"The event is as much for the children as for the parents," says Aimee Gebarowski, volunteer coordinator for the Nutter Foundation. "At the event, parents have the opportunity to talk to real construction professionals and see that there are educated, skilled people working in this industry who are making good money and doing well. When the parents begin to see construction as a viable career option, so do the kids."

Conceived as a way for local construction companies to give back to their communities, the event has become a valuable recruiting tool, says Mike Salsgiver, executive director of the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter. "Building the work force of the future is one of AGC's top strategic objectives. Dozer Day is a great way to introduce construction to our kids. They are able to climb up, on and into a big piece of construction equipment. It's exciting, fun and educational," Salsgiver says.

Building on their local success, the Nutter Foundation is offering licensing agreements, proprietary materials and processes as well as consulting to other communities that would like to bring Dozer Days to their cities. Currently there are two Dozer Days, one in Vancouver and one in Yakima, Wash.

Construction Theme Parks

On the East Coast, the industry may get a boost from the June opening of Diggerland, a construction equipment-themed adventure park. Located in West Berlin, N.J., it features 23 onsite attractions, most of which are modified heavy construction equipment purchased from JCB (see related story, p. 3).

At the park, children and parents can drive skid-steer loaders, backhoes, tractors, mini-dumpers and small excavators. All the equipment has either been altered for use on a course or made stationary by design for operation in designated excavation areas.

"Many people do not understand that operating heavy machinery is a skill developed through years of real-life, hands-on experience—no different than a doctor in medical school," says Ilya Girlya, CEO and owner of Diggerland USA. "We hope the park will raise awareness about construction careers and inspire children to consider careers in equipment trades."

Girlya built the park to give children and adults the thrill of operating real machinery—just as he did growing up in his family's construction business. The family owns and operates SAMBE General Contracting, Pennsauken, N.J., and oversaw the park's construction.

The Girlya family purchased U.S. rights to the Diggerland amusement concept, which originated in the U.K., where there are four Diggerland parks. The family has no immediate expansion plans but hopes to open other U.S. locations in the future.