Chattanooga State Community College will host Build Chattanooga on the lawn of the Center for Engineering, Technology, Arts & Sciences building (CETAS) on Thursday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event provides an opportunity to learn about the construction industry, identify potential careers in construction, and learn about the training and education programs that support those careers. In addition, businesses will be demonstrating equipment to visitors and guests. Representatives from the following businesses will be at the event: Branch Technology, UTC, WACKER, Masonry Institute, American General Contractors, ACE Greenspaces, Southern Spear Ironworks, Wright Brothers, Stowers, Adman, and ASCE.

Hamilton County Schools are providing bus service to Hamilton County high school students for this event. Invitations for this event have been sent to college students as well as career-change adults that have an interest in the construction industry. Lunch is sponsored by Stowers.

Representatives from area construction and engineering companies will be on hand to answer questions about their businesses and discuss future careers in this growing job market that is expected to grow 11% over the next nine years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Examples of 2018 annual mean wages provided by BLS show that carpenters can earn $51,440; construction laborers, $40,910; construction managers, $101,980; electricians, $58,460; and operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, $56,340.

More than 45 educational degrees and certificates, including transfer options, are offered by the Chattanooga State Engineering and Information Technologies Division. To learn more about what is offered visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/engineering-information-technologies.