LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Heavy equipment and construction companies are recruiting students at Fairdale High School.

Representatives from nearly a dozen employers and colleges were at the school in southern Jefferson County for a job fair on Friday.

The students are enrolled in the heavy equipment and diesel tech pathway program at Fairdale's Academies of Louisville program. It teaches them how to operate skid loaders, evaluators, forklifts and other heavy machinery, as freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Nathan Chesser is a senior at Fairdale High School and a part-time ISCO employee.

"It's kind of something I've always like, dabbled into, and Fairdale high school actually gave me the opportunity to do it," Chesser said.

He told his peers about his job at the fair.

"It actually means a lot to me. I know that it's not an opportunity that everyone gets, not everyone gets to co-op with the program in high school," Chesser said.

He told WDRB that his papa was a truck driver, so he knew he wanted to work in mechanics.

"I feel like I could inspire some people around here. Definitely being a high school student that I don't really talk much. I don't really do much but I do come to work. And I work really hard. And I prove that I actually want to do this," Chesser said.

About 150 JCPS students attended the fair, including freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Fairdale High School diesel tech instructor, Stephen Crepps said the program is a good introduction to a skilled trade.

"It's important for them to be able to practice their professional discourse and start building these relationships really early. So, that by the time they are a senior, they've met these people, been to their place of employment, hopefully had the opportunity to job shadow and hopefully make a more accurate decision when they transition to post secondary," Crepps explained. 

Nicholas Braun graduated from Fairdale High School in June.

"I knew I didn't want to go to college. It just wasn't for me. So I went right into the workforce," Braun said. "I didn't think this is gonna be my future, but there I am."

He attended last year's job fair and is now working for United Rentals as a service technician.

"I don't want to see the computer desk all day and Time Warner computer. I'd rather be working with my hands," Braun said. "I know what these kids are thinking because I was thinking the same thing that they were about getting a job and everything. And it's just cool to like, look back on what I've did and what I've achieved since I've been gone."

SKILLED TRADES JOB FAIR - FAIRDALE HIGH SCHOOL - 11-3-2023 (4).JPG

Representatives from nearly a dozen employers and colleges were at Fairdale High School on Friday. Students were able to learn about opportunities in construction and skilled trades. (WDRB Image by Molly Jett) Nov. 3, 2023 

Braun and Chesser agree that more people should consider a career as a trade professional.

"Just jump into it and see what happens. If you don't like it, just stop doing it. Whatever it is, just, I would give it a try. Because I didn't think I would like working on stuff, and here I am," Braun said. 

"If you have the opportunity to go to college, I think you should take the chance especially if it's like maybe for diesel technician. You could go to college for it and get an even higher paying job, after you go to college so you have more experience. You can get an ASE, and you can learn a lot and get a really really good high paying job," Chesser said.

For more information about the program, contact stephen.crepps@jefferson.kyschools.us, or click here.

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