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Inspiring the Next Generation: TxDOT, AGC of Texas, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Host Construction Career Day

A student in the operator’s seat attempts the excavator skills challenge. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
A student in the operator’s seat attempts the excavator skills challenge. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
Sharon Douglas, CEO/Owner (center), and Justin Chavez, Estimator/Project Engineer (right), of Potere Construction address students, along with a sign language interpreter.
Sharon Douglas, CEO/Owner (center), and Justin Chavez, Estimator/Project Engineer (right), of Potere Construction address students, along with a sign language interpreter.
Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography
Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography
Matt Hallmark, Vice President of Engineering at Arcosa Aggregates, speaks to students. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
Matt Hallmark, Vice President of Engineering at Arcosa Aggregates, speaks to students. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
The day included an opportunity for students to explore career options through virtual reality. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
The day included an opportunity for students to explore career options through virtual reality. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
Amanda Biringanine, Talent Acquisition Specialist for Urban Infraconstruction, speaks to students during the job fair. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
Amanda Biringanine, Talent Acquisition Specialist for Urban Infraconstruction, speaks to students during the job fair. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
Amanda Biringanine with Urban Infraconstruction speaks to students.
Amanda Biringanine with Urban Infraconstruction speaks to students.
TxDOT Dallas District Deputy Engineer John Hudspeth gives welcome remarks to employers in attendance. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
TxDOT Dallas District Deputy Engineer John Hudspeth gives welcome remarks to employers in attendance. (Photo courtesy of James Edward Photography)
The job fair allowed students to talk with many different companies.
The job fair allowed students to talk with many different companies.
From left to right: Carlton Cooper and Kim Hunziker, Outreach and Public Involvement Specialists with TxDOT’s Civil Rights Division; Josh Gibbs, President of JJG Development; Katrena Plummer, Outreach and Public Involvement Specialist with TxDOT’s Civil Rights Division; and Kent Andersen, Account Executive with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.
From left to right: Carlton Cooper and Kim Hunziker, Outreach and Public Involvement Specialists with TxDOT’s Civil Rights Division; Josh Gibbs, President of JJG Development; Katrena Plummer, Outreach and Public Involvement Specialist with TxDOT’s Civil Rights Division; and Kent Andersen, Account Executive with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.
In an effort to attract more young people to the construction industry amidst the ongoing labor shortage, the Texas Department of Transportation, Associated General Contractors of Texas, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas collaborated on Construction Career Day, held at the Texas Fairgrounds in Dallas.

The event provided an opportunity for 563 student attendees from almost 30 local school districts and trade training organizations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area to explore career options in the construction industry and connect with infrastructure employers.

The job fair and career exploration event were aimed at showcasing the industry's diversity, career options, and the latest construction equipment. The event also helped students understand the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the industry.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to learn about a variety of careers in the industry, from project management and engineering to skilled trades. The event was designed to be interactive, with an assortment of activities that showcased different aspects of the industry.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to see and operate the latest construction equipment brought to the site by local equipment dealers. Students had the chance to see first-hand how heavy equipment operators work and even had the chance to operate the machinery themselves. This hands-on experience demonstrated the importance of equipment safety and proper usage.

Vogele
Your local Wirtgen America dealer
Nueces Power Equipment
Kirby Smith Machinery

Sixty contractors and 175 industry employees participated in the event, providing students with an opportunity to connect with construction professionals and learn about their organizations. The job fair provided students with insight into the various job opportunities available in the industry and the qualifications required to secure them.

With many students expressing an interest in pursuing a career in infrastructure construction, Construction Career Day was an important step toward addressing the industry’s skills gap.

Sponsors for the event included:

  • Urban Infraconstruction
  • Texas Materials
  • Webber
  • Austin Bridge & Road
  • Kiewit
  • Sundt
  • Peachtree
  • Gibson & Associates
  • GSI Highway
  • MICA Corporation
  • A.L. Helmcamp
  • Lhoist
  • Lamb Star Engineering
  • JJG Development Inc.
  • Rogers Group
  • Texas Sterling Construction
  • Jagoe Public