Atlas Asphalt Inc. and White River Materials Inc. hosted their first Construction Industry Day this week, welcoming more than 150 high school juniors and seniors from Southside, Batesville, Cedar Ridge, and Cave City high schools. The event introduced students to a wide range of career paths within the construction industry, many of which are in high demand across Arkansas.
Throughout the day, students rotated through several hands-on stations where they met with industry professionals to discuss key areas of construction, including trucking operations, asphalt paving, EZStreet cold asphalt production, and heavy civil equipment operations. Employees from both companies shared insight into their day-to-day responsibilities, the skills needed for their roles, and the rewarding aspects of working in construction.
Organizers said the goal was to show students that construction isn’t a single job but a network of diverse opportunities. From driving a dump truck to operating a paver to working in materials production, there are numerous paths for those interested in building a career in the field.
One of the highlights of the event was the live equipment displays. Students had the chance to get up close with machinery used daily on job sites, helping them connect classroom learning with real-world applications. This year’s event was made even more impactful by Riggs CAT, which supplied several pieces of construction equipment for students to explore.
Construction Industry Day reflects a growing focus on workforce development, particularly in fields dependent on skilled labor. By giving students direct access to industry professionals, Atlas Asphalt and White River Materials hope to inspire the next generation of equipment operators, truck drivers, engineers and construction managers.
Organizers said they plan to host the event again next year, with plans to expand opportunities for local students and strengthen community connections.
All images provided by Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials
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