"We want kids that want to go into the work force and learn how to supervise on the job," Mr. Martin said. "Our industry's aging. Our seasoned work force is aging. We want to take young kids that are interested and motivate them."

Carroll Morris, a Harlem High construction teacher, said his students get hands-on experience by building structures at the school. However, he thought they could benefit from seeing workers in action on a larger project.

"The best way for them to find out if they like this or not is to actually come out and see what's going on," he said.

Most of the students at the site were seniors. However, a few of them, such as Matt Kane, 16, were sophomores who will be zoned for the new school when it opens during their senior year in 2009.

"I like it. I want to come here," Matt said.

He said the students saw concrete being poured for athletic complex bleachers and learned how construction workers use math skills to calculate the amount of concrete they need. He said he hopes to follow his father into the construction business.