Building a future in trade jobs

“Artificial Intelligence will take over the world!” Already, AI has cut the job market for computer scientists, teachers and journalists. It is infiltrating our Fortune 500 companies, colleges and even our daily lives. At my day job, graphic design is not my area of expertise, but I like creating eye-catching graphics to emphasize or enhance data products or other technical writings that can easily become monotonous and bland. I recently experimented with creating a new logo for our division – eye catching and representative. But one of my coworkers, just learning AI, whipped out six different options, all of which (I am loathe to admit), were better than mine that I spent several hours on. Guess I’ll stick to my day job…

But there are certain occupations that are immune to AI replacements. One such profession is in the healthcare industry. But the overwhelming majority include those in trades – people who work with their hands, who have learned a valuable skill that robots cannot yet do. The welders, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians that a lot of affluent people might look down their nose at. But when you have a clogged toilet on Christmas Eve and all the in-laws are arriving promptly at 8 a.m. the next morning, you need that skilled plumber much more than you’ve ever needed a computer to tell you how to phrase the form letter you sent to the family for Christmas.

Skilled workers don’t just serve as the backbone of our economy, they are the foundation of our society. They are who this great country was built by, and they continue to be those that make this country great. And they will continue to do so, long after robots have taken over many other, much higher paying jobs.

We should celebrate and revere those who work with their hands. And we should support young people in our community who want to learn a trade. That is why a dedicated group of business owners in Las Cruces and surrounding areas started the Build My Future Las Cruces organization. They seek to create an opportunity for youth in our community to put hands on tools of various trades, teaching them the basics of wiring a circuit, running a scissor lift, or welding two pieces of metal together. The program has been wildly successful just in a few years, especially for those students who may not have an opportunity to experience these fascinating and rewarding jobs organically in their lives.

This year, the Build My Future skilled trades expo will happen on October 17th, in the parking lot across from the Pan Am Center at New Mexico State University. In previous years, they’ve welcomed 1,700 students from local and regional middle and high schools to take part in the event to raise awareness about the importance of construction and other trades occupations and to introduce students to hands-on activities with the hope of igniting an interest for some in a valuable and noble career path.

Build My Future Las Cruces is looking for companies, organizations and enterprises to serve as vendors at this year’s upcoming event. The only rule – you have to provide a hands-on demonstration of your selected trade or skill. You aren’t selling anything – you are volunteering time to pass on your knowledge to a younger generation of eager students. The event is well-organized and controlled, with students arriving on school buses only and being provided a shirt to clearly identify them as active participants. Safety is paramount.

The event is sponsored by the New Mexico Construction Alliance, formerly the Las Cruces Home Builder’s Association.

For information on how to volunteer or become a vendor, please reach out to the following folks:

The new Executive Officer of the New Mexico Construction Alliance, Roxanne Livingston: Roxanne@buildnmca.org 575-405-9060

Ryan O’Hea, as the current Chair: RyanO@hbconstruction.com 575-294-4372

Jessica Spires: jessica@lcat.net

Steve Coletti: Stephen.coletti@linde.com 575-496-0351

Thank you in advance for your dedication to the various trade industries. Working with your hands is a rewarding experience, but teaching the younger generation to have the same passion for your skill is truly the ultimate reward.