October 2019: Construction Month

WHEREAS, Careers in Construction Month is an annual month designated to increase public awareness and appreciation of construction craft professionals and the entire construction workforce; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, employers, associations, and schools are encouraged to conduct job fairs, panel discussions, and local community events to inform students of the vast employment opportunities in construction; and,

WHEREAS, the construction industry is one of our nation’s largest industries, employing more than 5 million individuals in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, the construction industry needs 1.4 million new craft professionals by 2022; and,  

WHEREAS, we are pleased to honor the construction craft professional and the critical role they play in the development of our state of Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) was created by the construction industry to standardize training and enhance the industry image by promoting the hard work and dedication of our nation’s craft professionals; and,

WHEREAS, the mission of NCCER’s Build Your Future initiative is to narrow the skills gap by guiding America’s youth and displaced workers into opportunities that lead to long-term rewarding careers in construction; and,

WHEREAS, the goal of the Build Your Future initiative is to shift the public’s negative perception about careers in the construction industry and provide a path for individuals to become craft professionals;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2019 as Construction Month in Michigan.