The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is teaming up with the University of Rhode Island Transportation Center (URITC) to offer high schoolers a hands-on work experience in the transportation and construction fields. The annual Rhode Island Construction Career Days event is expected to draw more than 1,200 students from 56 schools across the state and allow students to participate in a wide variety of activities, including operating construction equipment such as backhoes, excavators, pavers and bucket trucks.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: RIDOT Highway & Bridge Maintenance Midstate Facility, 2400 New London Turnpike, East Greenwich
"Workforce development is one of the engines that will drive our economic recovery, and I'm pleased to see so many schools and students taking advantage of this unique opportunity," Governor Gina M. Raimondo said. "For too many years, we've seen talented young adults leaving the state for jobs. We need to make our students aware of what is available right here in Rhode Island and encourage them to stay and help spark the comeback."
In addition to being able to operate large equipment, there will be a wide variety of booths and tables set up inside of the RIDOT maintenance garage to showcase various trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical and landscaping. There will also be representatives from colleges and universities, and experts from the engineering and construction industries. Students are being encouraged to take pictures of jobs and displays that interest them and connect through social media using the hashtag #RICCD2015.
Another highlight of the event will be the 6th annual Bridge Building Contest. Working in teams, students who signed up in advance were given supplies and design specifications to build a balsa wood bridge that will be tested for strength at the event. The URITC offered assistance in the design to groups that requested it, and the winning team on each day will receive a trophy to display back at their school.
For additional information on Rhode Island Construction Career Days, or to view photos from last year, visit www.riccd.org.
Contact: Rose Amoros (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4450