Midlands’ Schools to Careers in Architecture and Construction at the 50th Carolina Classic Home and Garden Show

COLUMBIA, SC – Midlands Education and Business Alliance, SC Department of Commerce and the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina hosted 130 students and educators from Midland’s school districts at the 50th Carolina Classic Home and Garden Show.

Students participated in Blueprint for Your Future, a student field study designed for students interested in the architecture and construction career path and currently undergoing the college and career planning process. This event allowed students to learn about different careers in these fields, potential salary ranges, required skills and education, and extended learning opportunities available like job shadowing and internships.

A panel of experts from the Midlands addressed the students including Lasenta Lewis-Ellis (LLE Construction Group, LLC.), Mark Hood (Hood Construction), Charlie Marra (Chapin Concrete), Tim Kehoe (Kehoe Constructors), John Covert (Covert Homes), and Patrick Bukszar (Essex Homes). Students heard first hand from these experts on topics such as current and future workforce needs, entrepreneurship, different levels of skills and education and how one can build upon them, the importance of being a continued learner and much more.

In addition to the panel, students heard from guest speakers including local businessman and builder R.B. Gallup of Gallup and Laffite, a member of the Building Industry Association Board of Directors.

During the second half of the field study, students toured the Home and Garden show and networked with community partners and higher education to learn about education and training opportunities here in the Midlands.

“Connecting with business and industry is critical for students who are planning for college and career,” said Stan Beckley, Chairman of the Workforce Development Task Force of the Building Industry Association of Central SC. “These connections provide a great opportunity for industry experts to inform our educators and students about current workforce needs and future trends as we work together to establish a prepared and talented pipeline for the future of the Midlands and South Carolina.”