Skate4Concrete, backed by the Project Cornerstone organization and the Concrete Advancement Foundation, delivered its first-ever Construction Summer Camp this year. In three days, 22 students (ages 15-18) visited three San Diego County locations and explored the science of, pathway to, and job opportunities within the concrete and construction materials industry.
The Associated General Contractors Apprenticeship and Training Trust in San Diego hosted the first day’s activities. Staff led students through hands-on activities, including concrete form preparation, wood and metal framing, plus heavy equipment operator simulation. The AGC Apprenticeship pathway is an alternative to a traditional four-year college degree, wherein apprentices work for a partnered construction company and simultaneously receive a free education. AGC representatives informed the Skate4Concrete campers how to apply and succeed within their program.
Martin Marietta Materials’ Lakeside facility was day two venue. Students were able to tour the site and explore job opportunities in the quality control lab and mechanic shop, where Miramar College diesel technology instructor Valention Nevarez held court.
Additionally, Volvo Construction Equipment & Services dispatched a new bulldozer to the facility, allowing the students to experience earthmoving iron and observe basic maintenance.
The final day of the Skate4Concrete Summer Camp unfolded at precast producer Enniss Inc., a Verti-Block licensee. Students finished their hands-on activities in concrete and construction materials with actual supervised heavy equipment operation, welding, and the full process of Verti-Block fabrication, from cleaning and preparing the concrete molds to finishing touches and installing hardware. They were then able to conduct mock interviews with Enniss, Martin Marietta, Cemex USA, Superior Ready Mix and Hester’s Granite representatives. Along with a simulated interview experience, the producers provided helpful feedback to augment students’ potential foray in concrete and construction materials.
Skate4Concrete benefactor Project Cornerstone is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that recognized the opportunity to reach and educate local youth through the popular activity of skateboarding. Skaters throughout the country enjoy using concrete parks to practice their hobby. Skate4Concrete seeks to educate students on concrete and allow them to explore the process of building parks and the job prospects attending such facilities. The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association-aligned Concrete Advancement Foundation is in its second year of a Skate4Concrete partnership.