Firms of all sizes enabling students to 'taste test' the construction industry.

The Queens Council, Greater New York, Boy Scouts of America, along with many small, medium and large firms, offers high school students the opportunity to "taste test" numerous potential career paths. This program, called Explorer, was established to provide the chance for high school students to gain knowledge, prior to graduating, of careers they may pursue.

The program's greatest asset is that the students can learn about a particular industry through the participating organizations and gain real-world knowledge in the career paths that they are exploring. This hands-on experience can assist the student in their future career decisions.

The Queens Council, Greater New York, Boy Scouts of America, together with the students' high school, aids in the initial coordination of the Explorer Program. The school's guidance counselors administer career tests to the students and use the results to advise the students of possible careers that are compatible with their interests, skills, and academic background. The Queens Council then invites students to visit the local Explorer Post in their chosen field. At the initial open house, a representative from the Host Company, along with the Career Exploring Director, briefly discuss what the students can expect to learn, as well as provide information on the company and the industry. At this point, the student can decide whether or not to join the program. Subsequent meetings at the Explorer Post are then scheduled. Recruitment is an ongoing process and is administered by The Queens Council.

The Explorer Program has become highly popular in the construction industry, ranging from medium size companies such as ACC Construction Corporation and EJ Electric Installation Company, to large organizations such as Morse Diesel International and Lehrer McGovern Bovis. The real estate industry has also been a major supporter of the Queens Council and the Explorer Program.

I was introduced to the Explorer Program while attending the Boy Scout luncheon last year as a guest of the Professional Women in Construction. Since then, ACC Construction Corporation has become an "Explorer Post," in addition to other various size firms in the construction industry.

The ACC Construction Explorer Post meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 7 p.m. Attendance at the meetings averages five students and consists of both males and females.

At our first meeting, students were taught basic blueprint reading and given a brief overview of drawings, including site work, architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Trade specifics such as demolition, new drywall, lighting fixtures, electrical outlets, ductwork, etc. were also briefly discussed.

The following month, students were taught how to assemble a suspension 2-foot by 2-foot acoustical ceiling from pencil rod to ceiling tile by one of our Project Supervisors. All of the materials used were explained and the students actually assembled the ceiling themselves. The hands-on session was very successful; the students learned a new skill and received instant gratification from viewing the finished product. Future meetings will consist of framing and drywall, painting and wall-covering, hardware installation, and more.

ACC's Explorer Post is an ongoing, company-wide effort with involvement from departments such as Operations, Technical Services, and even Finance. Subcontractors have now been invited to participate in the program and will provide more trade specific learning experiences for the students. Eagle Mechanical recently taught the students how to prepare and solder copper piping used in installing water supply lines. The students then practiced the skill, and their pipes were then connected to a faucet to check for leaks. All students successfully completed the project and were given awards. Once again, the students learned a valuable skill and gained hands-on experience.

ACC Construction Corporation is one of the many firms in the construction industry that participate in the Explorer Program. With the guidance of the Queens Council, Greater New York, Boy Scouts of America, virtually any organization can be a part of this educational and rewarding program.

The few hours contributed each month will give students the chance to obtain first-hand experience and information. This in turn will enable them to make educated career path choices and get a head start on their futures.