Growing the Future
The California Construction College is focused on changing the image of construction careers for young people, parents and educators in our communities by demonstrating the diverse opportunities within the construction industry. Consider that the average construction trades apprentice is 28 years old today, while many other workers are retiring or leaving the industry at younger ages. As a result, the construction talent pool has been shrinking.
The diminished presence of the construction industry in California high schools is one of the contributing factors to this trend. According to the California Department of Education, between 1987 and 2005, high school career and technical education saw a 29% drop in enrollments; a 34% decrease in course offerings; and a 25% decrease in instructors.
Many schools have eliminated industrial education, including wood and metal shop classes. Traditionally students, educators and parents viewed shop classes as something that pushed students toward the trades. Although it's impractical to resurrect every shop class, the California Construction College is changing the paradigm. Rather than push students, the college is helping to attract students to the trades via its degree programs.
