Local high school students tried out construction vehicles like this excavator at Pierce County Construction Career Day.
It’s not your typical career fair.
Here, dressing for success means attendees wear hard hats and reflective vests.
Instead of handing out resumes, job seekers try their hand at operating a crane.
Pierce County Construction Career Day is an annual event presented by the Port of Tacoma and held at the Washington State Fairgrounds where local high school students come to learn about diverse career opportunities in construction, utilities, and the trades industries.
“I really like the hands-on experiences,” said Savannah Dean, a senior at Fife High School who has attended two years in a row. “Last year, we made toolboxes. This year, we laid down bricks. I love learning all these new things.”
More than 1,400 students from 40 schools and 36 exhibitors attended this year’s event, a number that has increased in the five years since its inception.
Ganger Fernandez of the Port of Tacoma's maintenance department explains the use of rail track repair equipment.
“I’m thrilled to see how much it’s grown,” said Pete 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.
UA Local 26 Women’s Committee chair Sheila Embley discusses the benefits of a career in the trades.
“I get satisfaction out of seeing what I’ve built, and I like that I can put my finger on it,” said Sheila Embley, a steamfitter and chair of the UA Local 26 Women’s Committee. Embley said she enjoys attending career fairs and telling young people about the benefits of working in the trades.
“The money’s good, the pensions are really good, and you earn as you learn.”
“Earn as you learn” is a common refrain in the trades industries, with apprenticeships and paid training programs that allow students to learn on the job and earn a paycheck while attending trade school. It’s an attractive alternative to the time and financial investment needed to earn a traditional four-year degree.
Electricians from IBEW Local 76 do a wiring demonstration for a group of students visiting their table.
“I want to be an electrician,” said Eric Perez Gallegos, a senior at Bethel High School. “I’m starting an apprenticeship next month, right out of school. It’s exciting.”
Pierce County Construction Career Day also meets a need in the community. With a shortage of workers and high demand for skilled labor, employers are eager to fill the roles being vacated by workers retiring and leaving the industry.
“This is a great place to make connections,” said Liz Oakes, who works in the career center at Rogers High School. “We’ve even had kids operate a crane at these events and they were so good they got a job offer!”
The Port supports many activities as part of its commitment to help build the workforce of the future, including offering tours to high school students and partnering with Tacoma Public Schools on the Maritime|253 skills center, which is being built on the Port Maritime Center campus along the Foss Waterway.