Students from Huron Valley Schools recently got a firsthand look at careers in the skilled trades during a field trip to the Construction Career Days and Operating Engineers event in Howell.
The event brought together more than 5,200 students from across Michigan along with more than 100 vendors and representatives from a wide range of building trades, all focused on promoting registered apprenticeship opportunities and careers in construction. The students got the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals and participate in hands-on learning experiences. Students were able to operate and explore heavy equipment used in the field, including cranes and road paving machinery.
“We got to use a huge road paver,” one student said. “It took two people to drive. We got to use cranes, and honestly my favorite machine was probably the paver. I felt bigger and taller.”
In addition to operating equipment, students also spent time indoors speaking with professionals about apprenticeship programs, career pathways, and what it takes to enter the skilled trades workforce.
“And then inside, they had the opportunity to talk to different people in the industry and learn about apprenticeship programs and how to get involved,” the educator explained.
For some students, the trip opened their eyes to career possibilities they had never previously considered.
“At first, I didn’t really know anything about construction,” one student shared. “And now it seems like if you’re good at hands-on skills, you’ll love it. I love doing stuff hands-on, so I would definitely consider it.”
Students also learned about salary ranges and the variety of opportunities available in the industry.
“It showed me different salaries and what I could possibly like,” another student said. “Just showing me what they do and doing what they do at the same time.”
Educators say experiences like Construction Career Days are valuable because they help students explore a variety of post-secondary pathways beyond the traditional classroom setting.
“I think it’s important anytime you can get kids in front of different careers and different professionals,” a staff member said. “Anytime you can learn about different options that exist beyond high school, I think that’s an important opportunity."