Math After High School: Engineers and Contractors
Guest Author: Dr. C.J. Riley, Professor of Civil Engineering, Oregon Institute of Technology
When I was approached to write this blog post about math in engineering and construction, I immediately thought of the shared use of quantities with units, physical measures that both engineers and contractors use to do our work. In many ways, the way we use math differs only in what we want to understand and the goals of our work.
The Future of AI in Construction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm in recent years and is now making its way into the professional world. Many people have spent time entering prompts into ChatGPT and find the results amusing and sometimes educational. Some people are taking it one step further and into professional settings by completing basic tasks like document editing and data entry.
Prevent Injury with Fitness
Every career comes with its own set of hazards. Accountants develop hip or back issues caused by sitting all day. Software developers experience headaches or eye strain from looking at screens. Nurses often have sore feet. In construction most workers will report having some type of bodily pain at least once during their career.
Your Guide to Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Pre-apprenticeship programs are gaining in popularity as careers in construction are booming. As word gets out that construction jobs offer a debt-free career path with high wages and loads of fulfillment, apprenticeship programs are becoming more competitive. This, coupled with the lack of high school construction programs, has led many students to ask, “What now?” A quality pre-apprenticeship program could be the answer.
How to Ace Your Apprenticeship Interview
The interview process for an apprenticeship is no different than a full-time job. There’s an application to complete, an interview period and a decision made. You should show up on time, prepare to discuss your background and bring a positive attitude. However,...
Starting an Apprenticeship with your Community College
There are multiple entry points into the skilled trades. For those just starting out, an apprenticeship is a stellar option to get paid while you train, gain relevant work experience and work towards journeyman certification. While there are lots of different...
Carpenter Apprentice Avery McEntire Shares Why He Chose the Skilled Trades
We connected with Avery McEntire, a Schweiger Memorial Scholarship recipient and current Carpenter Apprentice with PNCI. Here’s what Avery shared about his construction experience: What did your path into the skilled trades look like? I didn’t go...
Live your best life with a career in the trades
As I celebrate retirement and a 38-year career in the trades, I can’t help but reflect on the lessons I learned over the years. And let me tell you, I’ve learned a thing or two, especially being one of the few women on jobsites. Now, I’m eager to see where the...
Three Questions for Future Crane Operator Ethan Crowley
We sat down with Ethan Crowley, a Schweiger Memorial Scholarship recipient and current Yard Associate with Ness Campbell Crane + Rigging. Here’s what Ethan shared about a career in construction: How did you get started in the skilled trades? In high school I was...
Five Tips for Entering the Construction Industry
There is no “right” way to enter the construction industry. With so many paths to choose from, you can easily find a profession that fits you and your future.
