WALLINGFORD, Conn. — More than 1,000 middle and high school students from across Connecticut gathered Wednesday at New Life Church in Wallingford for the annual Construction Career Day, an event aimed at giving young people a hands-on introduction to the world of skilled trades.

Hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (ABC CT), the event has been running for 16 years and continues to grow in popularity as the demand for construction workers rises. Students put on hard hats and got the rare chance to operate heavy machinery, such as excavators, cranes, and even utility pole equipment, under the supervision of experienced contractors.

Chris Fryxell, president of ABC CT, said the event comes at a crucial time for the industry.
“These are great careers, and we actually have a critical shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry right now and so the more that people are considering the opportunity that exists in the industry, the better,” Fryxell explained.

The event isn’t just about showcasing equipment; it’s about opening students’ eyes to real career paths that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree. Tayln Renggli, a junior at Suffield High School, appreciated the opportunity to explore alternative options.
“I think it's just a good experience to kind of get a look into the trades and see what options there are that don’t involve college necessarily,” Renggli said, after touring the various equipment displays.

For Owen Williams, a senior at Ledyard High School who already works in landscaping, the event deepened his interest in the trades.
“I like working with big, heavy machinery,” Williams said, eyeing some of the massive construction equipment set up on-site.

Beyond the students, Fryxell emphasized how essential the support of local contractors, educators, and volunteers has been in making the event a success year after year.
“There are so many great things that the construction field has to offer. They are interesting, and they change day to day,” Fryxell said. “This is the future, many of the kids here are going to be working in the industry in just a few years and hopefully for the next few decades.”

In addition to machinery demos, the event featured hands-on workshops, networking with local contractors, and informational booths on apprenticeships, certifications, and job training programs. Organizers hope that these connections will inspire more students to pursue careers in the construction trades — a sector vital to Connecticut’s infrastructure and economic growth.

Originally reported by Jim Altman in Fox 61 News.