Associated General Contractors of Western Kentucky hosted 2,000 high school students from 20 schools across the region for the annual Murray State University Construction Career Day.
This event helps connect students with career opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical, construction, and ironwork.
Chris Nelson, executive vice president of Western Kentucky Associate General Contractors, said this year’s Career Day had the highest number of students attending since the event began.
With many workers nearing retirement, AGC is dedicated to replenishing its construction and trades workforce. Nelson said the organization helped turn the tide and spark interest in the construction industry among students.
“I was really excited to see that. I think the excitement has shifted and the focus has shifted to trade skills. More and more students are interested in these trade skills,” Nelson said. said. “They think there’s an opportunity there to actually build a career and make some good money.”
Approximately 35 construction companies participated to connect with prospective students and educate them about careers in the industry. Mr Nelson said it was essential for students to network with companies to broaden their understanding of trade operations.
“There are many different opportunities in trading and there is not just one path,” he explained. “We want them to connect with experts and tell them what it’s really like to be in this industry. It’s not a job, it’s a career.”
Nelson explained that the majority of the 2,000 students attending the career fair attend regional technology centers, where they take classes in specific trade programs to prepare for their future careers.
“Technical programs are very important for developing fundamental skills in different areas of the industry,” he said. “They give them some basic skills to prepare them for higher positions directly in the workforce.”
Carter Morris is one of the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center students who also attended the AGC MSU Construction Career Day.
Morris takes electrical classes at the Tech Center and had the opportunity to interact with local electrical union workers at the event.
“They have a table set up and all the key members are on it. I was able to talk to them and figure out some things and some questions I had. It was really good,” he said. “It was really nice for me to be able to help find some companies I could potentially work for and ideas for what to do as part of a union.”
Morris said the interactive booths companies brought to Career Day helped students find their preferences and learn more about what specific jobs entail.
“It’s really nice to know that we always have options for everything we have here,” he said. “You can narrow it down to a certain extent, but it’s really fun and nice to be able to walk around and see your options and interact and talk to people who know a lot about your particular field.”
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