Closing the skills gap and encouraging students to explore rewarding careers in the

commercial, residential and industrial construction industries are key reasons the AGC of

Western Kentucky and Murray State University (MSU) partnered in hosting a Construction

Career Day showcase of opportunities on MSU’s campus. It has become a premier event

because it opens minds and connects dots by engaging students with business and

industry, and educational opportunities in the construction industry according to Chris

Nelson, AGC of Western Kentucky executive vice president.

The event is somewhat patterned after the K4C Construction Career Days held annually

in Shelbyville, KY. Nelson contacted K4C coordinators to better understand how the event

was set-up. He and others in the core group understood the positive marketing, skills and

educational value. They began working with AGC members in western Kentucky, CTE

principals and instructors, and MSU personnel to create a version of career days for their

regional students. While construction is a major focus, higher education and its benefits,

as well as apprenticeship training programs, have helped solidify its foundation.

Approximately 1,000 students participated in the second annual Construction Career Day

event on September 20, 2012 at the William “Bill Cherry” Exposition Center.

Dr. Danny Claiborne, Chair

Industrial and Engineering Technology

Construction Engineering Technology Murray State University:

“The Construction Career Day at Murray State University was

one of the most exciting events our Department of Industrial and

Engineering Technology has supported in many years. In

partnership with the AGC of Western Kentucky, this event was an

attempt to promote technical education, in this case construction

education, to the region. The Construction Career Day has many purposes.

“First, we want to expose young people to the possibility of the construction industry as an

outstanding career path for them and the support of their family in the future. Whether they chose a

skill trade immediately after high school or decide to further their education through a trade school, a

community college or through MSU programs including Civil, Construction, Architectural or

Environmental Engineering Technology, we want our Construction Career Day to be a resource for

the young men and women of this region so they have a knowledge and understanding of what is

available to them.

“In addition, we want to help build partnerships with local/regional industry and school teachers

and administrators. As a result, a clearer path will be established for the continued development of a

strong workforce and strong economic outlook throughout this region.

“This Construction Career Day is one of many activities and events in support of a major

construction initiative for the region being promoted by Murray State University and the AGC of

Western Kentucky. The MSU and AGC partnership is a strong education/business partnership

attempting to support all aspects of the construction industry from skill trades – to engineering – to

construction management. We want young people, parents, business partners, educators and the

community to realize that the construction industry is vital to the future of our communities and

region. We must do whatever we can to tell the world about the wonderful career opportunities that

exist in west Kentucky.”

West KY Construction Career Day

Leadership Team

Dennis Harper, Principal

KY Tech-Murray/Calloway Co. ATC:

“We began discussing a Western KY construction career fair a number of years ago for various reasons. While I

was never able to attend the Shelby Co. event, I knew it was a great thing to do for technical students. The distance

and expense prohibited many schools from this part of the state from attending the K4C Construction Career Fair.

“Our local AGC director, Chris Nelson, has a strong relationship with ATC construction programs in Western

Kentucky. He invited principals and instructors to become involved with the AGC education committee. The purpose

was to discuss the possibility of hosting a construction career fair on the Murray State University Campus. We were all

in favor of this idea because it would benefit our students, and our local/regional businesses and industries.

“Three members of the AGC board of directors’ education committee attended the K4C Shelby County event as part

of the planning process for the western Kentucky event. Once there, we saw what was possible and we felt the need to

connect our area students to the local construction businesses and industries available to them. With a format to

duplicate, we went to work and the results have been outstanding.

“We have had two successful events where residential and industrial contractors, equipment suppliers with

manufacturer representatives, tool suppliers, various educational entities, construction rental equipment suppliers and

electrical power company representatives participated in demonstrations and hands-on activities for students.

Additionally, Murray State University organized a brief orientation for every student which gave them an overview of

various career pathways associated with the construction industry. This has been a key – the connection between

industry and education. Each student was given a t-shirt and hard hat for attending an orientation briefing upon

arrival.”

“I believe this event is a means for students and construction industry representatives to gain awareness for

employment opportunities and a renewed positive forecast of the construction labor force potential in Western

Kentucky. It is obvious all participants have much to gain and it is our intent to continue offering the students of

Western KY an annual construction career fair.

“In my opinion, this is one of the best events any principal can approve for his/her teachers and students to attend.

The Construction Career Day event hits all the areas that directly impact our students including skilled trades,

education, apprenticeship, and jobs. It also allows students to actually see how their training programs can be used

as a formidable pathway to a great career. That’s what it’s all about – training, education, skills and how this leads to a

positive perception of and lucrative career in the construction industry. Because we all believe in the importance of

this event, we will assist in any way possible to ensure the continued success of our own Western Kentucky Construction Career Fair.”

Smith discusses

operation of the

Trowel Machine

with a student.

Pinnacle, Inc.

Photo below: “Riding a Trowel Machine” was one of the most

visited exhibits throughout the event - the machine is used to

finish a concrete building slab.

Dennis Smith, president

Pinnacle, Inc.

AGC of West KY president:

“This is an event we all support because it encourages and provides an awareness of technical education, skilled training and

apprenticeship opportunities, and the two and four year postsecondary education pathways we need to promote for a successful

outcome – not only for the students in our region, but for our companies as well.

“Construction leaders have worked together through our AGC office and with Murray State University in this part of the state

because we know how important skilled and educated employees are for all of us. We also understand that it takes targeted

activities to raise awareness about high paying and exciting careers in the construction industry - and how that ultimately

transfers to our companies.

“We are proud of the fact that so many people have come together to surpass what we accomplished last year and that we are

connecting with even more students. We believe our efforts are paying off.”

Indiana/KY/Ohio/Regional Council of Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship

Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 184

Kentucky Laborers’ Joint Apprenticeship

Kentucky Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship - Local Union 110

Int. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – National Electrical Contractors Assoc.

Photo at left, IN/KY/OH Regional Council of Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship

representatives, (l to r): Ronnie Boggs, area consultant; Todd Pancake,

director of education; Rick Fouts, senior manager; Steve Baird, representative

for West KY Carpenters Association; Mike Stone, Millwright representative –

Local 1076; and Stan Wheeler, retired carpenter.

Boggs:

“I consider it a great privilege for us to be a participant at the

Murray Kentucky construction career fair. The staff were very helpful

and it was a great opportunity for us to reach out to young people

interested in their future. The great state of Kentucky is in good

hands!”

Pancake:

“We believe it is critical to reach out to these students to let them

know the opportunities we have for them through our program. At

the end of our four year program, they will have not only a career

with credentials, but an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science - with

no student loan debt. This type of event is a great way to not only let

them see what we do, but to also let them experience it hands on.

“The IN/KY/OH Regional Council of Carpenters Joint

Apprenticeship is glad to support the West Kentucky Career Day

Event as well as the K4C event held in Shelbyville. It’s good to see

everyone working together for the benefit of students and our future

workforce.”

Indiana/KY/Ohio/Regional Council of Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship

Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 184

Kentucky Laborers’ Joint Apprenticeship

Kentucky Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship - Local Union 110

Int. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – National Electrical Contractors Assoc.

Photo at left, (l to r): Mr. Bill Gibson, a contractor, member of the Plumbers

& Steam Fitters Local Union #184 and the KAPHCC, shows Murray State

University student and SkillsUSA KY state officer Josie Monarch the

correct way to solder a copper pipe.

Gibson:

“For us, this is a pro-active event. We can sort through all of the

participants during the Construction Career Day event to get the best

candidates for the Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 184.

“At that point, we have looked at the best of the group rather than

those who walk through the front door. This is a valuable tool and one

that we hope will continue in the future.”

Photo at left: Chris Weixler and Dustin Wright, representing

the Kentucky Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship.

Photo at right: Weixler and Logan Sheffer, Ballard CTC

agricultural student.

Weixler:

“We need to participate in this outreach because

it allows us to make contact with students and

provide them with information about the

opportunities available in the industry.”

Sheffer:

“I work for business, industry and on a farm too. This is great

for kids to get hands-on experience…because some kids aren’t

fortunate to have a career and technical center to attend.”

Above: Int. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

– National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

booth. Representative Jarrod Shadowen speaks with

Shane Darnall, construction carpentry technology instructor, Marshall County Technical Center.

Indiana/KY/Ohio/Regional Council of Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship

Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 184

Kentucky Laborers’ Joint Apprenticeship

Kentucky Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship - Local Union 110

Int. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – National Electrical Contractors Assoc.

Above: Scotty Nutgrass

and Chester Carty of the KY

Laborers’ Training Center.

Both men agreed that

this was a great place to

promote their

apprenticeship program.

At left: Carty instructs

Dylan Rich, a welding

student at the KY Tech-

Webster Co. ATC.

Tim House, Executive Director

KY Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors:

“At a time when we see our vocational programs and career and technical education opportunities for young people

dwindle, the value of the West Kentucky Construction Career Day event provides an opportunity for us to showcase the

true need for these programs. The AGC of West Kentucky understands the needs of its membership and this event is an

outstanding example of actively engaging in what can be termed a positive promotion of construction careers and

educational pathways.

“The construction industry lives with the stigma of people who are under educated, draw minimal pay, and go into

these careers as a last resort. To survive in our industry, we must conscientiously change this perception and work with

each other to ensure a viable solution for a SKILLED workforce. While there are many who have forgotten how this

country was built, it’s no secret that construction is, and has always

been, part of our national fabric. Construction and all of its career

avenues are part of what makes the United States of America the

best country to live in and thrive.

“Our industry provides self-sufficient, talented individuals with

the framework to make a better than average living that cannot be

outsourced. Therefore, the importance of the Construction Career

Day event is to positively promote the value of our industry by

grabbing the attention of vocational technical students so there

will be a continuous stream of ‘SKILLED’ individuals into the

next generation of workers. This is something that all of us can agree with and support.”

Participating Trade Association

Photo at right, (l to r): House helps Casey King, a carpentry and machine

tool technology student, break metal to construct a metal tool tray. They

are using a box break. King is interested in a carpentry career and will be

working with Swift Roofing during the summer.

Photo at right, (l to r): Dan McKeel, owner; Scott McKeel,

Greg McKeel, owner; and Neil Detra; CASE products specialist.

Greg McKeel:

“McKeel Equipment has been in business since

1934. We are now in our third generation.

“Construction is our bread and butter. There is value

in this type of event and we are involved because it is

important to us to open the eyes of young men and

woman about the opportunities in the construction

industry. Our industry employs more people than any

other industry in the United States – and, we are all

looking for skilled and dedicated workers to move our

businesses forward.

“We are also here because we have big boy toys and

we want students to get involved through some hands-

on activities.”

Scott McKeel explains

backhoe operation to Ely

Coles, a welding student at

Murray/Calloway Co. ATC

Scott McKeel:

“Our company is

participating in this event

because we can give students

insight into this industry that

they don’t get exposed to in the

classroom. We have the space,

and they get to operate an

expensive piece of equipment.

Our goal is for them to

understand that they can make

a very good living in several

areas of the construction

industry.”

Neil Detra:

“The value of this type of event is that students can interact

with business, industry and education. This is where the

recruitment process begins.”

Above: Dan McKeel explains the

operations of a mini excavator to Josh

Higgins, a machine tool student at

Murray/Calloway Co. ATC

Photo at right (l to r):

Winner of the Bolt in

the Hole game –

Ericksson Hernandez,

an electricity student

from the KY Tech -

Mayfield/Graves Co.

ATC sports his new

CAT hat and poses with

Genet. Hernandez is

the student of

instructor Joel Crider.

Ray Genet

supervisor of technical training

Whayne Supply Company:

“Today’s high tech systems on heavy equipment require ‘trained’

technicians to service and maintain the sophisticated electronics,

hydraulics, and diesel engines found on small to large earth moving

and agriculture equipment. Finding motivated young adults that are

interested in pursuing this challenging career field is what brings

the leading equipment distributors to this event. There are

significant career opportunities that we want young adults to be

aware of and this event is an excellent opportunity to provide that

career awareness exposure.

“Technical education is critical in our state to keep industry

moving forward.”

Brad Keller, branch manager

Caterpillar Dealer in Paducah:

“If you like to work with your

hands, Whayne Supply Co. is a great

fit. We are the mechanical side of the

business and it’s hands-on.”

Lincoln Electric technical sales representative

Ellen Midgley provides students with

information about the Vrtex 360 virtual

welding machine.

Photo at left: Hilti representative Casey Davis instructs Matt Dowdy on

how to use a TE-1500 AVE concrete breaker. Dowdy is a machine tool student from the

Mayfield/Graves Co. ATC.

Davis:

“Having an opportunity to demonstrate (with our tools) provides each student with an

awareness of our products. We believe our tools help people work smarter, not harder.”

Dowdy:

“I’m glad we got to come because this is something new and we got to have new

experiences.”

For more information on Lincoln Electric, visit:

www.lincolnelectric.com

Scissor Lifts

provided by

NES Rentals

Students had

the opportunity

to survey the

entire outside

area of the

construction

career day event

with an

outstanding view

by boarding the

scissor lift.

Post-Secondary Training Institutes

At left, Anthony Palm of WyoTech explains the admissions

process to some interested students.

For more information about WyoTech, visit:

www.wyotech.edu

Other training institutes attending the event included:

Diesel Mechanic School of Nashville

Heavy Equipment School – Linn State College

Tulsa Welding School

In coordination

and cooperation,

both Paducah

Power Systems and

Murray Electric

provided

opportunities for

students to see

what it’s like in a

cherry picker.

WHY? To encourage west Kentucky students to explore

and consider careers in the construction industry.

It’s all about gaining knowledge, making choices and

understanding career pathways.

Post-Secondary Involvement Murray State University – KCTCS - University of Kentucky

Photo at left, (l to r):

MSU Student

Ambassadors Agnes

Wong, Environmental

Engineering

Technology; April

Bouloi, Architectural

Engineering; and

Ali Vernier, Interior

Design.

Photo at left, (l to

r): Mitchell

McNutt,

Murray/Calloway

Co. ATC auto tech

instructor and Dan

Blankenship were

instrumental in

meeting students

upon arrival.

Upon conclusion of

the Career Pathways

presentation, students

were given a hard hat,

backpack prior to their

entering the exposition

center to experience all

of the activities, exhibits,

and business and

industry personnel.

At left: Amy

Cathey, MSU and

Josie Monarch,

MSU student and

SkillsUSA KY PS

state officer.

Post-Secondary Involvement Murray State University - KCTCS - University of Kentucky

Photo at left: John Moore (third from right), West

Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

construction technology program coordinator poses with

his students. They were out in full force to promote the

program and to inform CTE students about the

opportunities available through WKCTC.

Photo at left: Paul Caldwell,

welding instructor for

WKCTC shows a student

how to weld using the SMAW

process.

For more information

about WKCTC, please

visit:

http://westkentucky.kctcs

.edu/

Kentucky Community

and Technical College

Home Page:

http://www.kctcs.edu/

Here’s what administrators have to say about the

Western KY Construction Career Day Event

Tom Pyron, principal

KY Tech-Fulton County Area Technology Center:

“The Construction Career Fair was a great day for our

students to experience. Through hands-on activities, they

had an opportunity to learn about all of the varied careers

available in the construction field.

“As a former carpentry instructor and current principal, I

am so grateful for the vision and work that Chris Nelson,

AGC and Dr. Danny Claiborne, chairman of the Construction

Technology program at Murray State University, did to make

this a reality for our western Kentucky CTE students. It

meant that they thought it was important enough to take on

the hard job of putting something like this together. And, we

all appreciate their efforts. Being located in the far western part of the state sometimes prohibits us from travelling

Photo (l to r): Tom Pyron, principal and

Chris Nelson, AGC of Western Kentucky

and we did not have the funds to participate in the Shelbyville Construction Career Days event

sponsored by the K4C. Therefore, it was also a major help that MSU and AGC found a way to provide

us with transportation costs…something that every principal in our region appreciated because

budgets have become more difficult to manage.

Finally, on a personal note - Chris Nelson has also been a great help to Ronnie Harper and our

Fulton County ATC carpentry program. Through his time and effort, he has helped us achieve and

maintain the NCCER Industry certification – a major benefit for our students and something we are able to use in our college and career ready documentation.”

Steve Arant, principal

KY Tech-Mayfield/Graves Co. ATC:

“The AGC of Western Kentucky and Murray State University have co-sponsored a Construction

Career Fair on the campus of MSU for the past two years. For such a short existence, the whole

event is just incredible – not only for students, but for the adults too.

“As a result of an aging workforce, the construction industry needs young people for jobs in

every facet of the industry. Therefore, it is imperative America’s youth learn about the high paid jobs and great opportunities available in the construction industry. That’s

why this event is so important – not only for awareness, but to bring up its image. The construction career day

leadership team has garnished great support from the local construction industry and educational institutions that

offer degrees in construction technology and engineering programs.

“Local industries in our western Kentucky region have a wealth of knowledge about these job opportunities – and,

they are willing and able to participate in the construction fair by presenting this material through hands-on activities.

Our students come away from this experience with an increased knowledge regarding the variety of jobs that are

available to them in construction. We all believe the fair is a win-win event for both construction industry personnel and our career and technical education students.”

Donald E. Wann, principal

KY Tech - Paducah ATC

“It is a true joy to see the

excitement on the faces of KY

students getting the opportunity to

actually operate some very high

tech and/or high powered

equipment. Classroom instruction

and CTE shops are tremendous,

but there are many things students

do not get to experience. The

Construction Career Day event

gives our students a much deeper

view into a larger world of

construction and related

opportunities.”

Ruth Gray, principal

KY Tech-Caldwell Co. ATC

SkillsUSA KY State Officer Advisor and Regional Director:

“This was outstanding and from the standpoint of being a

CTE principal, I want to say thank you to both the AGC of

Western Kentucky and Murray State University. Your efforts to

provide our students with a meaningful event shows the value

you place on the importance of the construction industry –

something all of us in career and technical education can

wholeheartedly agree with.

“From a SkillsUSA KY perspective, we thank the AGC and MSU for

supporting our SkillsUSA efforts on a regional level. Any type of activity

where students learn about leadership, skills training, and opportunity is

where all of us can help lay the groundwork for successful pathways through

partnership efforts. Progress in western Kentucky is moving forward and

providing success for the most important ingredient – students – because they

are our next generation of the workforce.”

Dr. Dale Winkler

Associate Commissioner, OCTE:

“The partnerships required to host an event of this magnitude are huge and we

applaud the numerous business, industry, association, skilled trades, and

education partners in attendance at the Western Kentucky Construction Career Day

event. The support and presence of this full complement of partners are evidence

that skilled and educated employees are needed in the workforce. Consequently,

this event has grown out of a need to positively promote career pathways offered in

two and four year institutions, apprenticeship programs, as well as promoting a

variety of careers in the construction industry.

“On behalf of the Office of Career and Technical Education, we congratulate the AGC of Western

Kentucky, Murray State University and all the partners for the value they place on this yearly event. Their

efforts to help develop Kentucky’s future skilled workforce are proof positive we are working toward the

ultimate goal of skilled and educated employees.

“Our CTE students were provided with an opportunity to speak with industry professionals to better

understand and explore various career pathways. And, our instructors made valuable contacts that strengthen what they do in the classroom.”

SkillsUSA KY

SkillsUSA KY is part of a national organization that makes up a partnership

of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a

skilled workforce. While many avenues are open, SkillsUSA Kentucky is the

student organization that many companies in our state have become involved

with because it is the “skills” organization serving teachers and high school

and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and

skilled service occupations.

“It’s a natural fit for all of us to work together and form mutually beneficial

partnerships that provide successful outcomes for everyone,” said Fran

Dundon, SkillsUSA KY business and industry director. “This event is just one

example of what can be accomplished when people are on the same page.” Photo at right, (l to r); Amy Cathey, MSU; Josie Monarch, SkillsUSA KY PS state officer (2012-2013)and MSU

student; James Bullard, SkillsUSA KY Alumni director; Dennis Harper, Murray/Calloway Co. ATC principal;

and Chris Rose, welding instructor, Murray/Calloway Co. ATC.

The Construction Career Day Event

provides something for everyone

For CTE administrators and teachers, the Construction Career Day

event is one of the most important opportunities for students to

participate in a wide variety of hands-on experiences in carpentry,

electrical, heavy equipment, plumbing/pipefitting, HVAC, ironworks,

sheet metal, utility and welding activities, and skilled trades, as well

as learning about “career pathways” from a streamlined presentation

by forward thinking Murray State University administrators and AGC

education committee members.

The effect of everyone coming together for the good of the whole

has produced outstanding measureable results – one being an

increase in student participation. This practical event has caught the

attention of career and technical teachers and their students from all

over western Kentucky – and, even some from outside the western

Kentucky region. Success speaks for itself and this well crafted

annual event will continue to grow because people believe in its

mission and in the value of the construction industry.

They say the greatest form of flattery is to be copied. Over this

past year, the K4C group began looking at the western Kentucky

Construction Career Day event and both associations seem to be

learning ‘best practices’ from each another. At any rate, the level of

success continues to generate positive results in both areas of the

state. It’s a win-win for everyone. Written by: Fran Dundon

SkillsUSA KY Business & Industry Director

K4C Board Member