Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1526858
88 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org E D U C AT I O N Let's face it. Not everyone wants to sit at a desk in an office building all day. For many Montanans, a career that allows them to be outside, working in various locations, and building things with their hands, is the perfect fit! The construction industry employs 26,000 people statewide; however, many construction business owners struggle daily with attracting new, skilled employees. The solution: Build Montana Build Montana is a workforce development program, immersing high school seniors in a close-up look at careers in the construction industry and Great Falls is home to their newest location, making four Build Montana programs statewide. Build Montana Education The Montana Contractors Association, Great Falls Public Schools and the following businesses have partnered up to bring this learning opportunity to the youth in our area; Central Plumbing, Heating & Excavation, Dick Anderson Construction, Pacific Steel & Recycling, RDO Equipment, Sletten Companies, Tractor & Equipment Co., Torgerson's, and Tri-State Truck & Equipment. The goal of the program is to generate excitement and promote careers in construction. Through Build Montana, students from all over our school district and beyond will explore current career opportunities available in our area, receive training on live jobsites and meet potential future employers. Not only do they get hands-on experience, but they also follow a curriculum provided by John Deere University which will be taught by educator Joe Wilkins, making the Build Montana – Great Falls program stand out among the other Build Montana programs throughout the state. The Montana Contractors Association is overseeing, but Great Falls Public Schools is responsible for developing the program, which is driven by the objectives of the partnering companies. Instructor Joe Wilkins stated, "The partnering companies are competitive in businesses every day, but they take off their boxing gloves for this program to reach a common goal, that is to find the thing that the kids are good at, find their niche, and give them a vision for their future." He also went on to say, "The focus is on creating career opportunities