Construction career event draws record 1,000 Maine students

Record high school student participation in a recent construction career event could bode well for the future workforce.

The Construction Career Days event was co-hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction Maine Chapter 276 and the Associated General Contractors of Maine and was held earlier this month at MidCoast Excavation in West Bath. 

The event attracted a record 1,000 students from high schools across the state. 

There were over 50 construction career-related exhibitors.

“Events like Maine Construction Career Days are essential for sparking interest in careers that offer stability, growth and real-world impact,” said Nicole Lemeiux, an operation manager at Hebert Construction and president of Chapter 276 of the National Association of Women in Construction Maine. 

The event started in 2022 and aims to inspire and equip the next generation of construction professional and allows students to engage with contractors, suppliers and trade organizations, according to a news release. 

Industry exhibitors such as heavy equipment operators, electricians and welders provided hands-on demonstrations, interactive career simulations and information about high-demand jobs such as the skilled trades like carpentry and electrical work and emerging fields in sustainable building and project management. 

Maine’s construction workforce is projected to grow over the next decade amid a boom in infrastructure projects.

“We hope they will choose to take the next step and apply for our Maine Construction Academy immersion programs offered across the state,” said Kelly Flagg, AGC Maine’s executive director. “These programs will provide a deeper dive into construction and provide basic certifications to start their careers.”  

Flagg is a 2025 Mainebiz Outstanding Women in Business honoree.