ACHITECTURE - CONSTRUCTION - ENGINEERING
ACE Mentor Program: Building the Future Workforce
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, skilled trades and hands-on careers are more in demand than ever. Did you know that skilled trades account for 40% of the nation’s workforce, yet there’s a growing shortage of qualified workers? While many paths lead to a rewarding career, college may not be the best fit for every student, especially with trade fields offering job security, competitive wages, and a direct entry into the workforce. According to recent data, skilled trades professionals earn an average of 20% more than the median wage across all industries, showcasing the vast potential within these fields.
To help meet this demand and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals, we’re excited to launch the ACE Mentor Program for high school students in South Florida. This dynamic, no-cost program provides students with an immersive introduction to careers in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. Through the ACE Mentor Program, students gain hands-on experience and mentorship from experts representing some of the world’s leading design and construction companies.
From November through May, students will meet every Wednesday at 4 pm, alternating between virtual sessions and in-person meetings at the Coconut Creek Community Center. Over the course of the program, students will work as part of a team on a real-world challenge, learning to solve problems, communicate effectively, and develop technical skills. This exciting journey culminates in a national competition, where students can showcase their work alongside peers from across the country, with opportunities to earn scholarships and gain a platform for their talents.
The ACE Mentor Program is a perfect opportunity for students curious about these fields to dive in, connect with industry professionals, and explore rewarding career paths in architecture, engineering, and construction. We can’t wait to see our South Florida students lead the way in creating, building, and designing a bright future!
ACE MEETING DATES
11/6 IN PERSON INTRO
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
11/20 ARCHITECTURE
Virtual on Zoom
4pm - 5pm
12/11 IN PERSON
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
12/18 CIVIL ENGINEERING
Virtual on Zoom
4pm - 5pm
1/15 IN PERSON
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
1/29 LEED/SUSTAINABILITY
Virtual on Zoom
4pm - 5pm
2/5 IN PERSON
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
2/19 MECHANICAL,
ELECTRICAL. PLUMBING
Virtual on Zoom
4pm - 5pm
2/26 IN PERSON
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
3/5 MODELING
3/12 IN PERSON
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
3/19 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Virtual on Zoom
4pm - 5pm
4/2 IN PERSON
at Coconut Creek Community Center
1100 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
4pm - 5:30pm
4/9 PRESENTATION PREP
TBA
4/23 PRESENTATION
TBA
5/7 AWARDS
TBA
SKATE 4 CONCRETE: BUILD YOUR FUTURE IN CONCRETE
Are you interested in a stable, high-paying career that combines creativity with hands-on skills? The Skate4Concrete Certification is the perfect pathway for students exploring careers in Construction, Engineering, and Manufacturing. This program offers students a deep dive into the concrete industry, helping them understand its vital role in infrastructure while discovering the exciting career opportunities it offers.
As a culminating project, students will apply their skills by building a mini concrete skatepark, a fun, hands-on way to learn the science of concrete and its real-world applications. Through this unique experience, students will gain valuable insights into the stability and opportunities of a concrete career – without the need for a college degree.
Summer Camp in California: Experience Concrete Careers Firsthand
For students completing the course and interested in skatepark design and construction, the program also offers an exclusive summer camp in California in collaboration with Cemex and Skate4Concrete. This immersive camp is designed for high school students curious about careers as equipment operators, welders, mechanics, or drivers and includes:
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Equipment Operator Simulator Training
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Job Shadowing with Industry Professionals
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Hands-On Work-Based Learning
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One-on-One Time with Local Training Instructors
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Mock Interviews with Hiring Managers
Get ready to explore career pathways and gain hands-on experience with professionals in the industry.