Celebrating Skilled Trades: Supporting Construction Pathways from Classroom to Career

Overview

  • Early Education: Building Excitement and Introducing Young Learners to Construction Careers

  • Secondary & College Education: Advancing Career and Technical Education

  • Early Careers: Strengthening Trades Through Internships and Opportunity

  • Professional Development: Growing Expertise in Every Individual

  • Community: Supporting Lifelong Trades Education Through Learning Opportunities

  • Living a Commitment to Supporting Skilled Trades Through CTE Across Ages

As construction experts, we know the importance of fostering growth and development of skilled trades across all ages, from the youngest learners to seasoned experts who continue to deepen their expertise through every project.

From building career and technical education (CTE) spaces that empower students with hands-on skills to encouraging personal development in our own team members, we are proud to uplift skilled trades and construction workforce development through learning across all ages.

Early Education: Building Excitement and Introducing Young Learners to Construction Careers 

An excitement for skilled trades can begin in the youngest learners. Building blocks, toy tool sets, tractors and trucks, and more all spark an interest and teach growing minds about technical jobs from a young age.

We love partnering with our communities on projects to help teach young learners about different construction and trade jobs.

At Parkview Heights Elementary in Papillion, Nebraska, our Superintendent met with a preschool class to talk about different tools and the work construction companies do.

During the construction of the new Hillside Elementary School in Omaha, we created coloring books and stickers for students to follow the construction process and learn about the different steps in creating the space.

Boyd Jones has partnered with Omaha’s Durham Museum across multiple events, teaching about the important role construction companies have in creating and transforming buildings in our communities.

Groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings, and learning sessions are all ways we like to connect students with the projects at their schools while sharing the important work of skilled trades in bringing those spaces to life.

Secondary & College Education: Advancing Career and Technical Education 

In middle school, high school, and college, students explore their interests and build lifelong skills.

CTE spaces play a profound role in trades education, highlighting construction career pathways and other hands-on jobs. They provide direct construction workforce pipeline opportunities for individuals to build hands-on skills as they discover how different systems, tools, and processes work.

Spaces like the award-winning UmónHon Nation Against the Current Career Academy equip students with trade skills they can apply directly after graduating from high school, strengthening the entire community.

From the Red Oak Community School District Junior-Senior High School, to the Southeast Community College Diesel Technology & Welding Center, to the Geneseo Career & Technical Education Center that serves both high school and college students, we are proud to help bring to life essential CTE spaces that advance trade careers for students of all ages.

Early Careers: Strengthening Trades Through Internships and Opportunity 

Beyond the classroom, hands-on learning is one of the best ways for individuals to expand their career and technical education in construction and other trades.

At Boyd Jones, we are proud to support early-career professionals through our robust internship program.

Hands-on industry experience and educational lessons come together to create a well-rounded experience in which individuals can continuously build on what they learn.

Through personal development, mentorship, and collaboration, individuals are encouraged and challenged to grow their trade expertise, gaining valuable skills they can apply in the field as they take the next step in their careers.

Professional Development: Growing Expertise in Every Individual 

Skilled trades education doesn’t start once an individual begins working; it’s a continued journey of professional development. Carpenters, foremen, construction laborers, and all the other skilled trades roles at Boyd Jones play a pivotal role in projects and are the strength behind every structure. In every challenge and every project, we foster growth and development across all roles.

We challenge our team members to deepen their expertise and expand their horizons, continually growing their knowledge and sharpening their skill set. Dedicated career paths, growth tracks, and construction workforce development help team members become trusted leaders who guide project success.

From mentorship and encouragement of personal goals to training and certifications such as the NCCER Superintendent Certification program, we provide professional development opportunities for all team members.

When skilled trades experts are encouraged to continue deepening their expertise as lifelong learners, they refine their craft and help make every project stronger.

Community: Supporting Lifelong Trades Education Through Learning Opportunities 

When skilled trades training and education are available to individuals across our communities, we continue to uplift and advance our communities.

Whether through trade partner development, advancing individual opportunities, or collaborating with organizations, skilled trades education continues outside the classroom for all ages.

As a partner with Grow Sarpy’s Construction and Trades Day, we shared with young adults the many career paths available within skilled trades.

Through our partnership with Goodwill Omaha’s YouthBuild Program, we’ve supported individuals as they learn essential construction skills to apply in careers across our community.

Boyd Jones has been proud to partner with learning events such as the Greater Omaha Chamber’s REACH program, which equips individuals with essential trade skills to advance their careers.

These opportunities provide individuals of all ages with opportunities for lifelong learning to expand their knowledge of skilled trades and begin or continue impactful careers.

Living a Commitment to Supporting Skilled Trades Through CTE Across Ages 

Career and technical education spans from the tiniest learners to the industry’s most seasoned experts. Across all ages and experience levels, individuals can deepen their passion for hands-on skills.

Skilled trades play a critical role in our daily lives—talented individuals in those fields create the spaces where we live, work, and gather. Collectively, they help ensure that essential systems function properly, allowing our communities to operate efficiently and effectively.

We recognize the important role we play in helping advance trades education and opportunities in our communities, through our partnerships, and on our own team, from the classroom to careers and beyond.

Boyd Jones is proud to support skilled trades, career and technical education, and construction workforce development across all walks of life—that’s part of our commitment to living our values.

Discover more about our commitment to our team members and their own growth.