Recap of 2024 AGC New Mexico & ACE Leadership Heavy Equipment Rodeo & CIEF Trades Day
Over 1,300 high school students from 28 schools gathered at Expo New Mexico on Friday for the annual Heavy Equipment Rodeo and Trades Day, an event organized by AGC New Mexico and the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF). The event provided a valuable platform for students to engage with professionals over 35 local construction companies and immerse themselves in various construction trades, offering a glimpse into a field critical to the state’s economic development.
Students spent the day rotating through a series of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and competitions, each designed to showcase the skills required in the construction industry. Guided by seasoned industry experts, they experienced what it's like to work with cutting-edge technology and traditional tools. Whether bending conduits, laying bricks, operating cranes, or piloting drones, every activity was crafted to simulate real-world job scenarios and provide an authentic understanding of the trade.
One of the event's highlights was the opportunity for students to compete in skills-based challenges such as drilling and nail driving. These competitions tested the students’ precision and technique and encouraged teamwork and problem-solving—key competencies essential for success in the construction field.
For many students, the Heavy Equipment Rodeo and Trades Day was a first step toward exploring a career path they hadn’t considered. The event aimed to dispel misconceptions about the construction industry by demonstrating that it offers diverse opportunities, from technical roles and hands-on labor to leadership positions and project management. Through these interactive experiences, students gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation involved in building their communities.
The presence of over 35 companies at the event underscored the local industry’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled workers. Representatives from these firms took the time to share their career journeys, mentor students, and discuss the various pathways available in the construction sector. By bridging the gap between education and industry, the Heavy Equipment Rodeo and Trades Day is more than just an event—it’s an investment in the future workforce of New Mexico’s construction industry.
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