High School Students Connect With Construction Industry Leaders As Workforce Demand Grows in Southern Nevada
Construction Students at SECTA connected with Industry Leaders
Through panel discussions and hands-on mentorship, SECTA students gained insight from local industry leaders across the construction field
Junior and senior construction students at Southeast Career & Technical Academy (SECTA) recently connected with local industry professionals during a career roundtable designed to provide real-world insight into careers across construction, engineering and architecture.
The event brought together professionals from across Southern Nevada’s construction industry to engage directly with students through panel discussions and small-group mentorship, offering a closer look at career pathways, day-to-day responsibilities and opportunities in the trades.
“For many students, exposure to these careers can be limited to what they see day-to-day, so creating space for direct interaction with industry professionals is critical,” said Lucas Inman, Construction Instructor at SECTA. “This gives them a clearer understanding of what’s possible after graduation and helps them feel more confident in taking that next step.”
Nigro Construction hosted the roundtable in partnership with local industry leaders as part of a broader effort to strengthen connections between education and the region’s workforce pipeline.
Career Exposure & Mentorship
Students engaged with industry leaders across construction, engineering and architecture, gaining insight into career pathways, day-to-day responsibilities and how to enter the workforce — from required skills and certifications to job site expectations. Participants included:
Jared Noa, Pete King Corp
Patricia Yin, Lochsa Engineering
Andrew Martin, Ware Malcomb
Tanya Carrazco, Wright Structural Engineers
Cory Frank, Nigro Construction (Moderator)
“Bringing together professionals from across the industry is really about opening doors for trade students early,” said Cory Frank, Vice President of Business Development and Project Management at Nigro Construction. “The relationships you build and the people you meet can shape your entire career, and we want students to have access to those connections now — not years down the line.”
Workforce Pipeline
As Southern Nevada continues to grow, demand for skilled workers across construction and related industries remains high. Programs like SECTA play a key role in preparing the region’s future workforce by connecting students with real-world opportunities and industry professionals.
By bringing together speakers from a range of disciplines — from construction and engineering to architecture — the roundtable provided students with a broader view of potential career paths and exposure to professionals building successful careers locally.
“Before today, I was stuck on one career path,” said Adrian Shortsleeve, a construction engineering student at SECTA. “But after talking with all the different companies today, I learned to keep an open mind even if it isn’t something I’ve had my eyes on.”
Events like this help bridge the gap between education and workforce needs, allowing students to connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real career pathways, while gaining early exposure to in-demand roles, mentorship and industry connections.
For more information about SECTA’s Construction Technology Program, visit HERE, and for more information about Nigro Construction, visit nigroconstruction.com.