KCA video challenge to inspire next gen construction professionals

The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) has launched a “Build the Future Video Challenge” to inspire Pennsylvania‘s next generation of construction professionals. 

A statewide social media campaign, the video challenge is designed to showcase opportunities available in Pennsylvania’s construction industry. The challenge invites construction companies, union members, apprentices, engineers, project managers, estimators, superintendents, and other industry professionals to create and share short videos of 30 seconds or less highlighting why a career in construction is rewarding, exciting, and impactful. 

“The construction industry has an incredible story to tell,” KCA Executive Director Jon O’Brien said. “Every day, our members build the schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and facilities that keep Pennsylvania moving forward. Through this challenge, we’re encouraging construction professionals to share their stories and help young people see the opportunities available in our industry.” 

The “Build the Future Video Challenge” is part of KCA’s commitment to workforce development and promoting careers in Pennsylvania’s construction industry. 

“Construction offers outstanding opportunities for people from all backgrounds,” O’Brien said. “Whether someone is interested in the skilled trades, engineering, project management, or technology, our industry provides meaningful careers, strong wages, and the chance to build something that lasts. We look forward to seeing construction professionals across Pennsylvania help us tell that story.” 

Participants are encouraged to create positive, authentic videos showcasing the following:
• Pride in the projects they build
• The variety and excitement of construction careers
• Great wages and benefits
• Opportunities to earn while learning
• Teamwork and problem-solving
• Advanced technology and innovation
• Why they would recommend construction careers to students and young adults
 

Videos can be posted on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and other social media platforms through Nov. 1. To enter, participants should post their videos and use one of the following hashtags: #BuildTheFuture, #KCABuildsPA, or #ConstructionCareers. 

Winning videos will be selected through a combination of public engagement and judging by a panel of emerging construction professionals. KCA plans to recognize winners at a year-end industry event. 

Prizes include a $1,000 Grand Prize; $250 each for finalists; and Special Recognition Awards for creativity, energy, and industry ambassadorship. 

O’Brien noted that KCA has used social media to promote members, celebrate project milestones, recognize award winners, advertise events, and advocate for Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry. Over the past year, KCA has wondered if social media could become more than a communications tool, and could it become one of the organization’s more powerful workforce development tools? 

The video challenge idea, O’Brien stated, came from watching how the younger generation consumes information. 

“Over the past few years, I started noticing a cool trend,” said O’Brien. “On platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn, I started seeing a growing number of young construction professionals becoming social media influencers. 

“Apprentices, equipment operators, carpenters, laborers, electricians, project engineers, and other young professionals were posting videos from jobsites, some funny and others more serious. The response was incredible. Many of these videos were receiving thousands—and sometimes millions—of views.” 

What made those social media postings so successful, O’Brien realized, wasn’t flashy production or expensive marketing campaigns, but authenticity. The videos featured real people doing real work and taking pride in what they build. 

O’Brien said that observation reinforced something KCA has heard from colleges across Pennsylvania with construction management programs. Having current students speak with prospective students is one of their more successful recruiting strategies since students relate to those who are only a few years ahead of them. 

The same principle applies to the construction industry, O’Brien said. A first-year apprentice explaining how they are earning while learning may have a greater impact on a high school senior than a brochure. A young project engineer talking about drones, BIM, AI, and technology jobsites may completely change a student’s perception of what construction looks like. A recent graduate describing the opportunities they’ve found in the industry can inspire someone who may wonder what comes after high school. 

O’Brien believes the best people to encourage the next generation are the next generation themselves, and that realization inspired KCA’s video challenge. Rather than asking one organization to talk about construction careers, KCA is inviting hundreds of construction professionals across Pennsylvania to tell their stories. 

“Whether it’s showing off a completed project, highlighting teamwork on the jobsite, explaining the benefits of a skilled trades career, or simply sharing why they love what they do, every 30-second video has the potential to inspire someone considering their future,” said O’Brien. 

“If hundreds of construction professionals participate, we won’t just have a contest—we’ll create a statewide movement promoting careers in construction through authentic voices.” 

The video challenge is part of KCA’s continuing commitment to workforce development. Five years ago, KCA launched a college scholarship program to support Pennsylvania students pursuing careers in construction and the built environment. This summer, that program surpassed $100,000 in scholarships awarded. 

“Every scholarship represents an investment in the future leaders of our industry,” said Darr Construction President and KCA Education Committee Chair James Darr. “Plus, we are proud to call it the most Pennsylvania scholarship there is as every applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident, attending a Pennsylvania college and they must have plans to build the future of Pennsylvania.” 

O’Brien said that whether it’s scholarships, mentoring high school students, or encouraging construction professionals to become ambassadors for their industry through social media, KCA believes workforce development requires fresh ideas and long-term commitment. The future of Pennsylvania’s construction industry, he added, depends on attracting talented young people who are excited to build, innovate, and lead. 

“Sometimes, all it takes to inspire that future is a genuine story—and just 30 seconds to tell it,” said O’Brien.