The 2010 ABC Construction Exhibition and Craft Championships welcomed 350+ area students from eight high schools on a glorious day at Brazosport College. On Thursday, October 28, 2010 students were introduced to many of the opportunities in the constructon industry through fourteen hands-on sessions featuring a few of the many crafts needed to sustain the industry. Students had the opportunity to try their skills in such areas as heavy equipment; hand and power tools; virtual, plasma and live welding machines; scaffolding; rebar tying; sheet metal; electrical and others. Additionally, students watched as eight local electrical and millwrigt craftsmen competed for a chance to represent ABC Texas Gulf Coast at the ABC National Craft Championships in April 2011. This highly interactive exhibition is a showcase for local industry and contractors and a real opportunity for students to experience several crafts first hand.
For contractor companies and industry representatives, this was a big day. Over 125 volunteers left their jobsites on Thursday, October 28th to join students at Brazosport College. Some volunteers led student groups of 10-15 through the sessions for five hours; other volunteers ran the sessions so that students not only learned about the craft and opportunities for a career but also were safe. Still others helped organize and ensure a beneficial event.
While all students received event t-shirts, safety glasses, and gloves, as well as a few other items, many crew leaders brought other items from their companies for their crew. Students, their sponsor, and bus drivers were also the guests of ABC for lunch during the 5-hour day. This event could not be possible without hundred of hours of work and generous sponsorships by many in the local construction industry. ABC would like to thank Brazosport College and the Constructon Trades Division for hosting the event and for their invaluable help in ensuring that all things were in place for a great day!