US engineering giant Bechtel has launched the “Build for More” campaign to encourage students into the skilled trades in Wyoming, while investing $1m in two community colleges in the state.
Build for More aims to reach students, parents, guardians and teachers who may not have considered a career in the trades.
Bechtel commissioned research in the state that showed that 89% of adults in Wyoming value careers in the skilled trades but only 47% of high school students have considered it as a career path and just 20% plan to enter a trade, vocational or apprenticeship programme after finishing school.
Build for More will use exposure to the industry and digital and community projects to engage pupils.
At Laramie County Community College and Western Wyoming College, Bechtel will invest $1m in expanding electrical and pipefitting educational pathways and boosting faculty, equipment and training capacity.
Dr. Kirk Young, Western Wyoming College’s president, said: “This partnership allows us to expand high-quality, hands-on training and reach more students and workers throughout Western Wyoming.
“By bringing training closer to the communities we serve, we can help more Wyoming residents gain valuable skills and build careers right here in the state.”
Mark Gordon, Wyoming’s governor, said: “This investment brings together industry, education, and government to expand training for in-demand skills and create more pathways for Wyoming residents to build their futures in our state.”
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