Professionals peddle their trades to local students

Every year, as a key component of the Salute to Construction, between 75 and 100 construction professionals go to area schools to talk about the industry and their area of expertise, according to Kathy Baer, employment director for Springfield Contractors Association and coordinator for the volunteers.

Local professionals are going to 23 schools for 36 sessions this year, up from 20 schools last year, Baer said. Suppliers, architects, engineers and builders are scheduled to participate.

"We do it to keep the industry alive," said Morris Dock, president of MoDoCo Inc. "Some young people might go into construction temporarily for the money, but we want to attract people who are serious about the industry, and who want to make construction a career."

Dock puts his money where his mouth is. MoDoCo Inc. offers two scholarships each year to students interested in seeking a construction management degree.

Area professionals agree it takes a well-rounded education to succeed in the construction business. A person needs command of the English language, communication skills and they must be good in math.

"You have to be able to read, write, spell and calculate," Dock said.

Charlie Powell, PE, department manager of structures and land management for Scott Consulting Engineers, likes to ask students what courses they think are important. They are usually surprised when he lets them know English, speech and other subjects are just as important as other subjects directly related to their field of interest.

Powell finds in gratifying when kids ask a lot of questions. He likes to give young folks information about his field and help guide them along.

"I always tell them not to go into construction for the money, but to do it because they love it," Powell said. "I think of myself when I was in junior high. I didn't even know what an engineer was. I wish I'd had someone talk to me about the industry at that age."

Wayne Towe, president of MECO Systems and SCA president, said he regularly volunteers to go to schools to help young people make a career decision.

"I'm not the type who likes to get in front of a group," Towe said. "If it wasn't for helping the industry, I wouldn't be involved."

Towe feels it is up to the people in construction to do what they can to promote the industry.

He has been going to schools for about 12 years. Both Powell and Dock have been participating in the program since the 1980s.

"I think the program is making a difference, but it's hard to measure," Powell said. "I haven't had anyone come to me and tell me I've inspired them to go into the industry."

Powell also said he sees the most enthusiasm from grade school and junior-high levels.

"These kids are wide open and ask lots of questions," he said.

At the high school level, students seem more interested in getting out of class than learning about a trade, Powell said.

Dock feels local educational opportunities are a good indicator of the renewed interest in construction as a profession. Ozarks Technical Community College has broadened construction aspects of its curriculum, and construction-related courses are growing quickly at Southwest Missouri State University, he said.

MoDoCo employs five interns, all of whom are seeking degrees in construction management at SMSU.

"They are not just wanting classroom exposure. They are wanting on-the-job experience," he said.

School program participants go to schools within a 25-mile radius of Springfield.

They do it not only to entice young people into the profession, but hopefully to improve the quality of individuals choosing construction as a career.

"I would like to think, if they've had a negative attitude about construction, it would change," Powell said. "If they have a positive attitude, I hope I can reinforce it."