DETROIT – Demolition Week continued in Detroit, and crews visited girls at Detroit International Academy.
Tajohanna McCalebb was one of several students who participated in some of the work that was done at vacant homes all across the city.
“I found that really interesting because I’m interested in going into a career where everything is hands-on,” said McCalebb, who practiced sealing a window frame with a secure plexiglass cover.
Solei Thomas, a construction manager for the city of Detroit, was one of three women who shared insight into the trade.
She especially wanted young girls to know they could do this type of work too.
“Typically, we (say) go be a nurse, doctor, or lawyer. This is not the ordinary path where they say ‘Oh, go be in construction; that’s what we’re here for.‘”
Daionna Abdul-Mujib likes working with her hands. She liked learning about the ins and outs of the construction field.
“When I was younger, I thought about going into construction. Now, I don’t think I will go into construction, but I want to do something similar in my day-to-day life,” said Abdul-Mujib.
Students also practiced building their own structures while staying on budget in one exercise.
They learned to work as a team, select the right materials, and deal with delays and inflation costs.
McCalebb says the event opened her eyes.
“I didn’t think specifically construction would be the best way to go because it is a male-dominated field, and I thought that wasn’t an option for me, but today I was shown there is an option for me, and there are many ways that I can go down to get to that option,”
As for the field, Thomas, who in two years worked her way up to a construction manager, says they’re always hiring.
The best part is that the jobs don’t require degrees; they also accept people who can or will learn to work a trade.
“It’s a very lucrative career, so many avenues they can be a part of; the key part they’re missing is having someone explain that to them,” said Thomas.
Anyone interested in learning more should check out the Build Your Future job fair.
It’s happening Wednesday (April 9) at Northwest Activities Center on 18100 Meyers Road from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.