Big Trucks, Bright Future for Young People Considering Construction Careers

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - June 25, 2013 - PRLog -- The area in and around the Farmington Community Library is usually a quiet zone like most other libraries, but on one recent bright summer day, the sounds of loud horns honking and children laughing could be heard clear across the parking lot.

Over 300 children came out to the Farmington library with their parents for the ‘Lunch with Trucks’ event on Monday, June 17, sponsored by Farmington Hills-based EJH Construction, Inc. The kids were wowed by the fleet of construction vehicles on display, including City of Farmington Police cars and Fire Department trucks along with an EJH disaster response vehicle among others.

Several children took turns being hoisted up by their parents into the driver’s seats of the large vehicles, where they posed for pictures and honked horns. For many of them, it was a day of discovery and bonding with their parents. “Any time you can help children and families have a good time learning things, you’ve got to love it,” said Beth Cooke of EJH Construction, who was on hand to help greet participants.  

In addition to creating great photo opportunities with big trucks, EJH provided a Lego set as a raffle prize, as well a “book dig” in the scoop of the back hoe vehicle where children used their skills to search for their favorite books. Fruit snacks and Hot Wheels toy cars were also given out to attendees, who were able to learn about the equipment from City of Farmington staff and EJH representatives. The effort was a collaborative one between the city, EJH, and the library to promote summer reading and exposure to large trucks.

The event also provided an opportunity to expose young people to the construction industry. The industry faces a workforce shortage after many workers left the industry during the recent economic downturn, according to a 2012 report titled ‘Construction Industry Workforce Shortages’ by the McGraw-Hill company. The report also said that “green jobs,” in particular, could lead the construction industry to attract younger workers, especially at the university level.

An informal survey of many of the young attendees at the library event found the trucks to be a popular theme. Six-year-old Max Garavaglia said he likes trucks, especially his toys at home. His mother Katie said that a future working in the construction industry was a “maybe,” and that Max’s plans change week-to-week, with firefighter being his choice last week. Other children also said they were most interested in getting to see and learn about the trucks.

“This is a great way to expose children to big equipment and also to get them to read,” said Cooke as a family posed with one of EJH’s custom disaster response vehicles. Children’s librarian Maria Showich-Gallup was happy to see the smiles on so many children’s faces and to see them learning and enjoying the day with family. “After all, what kid doesn’t like big trucks?” she asked.

EJH Construction is a full-service general contractor located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. To be considered for employment with EJH Construction, start by sending your resume and cover letter to hr@ejhconstruction.com. For more information about EJH Construction, visit www.ejhconstruction.com.