National Mentoring Month serves as an important reminder of the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the future of Arizona’s construction industry. As the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, it’s more important than ever for seasoned professionals to invest their time and expertise in mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. This National Mentoring Month, we encourage everyone in the industry—whether mentor or mentee—to step up and be part of this important effort. Together, we can ensure the continued success and sustainability of Arizona’s construction industry for years to come.
Build Your Future Arizona’s mission is to connect individuals with meaningful career opportunities in Arizona’s growing skilled trades and construction industry. We know that Arizona’s future relies on the strength of its workforce. By investing in the next generation, we are ensuring that workers are prepared for the challenges of their chosen career path and empowered to grow, innovate, and lead. Mentorship gives them the tools to thrive in competitive fields, learn from real-world experiences, and discover career paths they may not have considered.
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the powerful impact of mentorship on our communities, businesses, and workforce. Mentorship is key to bridging the gap between education and career, offering people the guidance and support they need to thrive in the workforce. For students and emerging professionals, mentors provide not only expertise, but also encouragement, industry insights, and real-world applications of their education.
As industries like construction face an ever-growing demand for skilled workers, mentorship becomes even more crucial. By sharing knowledge and experiences, mentors in construction play an essential role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow, by helping the next generation build the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in their careers.
Mentorship in construction is about more than just passing on technical skills; it plays a vital role in shaping a worker’s long-term career and promoting a culture of safety and collaboration on the job site. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), apprentices who participate in formal mentorship programs are more likely to develop advanced technical skills, work with a higher degree of precision, and adhere to safety standards. In an industry with a large portion of the workforce nearing retirement age—AGC estimates that nearly 50% of construction workers are over 45 years old—mentorship serves as a bridge between experienced workers and newcomers, ensuring that valuable knowledge is preserved and passed down. By promoting a collaborative, inclusive environment, mentorship not only strengthens individual careers but also helps create a cohesive, resilient workforce that can meet the evolving needs of Arizona’s booming construction industry.
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to guide the next generation or a newcomer eager to learn, there are numerous opportunities to connect with others. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor or finding one, the following tips and resources will help you take the next step.
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s Construction Workforce Initiative, Build Your Future Arizona’s mission is to create a sustainable and skilled craft workforce by creating awareness about high-paying construction careers, training opportunities and mapping career paths to employment in these high-demand occupations.
