Students attend construction-based career fair

DURHAM, Conn. (WTNH) -- As you grow and learn as a high school student, it's a really good idea if you can get some hands on experience in different fields before you head in one direction.

That was the case Wednesday for approximately 1,000 kids across the state who have an interest in the field surrounding construction.

"The kids have always received this, well we actually know a lot of kids that came to this years ago and are now working in construction," said Lelah Campo, President of the Association of Builders, Contractors, Inc.

Over a two-day period high school students from all over the state come to the career fair at the Durham Fairgrounds to see what it's like to work in various construction jobs.

"We're showing them how to weld, how to cut," said Rob Beard, "we're demonstrating a gas called propalylene, it's an alternative to acetalyne and that's what they're cutting with today."

Students also see a trade show by professionals in the construction trades, skills are shown, and there are competitions in the field. They get to see tractors and excavators at work and find out what it's like to be in the driver's seat.

Mike Faenza sums up why this experience is a good idea.

"To expose the kids to the variety of construction pathways that they have available to them," said Faenza, Vinyl Tech Dean of Students. "The other reason is to network with some of these vendors, these sponsors, just to make some connections, where do I go to do an interview, what do I have to do for an education level."

"There's a lot of experience here for them," said Javette Allen, Vinyl Tech Asst. Principal, "there's actually the ability to make some really good contacts."

The experience is thought provoking for teenagers to see at a young age if they are headed in the right direction career wise.

"We're kind of learning about all the different careers in construction," said Amanda Balch, "and open our eyes to different possibilities for us after we graduate."

The event continues Thursday where more students will get some eye-opening experience in the world of construction.