INDIANAPOLIS, IN The Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation (ICRFD), organized to focus on the workforce shortage that is troubling the Indiana construction industry, was one of several exhibitors at the recent Area 31 Career Center Career Fair.

The Career Center serves over 1,400 high school students and covers those in Avon, Ben Davis, Brownsburg, Cascade, Danville, Decatur Central, Monrovia, Mooresville, Plainfield, Speedway and Tri-West.

According to ICRF Executive Director Ali Brown, the event proved a great venue to reach an audience already potentially interested in a career in construction. "I have been able to talk to kids that are in building trades programs and other programs that are related to the industry, such as those in welding. They have been very interested, particularly in our apprenticeship programs. I think we have been able to open some eyes about these options and the benefits of working in the construction industry," she said.

Brown noted that she was able to direct some of the students to booths that featured particular apprenticeship programs where some completed applications to enter them.