REACH conference selects Construction Combine for 2019 Program award

The 2019 Idaho Career and Technical Education (ICTE) Conference, 'REACH', was held Aug. 5-8, and ISU's Continuing Education and Workforce Training received a program award for the Construction Combine.  

The Construction Combine initiative was developed to support local construction industry contractors who have been challenged by a diminishing workforce.  The need to develop new pipelines to replace that workforce is growing and continues to be a problem also being seen across the state and nationally.

The first Construction Combine was held in 2018. Designed to help establish a quick response workforce for our local construction industry, the event was a two-day collaboration between industry, community and education.  It provided basic construction skills training for high school students and other locals who built sheds that were donated to local veterans.  The event gave contractors a platform from which to observe and mentor potential new hires for their teams; a quick, hands-on job interview.

In 2019, the program spread to six sites statewide. 

The Construction Combine has received inquiries from others states also interested in growing their own construction workforce.  In 2020, in addition to continuing to see the event grow further across Idaho, it will continue into Oregon and Washington.  

The website www.constructioncombine.org provides a central connection to other related state events, provides guidance and a 'playbook' that lays out plans for anyone to hold their own event.

This simple event has impressed everyone with its ability to impact workforce and create greater interest in jobs and careers.  It will continue growing through the development of new partnerships in industry, community and education.  For more information you can contact Continuing Education and Workforce Training's Scott Stephens  at 208-282-3026 or stepscot@isu.edu.