Evansville area custom home builder, Modern Structure, along with several other local businesses, have partnered on a program to help young people kick start their careers in construction.  If you’re a young adult interested in pursuing a career in construction and have already enrolled in a local trade school, are taking technical courses, or are already working for a construction company; this program is for you!

In this blog, we’re talking about how lucrative a construction career can be, how the Construction Career Kick Start Program works, and how you can support the program.

Why is it Important to Encourage Young Adults to Enter the Construction Industry?

Careers in the construction industry can be lucrative. In fact, the top 25% in most construction trades earn at least $60,000 per year, and a typical college education isn’t required to get there. Despite the ability to earn a decent living wage, without acquiring massive college debt, 91% of contractors found it difficult to fill open positions in 2022. 

With the high demand for new home builds, and commercial building construction, many contractors have reported not having enough workers to fulfill the demand. Because it’s getting more difficult to fill these positions, it’s becoming more important to raise awareness of the great careers available and to motivate young adults that are just beginning their careers in construction. 

That’s where the Southern Indiana Construction Career Kick Start Program comes in.

What is the Southern Indiana Construction Career Kick Start Program?

The Southern Indiana Construction Career Kick Start Program is designed to recognize and motivate young professionals that have an interest in a career in the construction industry. When the program began in 2021, the goal was to award at least 1 young adult with some professional tools and clothing that suited their desired trade and career focus within the construction industry. 

Now, Modern Structure has partnered with more local suppliers, business partners, and fellow contracts to help even more aspiring workers.Which grew to awarding 5 young adults in 2022. For 2023, the Kick Start Program will award four or more young adults with the essentials they need to launch their career.

• Current Program Sponsors & More to Come
  • Modern Structure
  • Home Depot – East & West Evansville
  • Lowes – West Evansville
  • Independence Contracting LLC
  • Shep’s Plumbing LLC
  • Brad’s Electric Service Team LLC
  • Pfeffer Construction
  • All-Weather Products Inc. 

How to Apply for the Kick Start Program

Applying for the Construction Career Kick Start Program is simple, but applications are taken seriously. Once all applications are collected by the October 15th due date, they will be reviewed and evaluated by a group of senior construction professionals. 

Applicants must submit the following items:

• Updated resume including
  • current GPA (if in school)
  • work history
  • extracurricular activities
  • community service involvements 
  • achievements or awards earned 

• School transcripts sent directly from their school 
• Contact information including
  • phone number
  • email address
  • home address
• A letter telling us about yourself; to Include:
  • your desired construction/ trade focus 
  • why & what sparked your pursuit towards the construction career path
  • what are your goals
  • what do you love about the construction industry 

Please email all your information to Mark Mayfield with Modern Structure at mark.mayfield@modernstruct.com

Have questions? Call Mark Mayfield at 812-306-8438

Due Date: 10/15/2023

Construction Career Kick Start Program Applicant Requirements

To be eligible to apply, we ask that applicant meet the following requirements:

• Must be between 15-21 years of age
• Must currently be enrolled in technical focused classes, in a local trade school, or actively working for a local greater Evansville construction company 

If you’ve applied in the past and were not selected, you’re encouraged to re-apply.

Ways You Can Support the Program

Modern Structure has partnered with several local construction industry professionals to make this program a success. In order for us to continue growing the program and motivating more young adults to stay in the construction industry, we need your help!

If you are interested in supporting the Construction Kick Start Program by donating money or supplies, please contact Mark Mayfield at mark.mayfield@modernstruct.com 812-306-8438.