Students at Carver Academy learned about the construction industry February 24 during a MEGA Speakers’ Bureau session.
Larry Murphy, a MEGA Mentor and owner of a local Class A general contracting firm, was the guest speaker spoke on a variety of topics, including the major shortage of skilled trade laborers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians and masons. Murphy explained to the 45 students attending that this shortage is nation-wide and is projected to get worse. Raising awareness and interest, particularly in high schools, will hopefully help increase this labor force in the near-to-mid future.
“The students at Carver where very attentive and interested,” said Murphy, adding that 15 stayed after the session to gain more information. “I fully expect to see several pursuing this gratifying and fruitful career.”
Murphy, who is currently the president of the Homebuilders Association of Southside Virginia, said not everyone may want to go to college, and trade skills and schools are a great path to a great career. He recently spoke to other Chesterfield public school students as well as those in Colonial Heights and Petersburg.
“Student interest has been high so far,” said Murphy. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has stopped any next steps in outreach for the time being.”
Murphy was the third in a series of MEGA-sponsored speakers at Carver Academy to speak on potential careers opportunities within the next 10 years.