High school students will explore construction careers Wednesday at Build My Future Upstate at the Macon County Fairgrounds, the fifth year the Associated General Contractors of Missouri has brought the event to Macon.
"Students will have the opportunity to visit with professionals in the construction industry and learn how to do different activities," Charlyce Ruth, AGCMO's southwest Missouri manager for workforce development, said Tuesday in an email. She said a vendor is bringing a miniature concrete mixing plant so students can learn about the materials that go into concrete and how it is assembled. Other activities include welding, core sampling, operating heavy equipment, and working with electricity, she said.
The Construction Career Day and Industry Showcase runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1305 S. Missouri St. in Macon, according to AGCMO's event listing. The program targets students in grades 9 through 12.
"This is the 5th year this event has been in Macon," Ruth said. "We hold Build My Future events throughout the state in an effort to allow any student to attend an event."
AGCMO's Upstate school flyer says students spend about five hours at educational displays, equipment operations, and learning labs, with lunch provided. Students also can visit with technical schools, community colleges, four-year universities, unions, and employers about pathways into the industry, according to AGCMO's school registration materials.
Ruth said schools registered for Wednesday include Macon High School, Macon R-1 JAG, the Macon Area Career and Technical Education Center, Atlanta C-3, La Plata R-II, and dozens of other districts across northern Missouri. Local industry partners on her vendor list include Macon Municipal Utilities, MACC, and Chariton Valley.
The Macon County R-I School District calendar lists Build My Future on Wednesday during the same morning-to-afternoon window. Chariton Media Group asked Superintendent Bryan Thomsen for comment Tuesday afternoon. Chariton Media Group did not receive a response in time for publication.
Other fall Build My Future dates Ruth listed are in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, and Bethany. Spring events are in Springfield and St. Charles, she said.