April 9, 2024
The Idaho Associated General Contractors, Paul Davis Restoration of Idaho, and ACE Mentor Idaho to Hold 2024 Construction Combine & Trades Day May 1 & 2, 2024
MERIDIAN – The Idaho Associated General Contractors (AGC), Paul Davis Restoration of Idaho, and ACE Mentor Idaho are looking for applicants for the 2024 Construction Combine.
The Combine is a free, two-day training and recruiting event providing students with the opportunity to learn basic skills from different trades in the construction industry, and will take place this year on May 1st and 2nd from 7:30AM to 4:00PM in the parking lot of Home Depot in Meridian, Idaho.
The Home Depot Foundation donates the project materials, event space, and volunteers, while community members and contractors volunteer their time, skills, and monetary support to work with the students and give back to their community.
Day one “Trades Day” will provide local students with the opportunity to participate in hands on demonstrations at different booths sponsored by area contractors, where they will learn about trades such as framing, concrete, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, and siding.
On day two, students will apply their new skills by collaborating with area contractors to build 8’x10’ sheds, which are then donated to local veterans. The public is invited to observe on both days.
Idaho State University’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) developed this model to help reduce the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. This collaborative effort between educational institutions, local contractors, and community members provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in the trades and possible employment with the local contractor volunteer instructors.
CEWT started the Construction Combine in 2018 in Pocatello/Chubbuck with 16 contractors, businesses, and organizations, and over 50 participants. In 2024, the Combine is scheduled in four different locations throughout Idaho, including Meridian, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Pocatello. The 2023 event in Meridian brought together 14 local contractors and over 50 area High School students to build 10 sheds. This event will be our third year in Meridian and is expected to double participation from local contractors and students.
To apply and for more information, please visit: https://web.idahoagc.org/events/Construction-Combine-Trades-Day-5777/details