About SACCD
This event is designed for educators to provide career exploration for their students within the construction industry, including trades, infrastructure, utilities, engineering, design and architecture and more. The industry understands the way to introduce the students to these careers is best done with interactive and hands-on activities.
ACTUAL STUDENT
COUNT PER YEAR
2014 – 2017
4,406
2018
1,880
2019
3,046
Acknowledgment:
SACCD wants to recognize those who have participated since the inception of our event and had a significant role in 2014. We are grateful to the leadership of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Transportation Builders Association (ATB) and its membership for the birth of SACCD. In addition, we would like to thank the Miura Contracting and its membership for believing in the idea and supporting us from the start. Lastly, thanks to the Arizona Rock Products Association as well. It can’t go unsaid that specific people in the construction industry were the start of the success;
Chris Albright, KE&G Construction
Ramon Gaanderse, Arizona Transportation Builders Association (former)
Chuck Gallagher, Educator
Alex Jacome, Pima JTED
Dean Papajohn, University of Arizona
Louis Romero, P.E. – Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (former)
SACCD Board
Ramon A. Gaanderse
President & Treasurer
Tucson Asphalt Contractors
Bonnie Taylor
Austin Atteberry
Site Coordinator
Granite Construction
Noah Dayton
Heavy Civil & Mining Lead
Tucson Asphalt Contractors, Inc.
Chuck Gallagher
Education Liaison
Pima Community College Teacher
Alex Jacome
Pima JTED Governing Board
Heidi Lasham
Engineering Lead
Town of Marana
Jessica Rodriguez
Utilities Lead
Tucson Water
Greg Wilson
Pima Community College
Kimberly York
KB Home Tucson
Our Story So far
2013
In 2013, the Arizona Transportation Builders Association, under the leadership of then, Executive Director Ramon Gaanderse, decided to focus on job creation and to create career paths in the construction industry.
2014
Thus, the formation of the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days (SACCD) Committee; various construction trade associations, private sector construction firms, local and State government agencies, various high school organizations, and universities. Student count: 694
Educators are challenged to develop lessons to introduce careers to students. However, realistically, it is difficult for busy educators to know the details of all professions. This event is designed for educators to provide career exploration for their students within the construction industry, including trades, infrastructure, utilities, engineering, design and architecture and more.
The industry understands the way to introduce the students to these careers is best done with interactive and hands-on activities.
As the students participate and investigate the various professions, they gather details and information to take back and assess in their personal lives and the classroom.
Today we have expanded our event at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds with well over 250 different vendors and several hundred volunteers. With over 85 different schools representing Southern Arizona from Tombstone, Rio Ricco, Benson, and Casa Grande and Tucson that all students can enjoy a unique experience.
Students can follow the experience on a mobile app (iTunes) and (Google Play) and receive timely updates about the event but also see about possible employment. This keeps the student updated about construction jobs throughout the year. Educators and the community can visit our website as well to see the different sponsors from each year and read about upcoming events.
2019
Increase career awareness in the construction and related industries. We will educate students and provide them with career enhancing opportunities. This organization and its events are intended to increase awareness and enhance the construction industry and career placement and hosting over 3,000 students in 2019.
WHY WE ARE HERE.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Southern Arizona Construction Career Days (SACCD) increase career awareness for middle to high school students in the construction and related industries with a hands-on experience. The organizations and their events educate students and provide them with career-enhancing opportunities. This unique blend allows students and educators to interface with industry experts.
Kinds words from the community
