The construction workforce is dwindling, but Kansas and Missouri middle school and high school students are getting some encouragement to consider the profession. Black & Veatch, a Kansas City-based engineering and construction company, recently joined with OSHA and the Center for Construction Excellence (CCE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to promote students’ achievement in math, science, English, and technology classes.

OSHA and the firm will develop a construction safety component to the existing CCE curriculum, which provides instruction on how to draw blueprints, estimate costs, and build models. The curriculum will be used in area middles schools and high schools to encourage students to pursue careers in the construction industry.