Information, hands-on experience and the knowledge of construction professionals were all available to attendees at a Feb. 27 career expo at Oakland Community College's Auburn Hills campus.

Organized by the Great Lakes Construction Alliance and the Construction Association of Michigan, the Metropolitan Detroit Construction Career Awareness Program for 2001 was designed to promote construction as a career choice.

"There is an assumed shortage of skilled trades persons," said GLCA Managing Director Donald O'Connell. "We need to let young people in the community know about the many opportunities there are to earn a good living and have a satisfying career in the construction industry.

"Construction has been sort of a quiet giant. It's big, it's there, but a lot of people never think about it once the building's up or the road is opened. We need to let people know that we're a part of the community and a valuable asset to the community."

The GLCA and CAM were partners with WCSX, WRIF and The Groove radio stations to present the expo, marking the first time the industry has linked with radio stations to promote construction. More than 600 radio spots touted the event, and about 900 people walked through the doors.

Participating local unions were the Electrical Workers Local 58/NECA, Detroit Metropolitan Masonry JATC, Iron Workers Local 25, Michigan Laborers Training Center, Operating Engineers Local 324, Plasterers 67, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, Sprinkler Fitters Local 704, and Tile, Marble and Terrazzo Workers Local 32.

Prospective students could watch trade demonstrations and try their hand at a craft. Trades apprentices and their instructors, along with contractors, engineers and designers, union officials and construction association representatives were there to answer questions about a variety of careers in construction. They learned about pay scales, what it takes to make it in an industry, and what careers are available.

The Detroit-based construction industry group Management and Unions Serving Together (MUST) provided specific information on how to qualify to apprenticeship training or find information about other types of construction industry careers. MUST provided a comprehensive catalog, Careers in the Building Trades, listing apprenticeship schools in Southeast Michigan.

Plans are already under way to expand the event next year.

DETROIT METROPOLITAN Joint Apprentice Training Center apprentices Trevor Grace (left) and Joe Kowalewski (right) show Howell High School senior Brad Landon how to lay a brick during the career expo.