NAWIC-Columbia Hosts Inaugural Construction Kids Discovery and Awareness Day

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Columbia (S.C.) Chapter #113 hosted its inaugural Construction Kids Discovery and Awareness Day on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Lexington Technology Center in Lexington, S.C.

This educational community event provided children with a hands-on opportunity to see and touch heavy machinery and meet the people who play a role in building our community. The purpose of the event was to introduce children and parents to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in one of the many facets of the industry.

“NAWIC’s mission to bring quality education to the community was beautifully fulfilled by the first Construction Kids Discovery and Awareness Day,” said Susan C. Clary, CIT, 2018-2019 President of NAWIC-Columbia, and Director of Marketing for Mashburn Construction.

“The activities were spot on and the kids did not shy away from the experience to learn more about the industry and all it has to offer,” Clary continued. “Our career awareness committee facilitates events year-round for grade school, high school and college level students. We are blessed with generous sponsors and members who are willing to give their time and resources to spark the fire in youth.”

The more than 800 attendees were able to explore heavy construction equipment, which included a mini-excavator, roll-off container truck and skid-steer loader. The kids zone area offered plenty of hands-on, construction-related activities for children of all ages. These activities included using building blocks to construct a bridge over water, PVC playhouse construction, interior design boards, jumbo building blocks, mining for gems, strongest shape activities, tools and fasteners, and much more.

“My family had a fantastic time,” said Sara Beckett of Lexington. “We were so pleased with all of the different age levels of activities available. We have an almost three-year-old son who really soaked in everything the event had to offer.”

“My kids had a blast … it was interactive and fun,” said Christie Benson.

NAWIC-Columbia Chapter #113 serves women working in all facets of the construction industry in the Midlands region of South Carolina. We strive to provide networking and educational opportunities to members, other women in the construction industry, and our community. Each year, NAWIC-Columbia offers a scholarship opportunity for local individuals pursuing a career in the construction industry.