What is Careers in Construction Month and How Do I Get Involved?

The construction industry is marked by pride. Comprised of skilled craftsmen and women who have spent years perfecting their trade, it is a career choice that deserves to be celebrated.

Since 2005, Build Your Future (BYF) has been celebrating these careers and educating students on the opportunities in construction during the month of October. Once a weeklong celebration, Careers in Construction Month (CICM) still fulfills this mission while now helping organizations create a talent pipeline into the industry.

Since its inception, CICM has spread nationwide awareness of the career opportunities in construction. All October long, BYF and organizations across the country make a dedicated effort to talk about construction, reach students and celebrate the industry.

As a grassroots effort, BYF has developed several ways for everyone to get involved. Whether you are an instructor, small business owner or the CEO of a corporation, you can help spread the message. With so many resources to promote construction, there’s a way for everyone to participate!

Make it Official

Did you know you can ask your state governor to officially proclaim October as Careers in Construction Month? The only requirement is that you are a resident of the state you are filing in.

If you file a proclamation, BYF will send you a social graphic to share so you can tell everyone that you are participating in CICM. If you receive an official proclamation for your state, you will automatically be entered into a prize drawing for one of three $300 gift cards. You don’t want to miss out!

The process only takes three steps – and BYF has already done the hard work for you. Take a look at the CICM page for instructions and resources for filing.

Take the Pledge

If you are looking for a way to make a difference this October, pledge to celebrate CICM.

Whether you are reaching students virtually, in the classroom or sharing resources with educators – we are encouraging industry members and educators to make meaningful connections. With everyone coming together and promising to engage with students and talk about the opportunities in construction, the industry can successfully spread the word and fulfill the mission of CICM.

Need help securing a classroom engagement? Download our Student Outreach Guide to learn how to contact educators, what to say and the best ways to engage with students.

By taking the pledge and participating in a classroom engagement, you will be entered into a drawing for one of four $5,000 scholarships to give to the secondary craft training program of your choice.

Want to take your place next to the organizations that already pledged? Sign the commitment.

Enter the Competition

If you have students or trainees currently enrolled in a secondary or postsecondary construction training program, they are eligible to enter our annual I BUILT THIS! video competition.

I BUILT THIS! is a nationwide competition that allows construction students, trainees and apprentices to show off their work and compete to win prizes. This year, the contest opens on October 1, so start planning your projects now!

There are some big prizes at stake with this year’s prize sponsors including DEWALT, IRWIN, LENOX and Pearson. Be sure to read the official rules and watch videos from past winners on the I BUILT THIS! page.

Spread the Word

One of the most accessible ways to celebrate CICM is to talk about construction careers all month long. Across social channels and conversations with other organizations and schools, it is important to highlight the opportunities a career in construction brings.

With BYF’s free social media resources and graphics, it’s easy to talk about the industry all month long. When sharing posts, don’t forget to use #CICM or #CareersinConstruction to amplify your message and join the conversation. Download the CICM Social Media Guide to get started.

However you choose to participate this October, don’t forget to celebrate the current and future skilled craftsmen working in the industry. For more information and resources, go to byf.org/cicm.