For Parents

As a parent, you want your children to be successful and find a rewarding career. While most people think success means going to college, there are other opportunities available that do not require student loan debt and financial strain.

An apprenticeship program in the highway construction trades is similar to college in that most programs are four years in length. However, an apprentice can earn real wages while he or she learns a trade. In most union apprenticeship programs, apprentices can even earn college credits at a local community college.

Consider The Following Benefits

A paycheck – From day one, an apprentice will earn a paycheck guaranteed to increase over time as he or she learns new skills.
Hands-on career training – An apprentice receives practical on-the-job training.
An education – At several area apprenticeship and training sites in western Pennsylvania, apprentices receive hands-on training and have the potential to earn college credits.
A career – Once your son or daughter completes an apprenticeship, they will be on their way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary, and little or no educational debt.

Earn while you learn.

For Students

Whether you are graduating high school or haven’t yet found a career that is right for you, there are many great opportunities available in the highway construction industry. If you like to work outdoors, receive on-the-job training and get paid while you learn a skilled trade, then the opportunities provided by an apprenticeship program may be right for you. An apprenticeship program in the highway construction trades is similar to college, in that most programs are four years in length. However, an apprentice can earn real wages while he or she learns a trade.

Consider The Following Benefits

Good pay with benefits – the average construction worker in Pennsylvania earns $56,000 a year.
In demand – Over the next ten years, the construction industry will need additional workers to rebuild our nation’s roads and bridges and replace a retiring workforce.
Many opportunities – Today there are over 26,000 construction companies operating in Pennsylvania.

But the greatest reward you will receive from a career in the highway construction industry is the pride you will feel for building roads and bridges that will last for several years – something that you can point to and say,

“I helped build that.”

Using Future Road Builders for Groups

Are you assisting others in career development? The Future Road Builders platform can be utilized by teachers, counselors, and non-profit organizations to introduce people to career opportunities in highway construction. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Using Future Road Builders as a Facilitator

Play the Game – Spending even just one hour playing Future Road Builders can be effective in helping to prepare others decide whether a career in highway construction is a good fit.
Invite Others – Utilize the poster and flyer to help explain Future Road Builders is a career awareness tool and to invite others to play.
Set Badge Goals – Future Road Builders is designed to reward players for achieving certain benchmarks using badges. The “Get to Work” badge is a great target to set for new players. These badges can be used to improve your chances when applying to an apprenticeship program.
Measure Progress – Whether over a few hours or a few weeks, check in with players on their achievements. What badges have they earned? What links have they pursued?
Invite Feedback – Meet with each player to discuss what areas of Future Road Builders they found most interesting, most challenging, or just most enjoyable. This can help in identifying which apprenticeship program is the best fit.
Encourage Action – There are many steps a player can take from within Future Road Builders. A player can follow links to Apprenticeship applications, watch videos of real construction sites, or even request more information on a trade.

Career opportunities abound.

Download the Poster

Download the Flyer

Media Resources

Future Road Builders is more than just a game. The platform can be used by teachers, workforce development organizations, and career counselors to introduce people to careers in the highway construction industry. Below you’ll resources that can be used to promote using Future Road Builders in a variety of settings.