Pierce County Construction Career Day provides hands-on experience for students exploring careers in the trades

"I'm thrilled to see how much it's grown,"saidPete Porietis, a carpenter in the maintenance department at the Port of Tacoma, who volunteers every year."When we started, it was just three people at a table with hard hats, handing out papers."

While there were still tables and handouts, the most crowded areas offered hands-on demonstrations, allowing students to immerse themselves in the jobs they're interested in. From pipe fitting, welding, masonry, and rail track maintenance, to an array of cranes, diggers and excavators to try out, there were plenty of opportunities to put hands on the equipment.

As title sponsor, the Port had 20 employees on hand to show some of their tools and talk about career paths. The demonstrations help raise awareness about the variety of jobs available and show students they can have meaningful, fulfilling careers in these industries, with exhibitors emphasizing good wages, retirement plans, and the pride that comes from highly skilled, hands-on work.