Opening the Door to Career Opportunities

Future construction workers, carpenters, plumbers, and engineers travelled from all over Kentucky to the Shelby County Fairgrounds earlier this week. The Annual Kentucky Construction Career Choice Council (K4C) Career Days welcomed thousands of high school students.

“This is my first year and I love it,” said Braden Burton, a junior at Central Hardin High School. “I get really, really curious. I love to learn,” he added with enthusiasm.

Burton stopped by one of Louisville Water’s hydrant trucks where Plumber Leader Scott Corbin explained the inner workings of a fire hydrant.

“They’re (students) surprised what a hydrant consists of because you can’t see it underground. Everybody sees them and everybody takes them for granted,” Corbin said.

Burton listened intently, soaking up all the knowledge of the different opportunities showcased for the students.

“When I was little, it was pipefitting, but now, body work. Old vehicles and stuff, I love it!” he shared.

Corbin said, “To see the opportunities these kids have now is so much greater than we had when we were growing up. They have endless opportunities to be successful and that’s very positive.”

Plumber Leader’s Assistant Shane MacGeorge agreed.

“I wish I had this opportunity when I was their age.”

In his 16 years with Louisville Water, MacGeorge moved up from general laborer to working in metering and with field crews on water main repairs. He now helps service more than 25,000 fire hydrants that Louisville Water maintains.

“It makes me proud of what I do, to be able to show them (students), let them know the types of things we do,” said MacGeorge.

Working in a predominantly male industry, Emergency Turner Toni Estes was encouraged to see several young girls at the career fair.

“It’s a great opportunity to try to let them know that they can do this. Not too many young girls see women doing it,” said Estes, who’s invested 22 years with Louisville Water.

She’s hopeful that more young women will continue to defy the stereotype that they aren’t cut out for hard, physical labor. Lawrence County High School Senior Hailey Brewer is already getting hands-on experience in her school’s heavy equipment program.

“We do these simulators, we learn how to drive trucks, we have a (bull)dozer and stuff, and go on trips like this,” shared Brewer, who grew up around family in the construction field.

Corbin encouraged apprenticeships and offered this piece of advice to the eager students.

“Never leave a stone unturned. Talk to everyone and see what opportunities are there.”

And with a cup of ice-cold Louisville Pure Tap® in hand, the crowd of high schoolers charted a path through the fairgrounds, hoping to narrow down their future career path.