Building the Future Workforce
York Excavating Company (YEC) recently welcomed high school students across the area to its facility for a Construction Career Day Tour in partnership with the York Builders Association’s Workforce NOW Foundation—an initiative focused on strengthening the future of the construction industry through education, exposure, and opportunity.
The Workforce NOW Foundation is a workforce development arm of the York Builders Association dedicated to connecting students with real-world career pathways in the trades. Through programs like Construction Career Days, the foundation works directly with local schools and industry partners to provide hands-on experiences, career exploration, and access to employers who are actively building the next generation of skilled professionals.
At YEC, that mission aligns closely with how we view our role in the industry.
This wasn’t just a tour—it was an inside look at what a career in site development truly involves.
We were proud to host high school students representing at least eight school districts, giving them a broad look at the opportunities available right here in our region. To keep the experience hands-on and engaging, students were divided into three groups, rotating through different areas of our operations throughout the day.
Throughout the tour, students had the opportunity to:
- Walk active operational areas and understand how projects come together from the ground up
- Meet team members across multiple roles, from field crews to leadership
- Learn how technology, equipment, and coordination all play a role in modern site development
- Ask questions and gain insight into career paths that don’t always get the spotlight
In an industry where demand for skilled labor continues to grow, early exposure is everything. Many students are unaware of the range of opportunities available within construction—roles that offer long-term stability, advancement, and the ability to make a tangible impact on the communities around them.
That’s where partnerships like this matter.
By working alongside organizations like the Workforce NOW Foundation, YEC is helping bridge the gap between education and industry—creating a clearer path for high school students to see what’s possible after graduation.
Because what we do extends beyond the jobsite.
We’re not just preparing sites—we’re helping prepare people.
And investing in the next generation is one of the most important builds we’ll ever be part of.
