Bolden Students Learn About Opportunities in the Construction Industry

Bolden Elementary Middle School students explored rewarding careers in the construction industry during a virtual presentation Jan. 30, gaining firsthand insight into pathways that blend technical skills, creativity and real-world opportunity.

Amy Clements, a custom home builder with RL Gordon Contractors, joined the school’s Pathways to Careers class via teleconference. She highlighted paid apprenticeship programs that let participants earn a livable wage and full benefits while learning trades from the ground up.

Clements also pointed to creative avenues within the field, such as architecture and interior design, showing students that construction careers can satisfy both technical and artistic interests.

“You can be an artist and work in house design,” one student, Caleb, said afterward.

With strong demand for skilled workers nationwide, Clements noted that many construction roles offer sustainable, well-paying careers without the cost of a traditional four-year degree.

“There are many jobs that go into the house building business,” student Jaydon said. “A lot of different skills go into it that do not require college.”

Students remained highly engaged, asking detailed questions about customer interactions, change orders and daily realities of the trade. One photo from the session captured students listening intently as Clements answered a question from Hudson about handling client requests during the building process.

The event aligns directly with the Department of War Education Activity Blueprint for Continuous Improvement’s Student Excellence goal and its Future-Ready Learner initiative, which emphasize expanding opportunities so every military-connected student can build career-related skills and create personalized plans for success in college, career or life.

Bridget Bradshaw, the school’s science, AVID and Pathways to Careers teacher, organized the session.