Summer Camps Inspire the Future Workforce

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Gear up for summer with construction summer camps offered by Auburn University.

Before we know it, summer will be here.  So now is the time to start planning ahead and registering for summer camps!  The Roofing Alliance is sharing two opportunities for the future workforce to get hands-on experience and learn more about the construction industry.

The Roofing Alliance works closely with construction management schools across the country to present the next generation with roofing opportunities.  Auburn University has participated in the Roofing Alliance’s Construction Management Student Competitions since the very beginning.

The McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University hosts two exciting summer programs and welcomes campers from all over the United States to participate.  Both camps are for rising 11th and 12th grade students and will be hosted on campus.  Participants will get a taste of campus-life by staying in the dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying social and recreational activities in the evening.

The Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women is the first camp, which is held June 9-13, 2020.  Young women who are interested in learning about career opportunities available in construction management are encouraged to apply.  This program is FREE for accepted students!  Normally the fee is $800, but thanks to industry sponsorships, the camp fee is waived for all campers who are invited to participate in this program.  Applications are due by April 1, 2020.

For five days on campus, young women will discover professional career options in the construction industry, such as: project management, safety management, field operations, and preconstruction.  They will also partake in hands-on activities that incorporate construction drawings, materials/methods, and technologies, and visit an active construction site.  Participants will have the opportunity to interact with faculty and students from the McWhorter School of Building Science, in addition to industry professionals.  Further, these young women will engage in experiential learning by working in collaborative team exercises specific to the construction industry, evoking critical thinking and developing deeper problem-solving skills.

Lauren Redden, an Assistant Professor at Auburn University, will be the faculty present during this camp.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Building Construction in 2008 and her Master of Building Construction in 2009, both from Auburn University.  Lauren previously spent six years working in the commercial and multi-family residential markets.  In 2015 she returned to Auburn University where she has taught courses in estimating, project management, disaster recovery, and construction documents.  Lauren is eager to work with the students to explore the vital role construction managers play in the building process.

Young women shared what they enjoyed about the camp in a highlight video from last year, saying, “It’s a great look into a different side of the construction and design process,” and, “It’s kind of eye-opening to realize that you won’t be the only female and you’re not weird to be in this field.”

Later in the month, June 21-26, 2020, the Building Construction Camp will take place.  During this five-day workshop, participants will learn about construction materials and methods, how to plan and safely manage a construction project, and engage with current faculty and students from the McWhorter School of Building Science.  They will also practice their learned skills through various hands-on activities and work together on a construction project.

Mike Hosey, a Field Demonstration/Lab Manager, will be assisting with this camp.  Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Building Science from Auburn University in 1978 and his Postgraduate Degree in Project Management from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom in 2013.  For 40 years, Mike worked in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, both in the field and in the office.  He served as a project manager for more than 28 projects.  Mike’s current roles include: Adjunct Professor in the Building Science department for Auburn University, Field/Demo Lab Manager, Senior Lecturer for the University of Salford, and President of Hosey Construction, Inc.  Mike brings knowledge and expertise that will be invaluable for attendees.

Scholarships are available for this camp!  While the scholarship application already opened in December, it will remain open until April 1, 2020.  Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 9.

Both of these camps are amazing experiences for young people who are aspiring to be a part of the construction industry.  Not only will students gain hands-on experience, work with industry professionals, and learn more about the opportunities available in the industry, but they will also be encouraged to inquire about professional career options within the industry.  And what a great opportunity to expose students who are near graduation to a college campus and provide them with a positive campus experience!  These camps will help participants discover their passions, develop their skills, and help shape their futures.

For more information visit auburn.edu/summercamps, call 334.844.5100, or email auyouth@auburn.edu.

Encourage members of the future workforce to learn about construction management and share these exciting opportunities, Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women and Building Construction Camp, with coworkers, friends, family, mentor programs, and high schools in your area!