Inspiring the Next Generation to Consider Building Safety Careers

The building safety industry plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe and the demand for well-trained, educated, professionals continues to grow. The Building Talent Foundation (BTF) co-hosted an in-person event with Simpson Strong-Tie in October 2022, to showcase how young people entering the carpentry industry can have a successful and rewarding career. Students from the Jacksonville Job Corps Center who attended the event were able to interact with construction and industry professionals, get hands-on experience with tools and even interview for jobs with immediate openings.  

International Code Council Board Director, Michael Savage, attended the BTF event to represent the Code Council. At the event, Director Savage provided attendees with an overview of the Code Council’s Safety 2.0 initiative, which includes programs and resources to help young people learn about the many opportunities for promising careers in the building safety industry.

Programs to Support Building Safety Professionals

The Code Council and BTF actively work to support and strengthen the residential construction and building safety workforce through promoting careers in construction and better aligning education and training for emerging professionals.  

Students considering building safety careers have many options, including building officials, trades inspectors, plans examiners, and more. The Code Council’s Safety 2.0 initiative provides a wealth of information and resources to assist them on their journey. Through collaboration with the Code Council, BTF’s employers, job seekers and educational partners have access to Safety 2.0 programs and resources which will help create a stronger and well-trained workforce.  

For 2023, the Code Council and BTF are planning a series of presentations around the country to promote Safety 2.0 and opportunities for young professionals in the construction and building safety industry. For more information on the Code Council’s Safety 2.0 initiative, click here.

Steps to Get Started in a Building Safety Career

If you believe a career in the building safety industry is right for you, these are some steps you can take now to get started:  

• Research the different career paths within the building safety industry to help decide which may be right for you. 
• Determine the education and training requirements for the career path you are interested in. There is a growing demand for qualified building and trades inspectors, plan reviewers and other important building safety jobs and the path to qualifying for these jobs begins with certification. The Code Council’s national certification program is recognized by states and jurisdictions across the U.S. that require Code Council certification as a prerequisite for building department jobs. The Code Council’s Technical Training Program (TTP) can also be a vital resource to learn up-to-date code information and practical technical training. 
• Consider getting relevant experience through internships or mentoring programs. The Code Council’s Mentor Program can help develop skills, gain knowledge and guide personal and professional growth.