THE HOPE IS THAT WITH A CLEAR WINDOW INTO WHAT THE VARIOUS TRADES ENTAIL WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES, AND THE PROFESSIONAL ELEMENTS (GOOD SALARIES, ROBUST BENEFITS PACKAGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND ADVANCEMENT) THAT PLACE THESE JOBS IN A DESIRABLE POSITION, STUDENTS MAY COME TO FIND THEM MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE.
Te good news: the hard work being implemented
by BAG and other workforce development organizations like it is beginning to show signs of productivity. Melvin pointed out that educators and other key players in the education system are “starting to wake up” and recognize the problem. Additionally, the government is taking the time to sit down and ask skilled and experienced minds to address the challenge of the skills gap. Melvin was recently invited to represent BAG by
participating in a Department of Education program called ReTink CTE, where “CTE” stands for Career and Technical Education. A number of key CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations) like Future Farmers of America and SkillsUSA were in attendance; scholars described the current landscape and applicable circumstances in the relevant industries before roundtable discussions took place. Te goal was to make positive movement in addressing the issue of how CTE is taught in American schools. ReTink CTE wasn’t the first time BAG and CTSOs have come together to address these issues, and Melvin hopes it won’t be the last.
WORKING TOGETHER In addition to participating in ReTink CTE, BAG has focused on multiple aspects of workforce development,
working early on with the USA Workforce Coalition as well as Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) to help create and promote the Workforce Development Tax Credit (H.R. 1739). BAG has thus far worked most closely with SkillsUSA in Wisconsin and Indiana, but has growing partnerships with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and others. Tis October, at the Association of Equipment
Manufacturer’s ICUEE 2019, a special careers day will take place on the last day of the show. Hundreds of high school students will be able to see firsthand the many rewarding industry careers available. Melvin considers this upcoming event a major opportunity for BAG. Te takeaway he’s aiming for is reflective of the overall change in mindset he says is critical for the progression towards eliminating the skills gap. “Te ICUEE event is going to be really exciting for us as an organization, since it’s the first time we’ll be bringing students to a major trade show to see firsthand the excitement of an industry that wants them,” he maintained. “As adults, many of us have been to more trade shows than we can count. But think back to the first time you walked into a really big trade show that was filled with things that interested you. [Tese students] will be experiencing North America’s largest construction and utility trade show while BAG is also holding our CSE with Learning Stations and Champions sharing all about the industry and the opportunities available to them. Tey will have the chance to visit booths, spend time watching equipment demonstrations—and hopefully walk away thinking: ‘Wow, this is where I need to be!’” y
For more information, visit
www.bridgingamericasgap.org.
WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2019
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