Oregon’s Career and Technical Education programs — or CTE — give students real-world, hands-on experience in a variety of fields from agriculture to health sciences to industrial and engineering systems. In the 2023-2024 school year, 85 high schools offered CTE in architecture and construction, according to the state’s Department of Education. Kids leave these programs work-ready. “Last year we had a few students graduate on Friday and start working their new jobs on Monday,” says Dr. Andy Dey, superintendent of Eugene School District 4J and architect of the district’s Future Build CTE program. [Dey is separating from the district June 30 following allegations of bullying and retaliation.] Many go back to school or become apprentices to train in specialized fields like plumbing or electrical. That’s good news for a sector in desperate need of workers. Right now there are 6,400 vacant construction positions to fill, according to Oregon’s Employment Department’s most recent job-vacancy survey. It’s a pernicious trend. “Today’s numbers are noticeably lower than they were during the pandemic but a bit higher than they were pre-pandemic,” explains Josh Lehner, senior economist for the state. The graying of the industry’s current workforce compounds the problem. “More than one in five construction workers are 55 or older,” writes Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors in a press release. “[This means] that retirement will continue to contract the industry’s workforce. These are the most experienced workers, and their departures are especially concerning.” At the same time, a record number of young Oregonians, ages 19 to 24, are presently working construction, according to Lehner, writing on X (formerly known as Twitter). This group is poised to pick up where their parents — and grandparents — left off. Daniel Contreras is one of those freshly minted workers. The 19-year-old Hermiston High School graduate completed the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilder Program in 2023. After graduation he had two construction companies vying for his skilled labor. Today he puts up pole barns as a crew member for Cleary Building Corp. “I like working with my hands. It makes me feel good about what I’m doing. And I’m very happy with my pay,” he says. Contreras credits his time working on the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilder Program with helping him find and hone his passion. Available to students in Hermiston, Umatilla and Stanfield, the CTE program, like Forest Grove’s Viking House, produces one student-built home every year. “I trimmed out the door and window frames for that project house. It really gave me a sense of pride and showed me what quality work looks like.” While Contreras enjoys the job he’s doing now, he has plans to go back for more training. “I’m saving as much money as I can now so I can pursue the electrical trades.” He’s choosing school over an apprenticeship because, as he puts it, “it’s faster. School would take one and a half years while an apprenticeship is four.” Curt Berger has run the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilder Program since its start 10 years ago. A former tennis and wrestling coach and Computer-Aided Design instructor, Berger earned his contractor’s license in preparation for Hermiston High School instructor and contractor Curt Berger Dr. Andy Dey, superintendent of Eugene School District 4J, in the construction lab at Lane Community College campus where high school students from around the district are contructing a tiny home (at right). “Last year we had a few students graduate on Friday and start working their new jobs on Monday.” DR. ANDY DEY, SUPERINTENDENT OF EUGENE SCHOOL DISTRICT 4J 36
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