United Tool and Fastener (UTF) will be one of the presenters outside at the upcoming Oct. 17 Construction Career Collaborative (C3) WE Can girls camp at the M.O. Campbell Center (1865 Aldine Bender Road).
C3 and its partner, the Houston Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), have combined their efforts to launch the all-female construction career camp (WE Can). The event enables the young women to interact with demonstrations and demonstrators and hands-on displays in addition to presentations and question-and-answer time from civil, commercial and industrial contractors.
UTF Safety Specialist, Charlie Gertson, will be outside to demonstrate to attendees some of the various safety practices utilized in the construction industry (such as wearing and inspecting a safety harness) in addition to explaining how safety equipment is used.
“Kids always enjoy the presentation because they actually get to try on the safety equipment and engage in the safety demonstration by being hoisted up into a harness,” explained Gertson.
“They actually learn about safety and remember it.”
Approximately 1,000 girls in middle and high school will have the opportunity to participate in the “interactive exploration of careers in construction and those companies that support the industry with equipment, safety, and tools,” explained Angela Robbins, Associate Director of C3.
Each participant will be given a hard hat, safety vest, gloves, and the opportunity to realize that “WE Can” build and all that entails. The presentations will also illustrate and explain the ‘hybrid’ careers in construction that enable workers to spend part of their work time “in the field” and part of their work time in an office.
Aldine Independent School District will host the girls on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 8:30am until 3:00pm.
“We are so excited to have Charlie at the girls camp. He is always entertaining in how he explains safety practices and equipment,” Robbins said. “The girls are sure to enjoy and remember the presentation.”
