Weekly Report 3-16

& CAREER

TSU, Southwest Airlines Announced Major Partnership

Equal Pay: How Women Can Benefit From a Career in Construction

By d-mars.com News Provider

The disruptions of the pandemic led to not only job losses but also the Great Resignation, with many Americans reevaluating their careers and searching for better opportunities. While some areas are recovering, studies from the Pew Research Center, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and others suggest that more women have lost their jobs overall, largely due to the higher percentages of women employed in the leisure and hospitality sector, retail, education and health services - which all took a big hit during the pandemic. If you're one of the many American women seeking a career pivot, you should consider the construction industry.

"Women join the construction industry because they see a good career that will keep them challenged and support their families," said Doreen Bartoldus, president of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). "We need more women in the field, and our organization develops materials designed to get kids excited about construction. We have femalespecific programs for high school girls, and we see that changing attitudes."

Here are the top three reasons women should consider a career in construction:

1. Pay parity is better in the construction industry

Construction has one of the lowest gender pay gaps in the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. women earn an average of 81.1% of men's earnings, but in construction fare much better - making over $0.94 for every $1 that men make.

And the best news? Demand in this field shows no sign of stopping. "Women should join this industry because it's everlasting. There will always be new homes to build and remodel," said Maggie Hardy Knox, president of 84 Lumber. "We've truly seen this over the last year. The career opportunities are endless."

2. Careers for people from all backgrounds

Opportunities in construction offer variety in levels of training, experience, and education. Whether you're just out of high school, have a trade certification, vocational/ technical or associate degree, or four-year college degree, there are available positions that not only pay well but are challenging and fulfilling. Many positions can be learned on the job, and a number of companies offer trainee programs for those seeking experience.

"The basic requirement to make it in the field is to genu-

inely care for customers and associates. And like anything else in life, a great work ethic can make you super successful," observed Hardy Knox. "If you demonstrate those traits, our company will train you on everything else."

3. Variety of roles

Another reason to consider the construction industry is the sheer variety of positions, involving a vast array of skill sets.

"The industry is broad enough where you can pick many career paths. For example, we have entry-level management trainee positions that touch all parts of our business," Hardy Knox added. "Our team headquarters offers opportunities from purchasing to accounting and more. We also have tremendous opportunities within our installed sales division, and our on-site project managers work to help relieve residential building contractors and commercial builders from everyday problems associated with coordination of materials and labor."

Here are examples of positions in construction-related areas to consider:

* Front line construction work

* Trades such as electrician, plumber, welder, brick mason, glazier, crane operator, carpenter, pipefitter

* Cost estimator, bookkeeper

* Safety manager

* Office worker/administrative

* Sales/marketing

* Construction surveyor, construction inspector

* General contractor

* Project manager

* Civil engineer, architect

* Executive, business owner

Today's labor shortage also means companies are striving to boost recruitment from a more diverse labor pool, resulting in the industry being much more welcoming to hiring women than ever before.

"One of the best ways for construction companies to recruit women is to make women in construction more visible," said Kristi Allen, owner of WoodCastle Homes and contractor behind The House that SHE Built, a home built by Utah Professional Women in Building with the help of female volunteers from across the country. "The more we see women succeeding, the more likely it is other women will view the construction industry as a viable option for their careers."

To explore opportunities in construction, visit NAWIC.org or 84Lumber.com.

Source: BPT

By d-mars.com News Provider

Officials from Southwest Airlines visited Texas Southern University on Thursday, March 31, 2022, to announce TSU as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to join the airline’s First Officer recruitment program – Destination 225°. (On a compass, 225° is the southwest directional heading.)

The partnership will create a pathway for graduates of TSU’s Aviation Science and Technology program, which includes a Professional Pilot concentration, by leading aspiring Black and other minority pilots to Southwest Airlines.

Special Guests Included:

From Southwest Airlines: Captain Lee Kinnebrew IV, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Flight Operations

• Captain Dave Retnam, Senior Manager of Flight Operations

• Captain Cory Petit, Manager Pilot Recruitment and Onboarding

• Captain Brad Monda, Manager of Pilot Pathway Program

From TSU:

• Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, President

• Dr. Lillian Poats, Acting Provost

• Dr. Aladdin Sleem, Interim Dean

• Dr. Yi Qi, Chair of the Transportation

Houston Texans And Texas Southern University Announce Partnership

Two-year partnership will provide unique opportunities for TSU student-athletes, faculty, and staff

By d-mars.com News Provider

RRecently, the Houston Texans and Texas Southern University announced a two-year partnership that will positively impact the Houston community by creating opportunities for student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom. The partnership was announced at a reception honoring Texans Head Coach Lovie Smith at the TSU Library Learning Center.

"We are happy to honor Coach Lovie Smith for his historic elevation to head coach, and for his contributions to the entire Houston community,” TSU Board of Regents Chairman Albert Myres said. “Coach Smith embodies leadership qualities that we work to demonstrate daily. We appreciate all that he does and all that he is to our community.”

“The

future leaders.”

The partnership will focus on three core initiatives including improving athletic facilities, funding scholarship opportunities for female student-athletes, and student, faculty, and staff engagement. Over the next two years, the Texans will:

• Donate the team’s artificial playing

surface from NRG Stadium

• Support football field house improvements that will assist with recruiting top-tier student-athletes to TSU

• Award scholarships to five female studentathletes each year

• Create opportunities and programming that will provide access to professional development, internships, and mentoring for TSU students, faculty, staff, and athletics leadership

“This partnership with the Texans will assist in transforming the lives of our TSU students. This investment affords our scholar-athletes additional resources to ensure their success on and off the field,” Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, President of Texas Southern University said. “Given the facilities enhancements, the professional development, internships, and scholarships, our young scholars will exhibit exemplary performance!”

Texas Southern University is a student-centered comprehensive doctoral university committed to ensuring equality, offering innovative programs that are responsive to its urban setting, and transforming diverse students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders in their local, national, and global communities.

Source: Texas Southern University

Houston Texans are proud to partner with TSU to support the university’s student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” Houston Texans Chair and Chief Executive Officer Cal McNair said. “It is our hope that this partnership will enrich the next generation’s love of the game of football while providing unique opportunities to our community’s

Photo Credit: Texas Southern University