, and are given the opportunity to intern with employers as high school students.

The UAEC pathway allows students to begin taking courses that will enable them to explore the construction industry, opening doors to career opportunities for both young men and women as early as the ninth grade. Pathway students can learn about incredible opportunities awaiting the best and brightest students interested in developing a craftsperson’s skills and excel in the construction industry.

“As a former construction worker myself, I am grateful for the skills I learned in the industry,” said Val Hale, GOED’s executive director. “Careers in Construction month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the important role this industry plays in our economy.”

For more information about the UAEC pathway program or Careers in Construction month, please visit uaecpathways.com. Students are encouraged to explore the UAEC pathway program and learn a specific skill set in this in-demand industry.  Industry representatives around the state have helped to create this program in partnership with local education partners.

About Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and drives increased tourism and film production in Utah. Talent Ready Utah, an initiative managed by GOED, develops industry and education partnerships to help build Utah’s workforce. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.