The virtual celebration for Building Safety Month continues with week 2, which highlights training the next generation. During the week of May 10, the International Code Council (ICC) and its members and partners, will explore the importance of mentorship and networking in the building safety industry and the value of a well-trained workforce for maintaining safe buildings and communities.

The building safety industry offers a wide range of career opportunities with positions that include code officials, inspectors, permit technicians, fire marshals, plumbing professionals, plans examiners and more. Through its Safety 2.0 initiative, the Code Council provides resources for students, veterans and others considering a career in building safety.

At the height of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security determined the work of building and fire prevention departments to be essential to the U.S.'s response to COVID-19, thus emphasizing the importance of having a knowledgeable and qualified workforce. Thorough training and education help code officials consistently ensure the buildings in their communities are safe.

"The Code Council is committed to helping our communities meet the critical demand for trained professionals in the building safety industry," said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. "In partnership with our members and stakeholders, we are engaging prospects and new professionals in the field with career development resources and mentorship opportunities."

 "The American Concrete Institute strongly supports education and credentialing of personnel to be properly qualified to conduct tests and special inspections as required by code," stated Steve S. Szoke, Code Advocacy Engineer for ACI, the virtual event sponsor for week two. "Building Safety Month is an opportunity for ACI to assist in elevating the importance of adoption and enforcement of building codes with the public – especially regarding ACI's code requirements for structural concrete design, concrete repair, fire resistance, and more."

The Code Council is hosting a Building Safety Month Speed Networking Event on Thursday, May 13, at 2:00 PM ET. Sponsored by the American Concrete Institute, the event will allow professionals to virtually connect in a welcoming, relaxed environment. To register for the upcoming event, click here.

The American Gas Association (AGA) serves as the 2021 Building Safety Month campaign Foundation Sponsor. Week Two of Building Safety Month is sponsored by the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). Learn more about the Building Safety Month sponsors here.

More information about Building Safety Month, including details regarding virtual events and downloadable resources, can be found at www.buildingsafetymonth.org. Interested individuals can also follow along on social media using the hashtag #BuildingSafety365.

Additional links include the following:

• Register for upcoming educational sessions here.
• View and download this year's website and social media graphics here.
• Join the Twitter #CODEversation. Every week throughout Building Safety Month the Code Council will post a series of questions related to each weekly theme.