GREENFIELD — Roughly 500 students from 26 western Massachusetts schools had the chance to visit the Franklin County Fairgrounds earlier this month to engage with about 40 professionals in construction, skilled trades and technical careers during the third Construction & Trades Careers Day.
The event, organized by the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board, brought in young people from Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire counties as well as the North Quabbin region to try out tools and equipment and talk with industry experts about career paths.
Matt Allen, MassHire’s school to career coordinator, said he felt a lot of enthusiasm at the event.
“Nice weather as well,” he said. “This is a fun event to have. It’s also, for them, a day … away from school.”
Students participated in interactive demonstrations from local contractors, trade unions and training programs, and took part in hands-on learning stations with tools, machinery and safety gear.
Savannah Baldwin, MassHire’s workforce programs and projects support specialist, said the event had nearly twice as many students as last year’s iteration.
“We’ve had great reception from all the industries that have been represented,” she said. “There’s just always a great excitement, because a lot of youths don’t have an opportunity to see the trades and see construction up close and personal. There’s just a nice energy.
“It’s a great opportunity. It changes lives, which is wonderful,” Baldwin continued. “It’s to help western Mass. youth know what’s out there and available. Some youths want to go to college, some don’t. Some would like to go into the trades. Some don’t even understand what the trades are.”
Reach Domenic Poli at: [email protected] or 413-930-4120.
