Riley Jones, Webcor Concrete project manager on the BDFP project, facilitated a jobsite tour for CIEF Summer Camp attendees, bringing construction education full circle to his alma mater, Buhach Colony High School (BCHS). The opportunity arose when Riley saw an internal memo about Webcor's previous sponsorship of the school and reached out to get involved, particularly motivated by his connection to a former teacher who was organizing the event.
"My AP Calculus teacher in high school was organizing the event, and he was pretty impactful during my education in high school, pushing us students to challenge ourselves and apply ourselves in the classroom," he explained.
The day included a comprehensive safety orientation and project overview presentation, followed by an on-site tour where students learned about the water treatment process. For Jones, the experience was particularly gratifying: "The most rewarding part is watching kids get excited about construction in the real world."
According to Ashley Slovak, youth programs manager for CIEF, the Summer Camp is "a week-long, hands-on program that introduces high school students to careers in the built environment." Hosted in partnership with local industry leaders, such as Webcor, the camp provides students with opportunities to explore construction through jobsite tours, interactive workshops, and mentorship from professionals in the field.
Students work in teams to complete real-world building challenges, gaining practical skills and insight into potential career paths. The program is designed to be accessible to all interested students, requiring no prior experience and serving as an impactful entry point into the construction industry.
Beyond the summer camp, Webcor once again supported BCHS students in the CIEF Design-Build Competition, where students constructed a small shed from scratch. The project encompassed multiple construction disciplines, including framing with lumber and plywood, sheathing, electrical work, installation of doors and windows, and roofing. Students were evaluated on the quality of their work, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with other construction standards.
To prepare the student team, Riley and Finance VP Mark Lambert visited the school to discuss industry opportunities and various career paths available in the construction industry. Additional Webcor employees provided follow-up training on safety procedures, tool usage, and practical construction techniques.
