By Tim Thornberry

For the ninth year, members of the Kentucky Construction Career Choice Council (K4C) hosted the annual Construction Career Days event at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Shelbyville. K4C is a trade education affiliate to Kentucky’s construction industry.

This year, more than 2,400 students and their teachers participated in a number of hands-on activities provided by a host of vendors representing construction trade associations. Many postsecondary institution representatives were also there to promote construction programs available at the college level.

In all the years I have been going to this event, it just keeps getting better. The people in charge of organizing it do a tremendous job and the business and industry partners that participate are outstanding with the students.

It really provides these students hands-on experiences that will ultimately help them decide on a career.

Students learn to operate a track-hoe by rolling giant dice. It was provided by the Construction Machinery Company and is pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Students learn to operate a track-hoe by rolling giant dice. It was provided by the Construction Machinery Company and is pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Employees with the Frankfort Plant Board's Electrical Services Department give students lessons on climbing a utility pole. Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Employees with the Frankfort Plant Board’s Electrical Services Department give students lessons on climbing a utility pole.
Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Students had the opportunity to use a variety of industrial equipment, like an air torque wrench, during the event. Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Students had the opportunity to use a variety of industrial equipment, like an air torque wrench, during the event.
Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Using the excavator was a popular choice at the Construction Career Days held at the Shelby County Fair Grounds. Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013

Using the excavator was a popular choice at the Construction Career Days held at the Shelby County Fair Grounds.
Photo by Tim Thornberry, Sept. 25, 2013