South Central Reporter

State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) applauded the annual Southern Illinois Construction Industry Career Expo for giving young people an opportunity to learn about what they could be doing and the money they could be making in this career.

Jacobs, who serves on the Tourism and Committee and Higher Education committees, shared his experience at the three-day expo at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in a Sept. 30 Facebook post.

"Name it it was there: laborers, operating engineers, sheet metal, plumbers and pipe fitters, electricians, carpenters, iron workers, cement masons and boilermakers. I think that's all," he wrote in his post. "High school young adults were treated to hands on experience! This shows other things available for a career path and great wages."

According to a Facebook post from the Southern Illinois Builders Association, the expo was held from Sept. 27-29 at the Expo Hall at the fairgrounds. Those who wanted to attend were encouraged to contact their school counselors or the SIBA.

WSILTV reported, approximately 600 students attended the event to speak with professionals in all aspects of the construction industry including bricklayers, carpenters, cement masons, iron workers, and painters to name a few.

Donna Richter, CEO of the Southern Illinois Builders Association, told KFVS news that due to many retiring construction workers, there's a need for craftsmen to enter the profession. Richter added the students don't have any college debt and pointed out that many unions pay their fees and by the time the students finish their apprentice programs they become journeymen and start working for various contractors.