ST. CLOUD - High school students from all over Central Minnesota are in St. Cloud today (Tuesday) learning about careers in the construction industry.

"Construct Tomorrow" spokeswoman Kim Maher says there are job openings in up to 18 different trades, including: tile setting, block laying, and electrical work.

As the work force gets older, people retire. A lot of times if you don't have a member that has a construction background in  your family a lot of people just don't have any way of knowing about it, or have the knowledge. This way we're kind of introducing the youth to construction, and the different careers you can have.

Maher says the construction industry is a good alternative for kids who don't want a four-year college degree.

If you're going to be an electrician, or some of those other trades, those obviously have certificates and more schooling is involved. More of a two-year school, along with your apprenticeship. But some of them are just apprenticeships where you literally learn while you work. So that's kind of what it's all about, and there is no college debt then.

She says jobs typically pay between $15 and $25 an hour to start, plus benefits.

Over 500 kids from 15 Central Minnesota schools are spending the day at the River's Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud.

Construct Tomorrow has also held events in Hinkley, St. Paul, and Shakopee.

Construct Tomorrow, photo by WJON.com's Jim Maurice
Construct Tomorrow, photo by WJON.com's Jim Maurice
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Construct Tomorrow, photo by WJON.com's Jim Maurice
Construct Tomorrow, photo by WJON.com's Jim Maurice
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