Director Thinks Construction Jobs Are NICE Idea

(February 7, 2006, as appeared in the Kansas City Star)

Craig G. Wright remembers times when high school students would visit his former employer, Black & Veatch.

A former vice president of quality at the engineering firm, Wright would explain his job as well as others that are available in the construction industry. Wright would then ask the students who planned to go home that day and tell their parents they want to pursue a job in construction.

"Nobody would raise their hand," recalled Wright, who recently left Black & Veatch and was appointed executive director of the National Institute for Construction Excellence, or NICE. "There's a perception out there that a construction job is unsafe and not-steady work."

Wright, 43, is hoping to change such perceptions in his newly created post with the institute, which sponsors the annual Middle School Design-Build Competition. The competition is part of the Crayons to CAD (Computer Assisted Design) program, which encourages students from the elementary level to high schools to pursue careers in construction, from engineering and architecture to the skilled trades.

The middle school contest will be held next month at Union Station with more than 2,000 students from the region expected to participate.

Programs such as Crayons to CAD have developed in recent years as fewer young people are entering the construction field. Contractors, engineering firms and construction unions have developed a partnership to work with various school districts to raise awareness about construction careers.

Wright said one of his duties will be to link the institute's program with similar efforts going on in the region.

"My goal is to make Kansas City the anchor for this," he said. "There are many unique aspects of this program. Then, we'll be able to take this model and introduce it to cities like Portland, Chicago and other cities."

Wright started working at Black & Veatch in 1994 and has worked in several countries during his engineering career, including Mexico, the Philippines, Japan and Poland. He has been in the Kansas City area for eight years, his longest employment stint in one place.

"Wright brings to NICE quality experience from a 20-year professional career in construction, engineering and technology," said Janet Paulson-Smith, the institute's founder. "His executive leadership will help forge partnerships with construction owners, professionals, contractors, union trades, universities and school districts."

Last week, Wright attended a meeting of local union leaders, seeking volunteers for judges in the March building and design contest. About 400 judges in all will be needed, he said.

"Instead of construction being a career of last choice, it should be a first choice," Wright said.

Copyright 2006, Kansas City Star