Businesses and organizations across the Magic Valley provided hands-on training at the second annual Magic Valley Construction Expo.
The College of Southern Idaho Workforce Development and Training Department, Magic Valley Builders Association, Twin Falls Economic Development, and the Twin Falls School District hosted the second annual Magic Valley Construction Expo, March 12-13, in Twin Falls.
The free expo provided first-hand opportunities for 60 attendees to learn and apply construction industry essentials including framing, concrete, painting, flooring, roofing, drywall, and electrical, solar and HVAC installation.
“The goal of this event is to benefit the community and the industry through involvement, education and promotion of economic growth,” said James Wallace, Builders FirstSource General Manager and member of the Magic Valley Builders Association. “We hope to encourage these future graduates to look at our industry as a viable career path. Whether pouring foundation, framing homes, delivering materials to a jobsite or any of the hundreds of jobs that are involved in the construction of a single residential home – our industry provides tremendous opportunity for an excellent income and professional development.”
Executive Officer Sari Jayo of the Magic Valley Builders Association, said this year’s clinic included more than double the attendees of previous years, reflecting the ever-increasing interest in apprenticeships and work-based learning programs.
“This school year, the Twin Falls School District started a new building construction class that draws students in from the three high schools,” said Cameron Hoge, the Twin Falls School District Building Construction Program Instructor. “The clinic was a great opportunity for the students in our classes and for those students who are thinking of taking our classes to gain some knowledge in the construction trades.”
After working alongside expert builders and contractors from more than 10 industry leaders throughout the region, students practiced their skills on an active jobsite where they assembled storage sheds under the safety supervision of the CSI Workforce Development Department.
“The CSI Workforce Development Department exists to provide our community the skills and trainings they need to thrive and succeed in their everyday lives,” said Davy Gadd, the CSI Workforce Development and Training Apprenticeship Program Manager. “The Magic Valley Construction Expo supports these values because it provides a practical, work-based learning opportunity for youth in our community to be introduced to various local trades and allows businesses involved to directly connect with home-grown talent that could potentially join their companies and help them succeed.”
Builders, contractors and members of the Magic Valley construction community were invited to attend the expo to observe potential employees on an active jobsite and recruit new team members for summer construction crews.
“As our region continues to expand at a rapid pace, the demand for a skilled workforce also increases,” said Nate Murray, Twin Falls Economic Development Office Director. “By providing opportunities for training and hands-on learning from industry experts, we’re creating a funnel of talented contractors whose work impacts the overall price and quality of future projects throughout the Magic Valley.”
For more information on workforce development in Twin Falls, see Twin Falls Workforce Development: More than a Job Posting.