Students get hands-on at construction Career Day

PUHI — More than 400 students in grades six through 12 from around the island became engaged in one of the many facets of the construction industry on Thursday during the Kaua‘i Construction Career Day at Kaua‘i Community College.

Kaua‘i Community College, in addition to providing students to help with the trades program, allowed those participating students to wander through the 40 different exhibits, many of the stations offering hands-on interactions.

“Students got a glimpse of the opportunities available in construction,” said Laura Cushnie, the event’s co-chair and co-owner of Cushnie Construction. “We hope that the event will encourage those who are interested in a career in construction to take the next steps toward that path.”

Cushnie was one of the providers of heavy equipment in the 12-piece section where students were given a hands-on opportunity to demonstrate their skill at performing delicate operations with heavy equipment.

“I have worked in the construction industry for more than 40 years, and the co-owner of Cushnie Construction for the past 15 years,” Cushnie said. “The construction industry has been extremely rewarding, provided many opportunities and positive personal growth.”

Participating students received hard hats, safety goggles and earplugs to wear while circulating through the field of exhibits.

“We send our deepest gratitude to the more than 50 companies within the industry who sponsored the event, as well as our partners, volunteers and planning committee,” Cushnie said.

Hawai‘i Construction Career Days’ mission is to provide Hawai‘i’s youths with the insight into career opportunities available in the multi-faceted construction industry.

• Info: www.hawaiiccd.com