Building Futures: Workforce Development Participants Explore Construction Careers
This summer, 27 young people in Identity’s Workforce Development Program got an insider’s look at the many career opportunities available in the construction industry, thanks to a partnership with Davis Construction.
Through three learning sessions held at Identity’s headquarters, participants discovered that construction offers a wide range of opportunities. They explored careers in skilled trades, field engineering, project management, safety, construction technology and administrative roles, while learning about industry certifications and educational pathways that can lead to long-term career success. Several participants returned for multiple sessions, reflecting their continued interest and engagement.
The series kicked off with a career exploration session led by Davis Construction professionals, who shared insights about the industry and offered practical advice on making a strong first impression, delivering an effective “elevator pitch,” and creating a standout résumé. Participants responded enthusiastically to the experience, highlighting how interesting, helpful and engaging they found the session and expressing strong interest in continuing to explore careers in the construction industry. The session helped participants not only discover new career possibilities, but also build confidence and strengthen skills they can use as they prepare for future employment.
The second session took participants deeper into the industry through Environmental Health and Safety and Field Engineering Basics for Construction. Youth explored workplace safety, hazard recognition, project coordination and industry standards while engaging directly with Davis Construction professionals. A highlight was the hands-on opportunity to work with surveying and field engineering equipment used on active construction sites, helping participants connect what they were learning with real-world industry practices.
The third session continued this hands-on approach with an introduction to Reality Capture and emerging construction technologies. Participants explored tools and technologies such as 3D scanning, Ground Penetrating Radar, drones and site data collection, seeing firsthand how technology contributes to safety, accuracy, planning, and efficiency in modern construction. The interactive experience helped bring unfamiliar technical concepts to life and introduced participants to both traditional and technology-focused career opportunities within the industry.
And the experience is not over yet. A fourth activity is currently being planned: an educational visit to an active Davis Construction project site. Participants will have the opportunity to see construction in action and observe how safety, technology, planning and collaboration come together on a modern job site. Several youth have already expressed interest in participating and reserved their spots.
The partnership is also helping Identity move participants from career exploration toward career preparation. Workforce Development is supporting interested youth with résumés, career guidance, training, certifications and employment-readiness activities as they explore pathways into the construction industry.
Partnerships like this one are critical to Identity’s efforts to connect young people with meaningful career exploration opportunities, practical skills and pathways to economic opportunity. We are deeply grateful to Davis Construction for investing its time, expertise equipment, and passion in our youth and for helping them see new possibilities for their futures.
