CALPASC NC/CC Summer Intern Program Offers Job Opportunities to Young Prospects

Interns to Participate in 4th Annual Workforce Development Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- While recent high school graduates may be anxious about their futures or summer vacations, 20 Northern California high school grads are starting the summer with a paid internship in the construction industry. The Workforce Development Program, created by the California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors of Northern/Central California (CALPASC NC/CC), is designed to encourage young people to explore careers in the construction industry.

During the 10- to 12-week program, interns experience and are mentored in a specific trade, some of which may include electrical, plumbing, framing, plastering, drafting, roofing, paving, tiling, carpentry, installation and concrete. They also learn basic interviewing skills, job-site safety and awareness and current industry information. The summer intern program is essential to cultivating and creating a future construction workforce.

"The average age in the trade industry is 48 years old and workers are retiring," said Brian Peters, CALPASC board member and human resources director for Bianchi Plumbing in Roseville, California. "We need about 16,000 new skilled workers in the industry by 2010. Employers are stepping up because they recognize the importance of workforce development."

This year's participating employers include Bianchi Plumbing, Biondi Paving, Calhoun Construction, H&D Electric, KBI Construction, LB Construction and Western Wood Fabricators.

"CALPASC NC/CC has a huge appreciation for these companies that are committed to training young adults who have no prior knowledge or experience in the industry," said Julie Craig, executive director of CALPASC NC/CC.

Given the shortage of skilled workers, the Workforce Development Program is a hands-on approach to teaching young adults that construction can become a career for them. Despite the industry's competitive wages, teenagers just out of high school often don't consider a vocational trade as a career option even though it can serve as a viable alternative to college.

Internship applicants are required to be 18 years of age by June 1, 2008, possess a strong work ethic and have reliable transportation. Of the 42 applicants screened for the 2008 Workforce Development Program, 20 young adults were recruited for the seven participating employers.

CALPASC advocates for specialty contractors, suppliers and related businesses in the legislative, regulatory and judicial arenas, as well as providing education and awareness on complex issues within the building industry.

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Source: California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors
Northern/Central California

CONTACT: Brian Peters, +1-916-772-7364, ext. 120,
brian@bianchiplumbing.com, for California Professional Association of
Specialty Contractors Northern/Central California

2008-05-22 18:27:57 0369374 PRNEWSWIRE