Rochester Careers in Construction Inc. , a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting career opportunities in the construction trades, and UNICON- Unions and Businesses United in Construction  hosted the 12th Annual Career Day at the Monroe County Fleet Center on October 22nd.  

Over 1,100 students from across our region participated in this year’s event, which gives students the opportunity get hands on experience in many of the featured skilled trades.

Rochester City School District Superintendent Jean Claude Brizard kicked off the event with a 6 a.m. visit to the Fleet Center site. Brizard, along with students from the Edison School of Applied Technology, got some firsthand practice on some of the heavy machinery ranging from backhoes to bulldozers.

As the day continued, students grades 8 through 12 toured the facility and got the chance to interact with over 40 vendors that represent many different aspects of the industry. Local apprenticeship programs, construction companies, trade schools and colleges all offered a unique perspective on the world of construction, all while answering questions about wages, skills, and training opportunities.

“The industry is changing, and the future workforce is evolving with it,” said UNICON Executive Director Ken Warner. “The jobs you see here are innovative, and highly technical. From green construction to solar power technology- these are the careers of the future. As an industry, we need to prepare the students of today with the skills to be successful.” 

Career Day events were sponsored by UNICON- Unions and Businesses United in Construction, the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council, CIAR, and the County of Monroe.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks also joined the Career Day event at 10:30 a.m. to welcome the students to the world of construction.