Brasfield & Gorrie, Dickson County Schools Introduce Students to Construction Careers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Brasfield & Gorrie is working with Dickson County Schools to help introduce high school students to careers in the construction industry.

Brasfield & Gorrie’s work with programs for high school students is part of its efforts to help close the gap in construction labor created by a growing industry, an aging workforce and lingering effects of the economic downturn. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, employment in construction occupations is projected to grow 21.4 percent by 2022, much faster than the average for all industries. Meanwhile, the current workforce is aging and the industry is still grappling with the loss of nearly 2 million workers during the Great Recession.

The company hosted a site tour for Dickson County students on Thursday, April 23, at its H.G. Hill Sylvan Heights construction project in Nashville, Tennessee. During the tour, students got to see construction in action and get an up-close look at construction on the site of this future mixed-use development.

In addition, the company recently visited two Dickson County high schools that offer residential and commercial construction programs, Creek Wood High School and Dickson County High School, to provide an overview of the types of jobs available within a construction company.

The school system’s Residential and Commercial Construction Programs serve approximately 200 students. The programs include three courses designed to introduce students to the construction industry and teach fundamental skills for using tools and equipment, interpreting construction documents and working safely.

In addition to working with Dickson County Schools, Brasfield & Gorrie has partnered with the Birmingham Education Foundation and the Huffman High School Academy of Architecture and Construction in Birmingham, Alabama. The company is also involved with the ACE Mentor Program, which mentors high school students and inspires them to pursue careers in architecture, construction and engineering.