Dept. of Workforce Development: Wisconn Valley Construction Resource Fair draws participants from across region

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Wisconn Valley Construction Resource Fair Draws Participants From Across Region

 

RACINE – Community organizations, workforce partners and vendors provided approximately 300 individuals attending today’s Wisconn Valley Construction Resource Fair with more information about how they can launch good-paying careers in Southeast Wisconsin’s growing construction industry.

 

The event, held from 1-4 p.m. at the Racine Civic Centre, was supported by Governor Scott Walker, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Mount Pleasant Village President Dave DeGroot and City of Racine Mayor Cory Mason.  The event was a collaboration between the Wisconsin Departments of Administration, Transportation, and Workforce Development, as well as the City and County of Racine, Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County Economic Development Corporation and the Southeast Wisconsin Workforce Development Board.

 

“The Wisconn Valley Construction Resource Fair opened the door for Wisconsinites to better prepare themselves for future job opportunities in the construction industry, and we thank our many partners for making today’s event a success,” Department of Workforce Development Ray Allen said. “With record-low state unemployment, we want to do everything we can to make sure anyone who has an interest in construction careers can access the resources needed to be ready for the many opportunities available now and in the future.”

 

The free event featured over 50 vendors as well as a variety of resources, demonstrations and workshops.  Vendors included the International Union Operating Engineers, WRTP/BIG STEP, ABC of Wisconsin, National Association of Minority Contractors, Gateway Technical College, and more.

 

Among the residents who attended included Anna Fell, who brought her 15-year-old daughter, Althena Barkley, during spring break to learn about high-demand construction careers. Fell said, “I thought that it was important to introduce Althena to jobs in construction during her time off from school. Plus, it exposes her to my search efforts as my current construction job comes to an end.”

 

Althena had an opportunity to better understand the breadth of construction careers available by visiting Gateway Technical College’s interactive booth. Fell, a former construction industry pre-apprentice, has been working on worksites since 2009.

 

Also at the event, participating vendors received information on future steps to take part in future Wisconn Valley construction projects, in addition to interacting with people interested in construction careers.

 

“We were so pleased to participate in the Wisconn Valley Construction Resource Fair,” said Brian A. Miller, President of Choice Construction Companies Inc., one of the participating vendors. “Thanks to state and local event planning partners, we were able to quickly connect with over 50 individuals, both longtime industry workers and new people.”

 

What’s Next: Informational Sessions

 

Construction-related businesses looking for details on how to become vendors, subcontractors, suppliers or professional service providers during the construction phase of the Foxconn project in Racine County are invited to attend one of 12 informational sessions scheduled throughout the state in April. 

 

The sessions are free but advance registration is required. For event dates/times and to register, visit https://wisconnvalley.wi.gov/Pages/General-Info-Sessions.aspx.