Ryan Call from Clear Lake High School in Lakeport, Calif., received instruction on how to operate a piece of equipment at the Careers in Construction Expo in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Wednesday, October 6, 2011. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Mrs. Boomer from Upper Lake High and Mr. Moorhead from Clear Lake High braved the rainy weather to bring more than 50 students to the indoor/outdoor Careers in Construction Expo in Santa Rosa, sponsored by the North Coast Builders Exchange.

The North Coast Builders Exchange coordinates in partnership with the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) to encourage Career Technical Education students to explore a multitude of career possibilities related to the building trades.

Students spent approximately an hour exploring the various displays, demonstration areas and participating in mock interviews.

Booths were available to learn about L.E.D. lighting, architecture, air conditioning, heating, engineering and workplace safety.

Demonstrations, both inside and outside, allowed students to get firsthand experience with equipment that included a jackhammer, bobcat, tile cutter, pouring concrete, welding, operating a backhoe and riding a scissor lift.

The North Coast Builders Exchange not only gave students a lot to see and do, they also gave them something to think about.

Students learned about apprenticeships, the importance of a high school education and the need for women in the construction field.

Transportation for both schools was paid by the North Coast Builders Exchange.

For more information on the The North Coast Builders Exchange visit www.ncbeonline.com.