The Underground Construction Association, a division of SME, has launched a website geared toward providing students insight into the industry.
“Down For That” informs students about the underground industry through numerous resources and provides opportunities for them to get involved. The website is designed to be a one-stop resource for students, professors, and industry professionals to gain knowledge and share information on the underground construction and tunneling industry.
“The vast majority of Civil Engineering students have no exposure to any underground engineering or construction,” said Paul Schmall, VP, Keller North America, and UCA board member, in a prepared statement. “If they ever get a glimpse, it comes from us, the UCA members. Exposing them to the exciting and long-term underground career opportunities early in their academic careers is imperative. This website provides students and educators with access to the tunneling industry that has been lacking until now. There are viable and vibrant career paths in underground engineering and construction, and we’re excited to pass it on to tomorrow’s professionals.”
Videos such as this one are posted on the website.
Students will gain knowledge and university professors can support their classroom through the library of resources, videos, papers, and presentations on underground construction topics, as well as scholarship opportunities. Industry professionals contribute to the resources through video presentations, as guest speakers, and by conducting on-site tours of tunneling projects.
“UCA is committed to providing educational and professional development programs to our future leaders,” said SME executive director David L. Kanagy in a statment. “UCA’s new Down For That website offers opportunities for students to engage in the world of underground construction and tunneling both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Source: Underground Construction Association
