WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Students Play in the Mud

Students Play in the Mud

Montpelier, Vermont - October 7, 2009

Most students admit that a day of class isn't all that bad. However, it pales in comparison to Career Construction day.

"I really like playing with the big trucks. And that backhoe was pretty cool. I'm just happy I didn't kill anybody on it. I wasn't sure how to use it," said Katie Henderson of Bennington, who got to operate a backhoe.

Students from the state's 16 tech centers got to operate heavy machinery at Career Construction Day. The 5th annual event gives students a taste of life after high school.

"They're able to actually get on some of the large equipment, drive it around, feel like they are going to be able to experience what they'll be working on in the future," said Cathy Voyer of the Associated General Contractors, which sponsored the event.

Most all of the state's tech centers have seen a significant increase in enrollment over the past five years. Some say they're interested in construction jobs because of the pay. Others simply enjoy the work.

"I've had one student that's been running equipment since the age of 2. His grandfather set him on his lap and he can run an excavator, unbelievable," said Chuck Lymon of the Randolph Tech Center.

About a third of Vermont's tech students will pursue college degrees.The rest will go to work straight out of high school. Some are already counting down the days, hoping the economy improves.

"My job over the summer, they didn't almost hire me because they didn't have no work or nothing, so by the time we get out, hopefully there's work for us," said Jeff Kingsbury, a student from Randolph.

"If they go to college, they're going to start at a higher pay scale than someone who doesn't. Take someone that doesn't have a college degree, they may start a job using a shovel, but the kid with a college education may be running the equipment and making more money," explained Lymon.

Regardless of their future plans, students say construction career day is a highlight of the year. It's fun in the mud, while learning something new.

Keagan Harsha - WCAX News