Construction Career Day Puts North Carolina Students in Driver's Seat

ALACHUA, Fla. — On May 16, the Build Your Future 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.

Close to 500 high school students also got a unique opportunity to operate many types of heavy equipment used on construction projects. All were assisted by certified operators eager to demonstrate 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 while in high school.

“BYF was proud to be a part of this career event and delighted to include David Starr as the featured speaker,” said Diane Greene, executive director of the Build Your Future campaign. “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.”

For more information about the Build Your Future campaign, visit byf.org.

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