Sixty middle and high school girls explored careers in construction through Camp Build It, gaining hands-on experience in welding and skilled trades.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Middle and high school girls are getting a chance to explore careers in the skilled trades through Camp Build It, a free summer camp aimed at introducing young women to the construction industry.
For the second year in a row, construction company Bechtel partnered with the Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend to host the program, giving students hands-on experience in welding, pipefitting, electrical work and other construction-related skills.
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For many participants, the camp is exposing them to career paths they had never considered.
“This is a great opportunity for many women like me who have never thought about a career choice at all,” said camper Arianna Benavides.
The camp allows students to rotate through different trades and gain practical experience using industry equipment under the guidance of instructors.
Camper Madelynne Hernandez said she’s already tried several different trades during the program.
“I have done electrical. I wired a doorbell, welding, I did plates, I did AutoCAD, I got to do blueprints. Auto is my most difficult, but I love welding,” Hernandez said.
This year’s Camp Build It welcomed 60 students across two sessions, more than doubling participation from last year’s inaugural camp.
Organizers hope the program continues to encourage more young women to pursue careers in construction by helping them discover interests, build confidence and gain experience in fields that are in high demand.
As the construction industry continues to seek skilled workers, organizers say programs like Camp Build It are helping prepare the next generation while showing girls there are many opportunities waiting for them in the trades.