The Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIE) hosted a high-school trade day in Chico Thursday in hopes of attracting more students to technical careers.
Chico High Senior Mckenna Winzenz attended the trade day with her brother, Mason, who's a sophomore.
"I'm more interested in architecture,” Mckenna said. “I'm interested in seeing what people around here would be able to … show me different things I can learn about that."
“It's just really fun to explore new challenges,” added Mason. “And find new pathways within yourself by doing these projects."
The trade day was a partnership between CIE and the Valley Contractors Exchange in Chico. It welcomed over 600 students from 20 North Valley high schools.
Companies and technical experts from across the construction industry came to give demonstrations and provide hands-on education about their fields.
The Winzenz siblings had also been enrolled in a CIE mentoring program, where they worked with engineering, architecture, and construction experts to plan and design a building or structure.
For their project, they designed a culinary arts education center, which won a state competition. Mckenna Winezenz said the program expanded her horizons.
"You get to explore new parts of your community, new companies that you might never have known existed and just opportunities that will get you further in life."
Tim Murphy, chief executive officer of CIE, said it's vital that young people are exposed to career possibilities in the construction world.
"Last year, there were 35,000 new jobs in construction that needed to be filled. And at present, for every five journeymen that retire, there's only one apprentice entering into the field."
Many of the companies attending the event emphasized a technical career as an alternative to college for new graduates. They argued it could help graduates avoid student loans and high college tuition costs.
