Build My Future event teaches students about construction

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than 1,500 students from 50 high schools went to the Jefferson City Fairgrounds to learn about a possible career in construction.

The second annual Build My Future event is meant to give students an idea of what a career in the construction industry looks like -- while also addressing the shortage of workers.

The goal is to grow interest in that career path for those who will soon enter the workforce.

"I remember from the surveys last year-- several of the students said, 'I didn't realize there were so many different opportunities It's not just one type of career, there's several,’” Rachel Andrews, of the Home Builders Association of Central Missouri, said.

The group hosting the event reports 96% percent of contractors in Missouri say they have trouble filling those types of positions.