Construction Inclusion Week 2025: Toolbox Talk 8

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Our industry is a new path for former athletes transitioning from their sports careers.

Our aim is to  help teams recognize the unique strengths and transferable skills these individuals bring to a crew. Understanding the identity challenges athletes face after their playing days is important. This conversation explores how construction is a natural fit for this talent group and how their competitive spirit and teamwork ethic translate directly to the jobsite. It also provides ways to support these new hires as they build a new professional path, helping to open new doors for people looking for a new sense of direction and purpose.

PILLAR ALIGNMENT: Economic Opportunity, Attract & Retain

Sample Activity Options

JOBSITE ACTIVITY

Display athlete spotlights or profiles of tradespeople who were former student-athletes.

OFFICE ACTIVITY

Share short video testimonials from employees who used to be athletes.

School/Community Activity

Create a handout comparing sports roles to construction roles (e.g., Captain = Foreman or Crew Lead)

Group Activity

Roleplay a peer conversation with someone unsure about joining construction.

Discussion Questions

Building a great crew means recruiting talent with the right mindset, not just experience. We’ll talk about the unique strengths that former athletes bring to our teams, from teamwork to a competitive spirit, and how we can help them lay the foundation for a new career with us. The goal is to reinforce that their passion for the game can translate into a passion for the trade, making our crew stronger for it.

  • Why might former athletes feel unsure about what’s next?
  • What strengths do they bring to our teams?
  • How can we help them feel like they belong, even without trade experience?
  • What does “coachability” mean on our site?
  • What’s one thing we can change to make career changers feel more welcome?

Start planning your Toolbox Talk Activities now! Download this Toolbox Talk below or download the full set:

Download Toolbox Talk 8 Download All Toolbox Talks

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Opening Doors through Mentorship

Mentor your crew to build a stronger team

Sparking Early Interest in the Construction Industry

Build a talent pipeline by inspiring the next generation

Respect and Inclusion on the Jobsite/ Workplace

Create a respectful crew for a safer jobsite

Career Re-entry

Build your workforce by giving second chances

Building an Inclusive Site Culture

Reinforce an inclusive crew with everyday actions

Mental Health in Construction

Promote mental well-being to build a safer jobsite

Psychological Safety in Construction

Constructing a Culture of Trust and Safety

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Harness athletic talent to strengthen your crew

Construction Careers for Veterans

Framing Opportunities for Veterans in Construction

Supporting People with Different Abilities and Neurodivergent Thinking Styles

Different minds, same mission: a stronger crew

Small Actions, Big Impact

Small actions build a stronger jobsite culture.

Bridging Generations: Respecting Differences, Building Together

Uniting Crews Through Generational Understanding

Economic Opportunity - Broadening Opportunity for Qualified Suppliers

Expanding Possibilities Through a Broad Supplier Network
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