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Central Illinois students try out construction careers

More than eleven-hundred eighth grade students in the greater Peoria region are participating in the 17th annual Construction Industry Career Expo. 

The students do everything from electrical, masonry, and concrete work to carpentry during the four day event. 

Clint Drury  is the Assistant Director of the West Central Illinois Building Trades Council. He says statistically eighth-grade is the time to help young people assess their future. 

“If we can say OK, this is something you might want to tailor your High School education towards.  They have to know that opportunity exists in order to take that path.”

The Building Trades Career Expo is also an important recruitment tool as more baby boomers are leaving the workforce. The participating students are coming from 43 area schools.