Alabama Skilled Trades Week

WHEREAS, industrial and commercial construction along with infrastructure construction such as road building are growing industries in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the construction industry is expected to add an estimated 3,735 jobs in Alabama each year for the next decade; and

WHEREAS, the workforce of skilled tradesmen in the construction industry is aging, with only one new recruit coming out of training for every four tradesmen who retire; and

WHEREAS, skilled commercial construction tradesmen earn above average wages, taking home an average of $914 per week; and

WHEREAS, statistics show few young people are considering a career in construction; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has numerous training programs and enrollment opportunities available for graduating high school students looking to pursue a skilled trade; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Chapter of SkillsUSA and its network of instructors offers opportunities for high school students to explore opportunities in skilled construction trades including its annual Career Expo; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Chapter of SkillsUSA will hold its Career Expo April 25 through April 26, 2012; and

WHEREAS, strengthening employment in Alabama depends not only on creating new jobs but ensuring young people are trained and ready for jobs as they become available; and

WHEREAS, a skilled workforce will ensure improvements in infrastructure and community development projects can move forward on schedule; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and necessary to designate an official week that will act as an annual reminder to young people about the opportunities available to them if they choose to learn a skill or master a trade:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of April 23 through April 27, 2012, as

Alabama Skilled Trades Week

in the state of Alabama and urge schools, teachers and parents to celebrate this week by introducing students to career opportunities in skilled construction.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 20th day of April 2012.

      

Governor Robert Bentley