Build My Future: Hands-On Event Opens Doors to Construction Careers for Students

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- Whether you're interested in carpentry or managing large equipment, the construction sector offers numerous possibilities.

Build My Future seeks to introduce students to these career options at an earlier stage to demonstrate that numerous pathways lead to success.

Last year, we managed to secure employment for 16 young individuals... This is quite significant," stated Katy Nelson, the CEO of the Topeka Area Building Association. "Our aim is to maintain this progress and demonstrate to these youths that job opportunities abound and are easily accessible. In fact, many of the construction companies present today are prepared to offer positions.

Students had the chance to observe, listen, and gain knowledge about these opportunities together with experts from the industry.

We had the opportunity to operate the machinery and understand their functionality, along with everything else we enjoyed," stated Destiny Abbeth, a sophomore at Highland Park High School. "We were able to use the saws and create our own projects.

"I picked up some skills on operating an excavator and assembling cabinets," stated Gunner Tincher, a sophomore from Osage City.

For Gunner Tincher and many other students, a college education isn’t the path that feels right to them.

"I would say that during my time in middle school, I began to realize that college may not be the right fit for me, or perhaps there could be alternative paths I should consider, along with other interests I might have," Tincher stated.

This occasion provides Tincher and others with a chance to discover various possibilities that their future might encompass.

“The average age of a construction worker is not getting any younger, so we’ve got to start these kids now, show them what’s out there,” said Katy Nelson. “There’s another option out there. You don’t always have to go to college.”

Nelson says the Topeka Area Building Association has helped many students find success. Sabastian Clark is one such example.

He was introduced to the PDQ Construction company as a high school student. By the time he graduated in 2022, he had landed a full-time job there.

I felt quite inexperienced during my high school days; there was still much I wasn't familiar with," stated Clark. "I recall going over those textbooks and thinking, for instance, 'Oh, this is a pneumatic nailer.' Now, having the chance to put these concepts into practice has been eye-opening. The sheer volume of knowledge gained is astounding, not to mention how quickly one can pick up new skills.

Students who attended Build My Future say they feel more prepared and motivated to pursue their dream careers.

“I learned that with practice and patience, and good counseling and guidance, you’ll be able to get it,” said Abbeth.