Close to 500 Students Participate in North Carolina Construction Career Day

Build Your Future campaign in North Carolina gave close to 500 high school students the opportunity to operate heavy construction equipment

On May 16, the Build Your Future (BYF) campaign co-sponsored a Construction Career Day at the Carrabus Arena & Events Center in Concord, N.C. The event featured hands-on demonstrations in welding, electrical, plumbing, masonry and heavy equipment; and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver David Starr spoke to students about his path to success through career and technical education (CTE).

Close to 500 high school students also got a unique opportunity to actually operate many types of heavy equipment used on today's construction projects. They were assisted by certified operators eager to demonstrate their skills to the next generation.

"The opportunities provided for our students to see and learn about the construction industry were invaluable," said Tim Eldridge, vice president of workforce development for Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas. "Students today need every opportunity to find their place in life, and events like this can serve as a catalyst to finding that path."

Starr, who was co-sponsored in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on May 18 by BYF and industrial construction company Zachry, found his way into racing after enrolling in an auto tech class at his high school. "As a former career and technical education student himself, David really relates to the students and can speak to the value of the education they’re receiving," said Diane Green, executive director of the Build Your Future campaign.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the sponsoring organizations: Cabarrus County Schools, North Carolina Home Builders Association, State of North Carolina Department of Transportation, On-the-Job Training, Public Schools of North Carolina, ABC Carolinas, Irwin Tools, Carolinas AGC, NACB, Build Your Future, NCCER, Haskell, Zachry and Arrington Racing.

For more information about the Build Your Future campaign, visit byf.org. Check out BYF on Facebook at facebook.com/BYFcampaign and follow @BYFcampaign on Twitter.

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