Illinois DOT launches Career Day in Peoria, Ill. + VIDEO

Officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today welcomed hundreds of central Illinois students to the agency’s first Career Day conference in Peoria. The event, which was developed to inform Illinois students of the many rewarding opportunities in the transportation industry, also attracted dozens of companies and universities from across the region.

For a video from Career Day, click here.

“Career Day is an exceptional and popular forum where students can gain a thorough understanding of the transportation industry at an early age, along with insightful information and tools to better illustrate various rewarding career paths in transportation,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider in a press release. “We have hosted large events like this throughout the state, and the popularity and general demand for this information have enabled us to introduce and expand this series into the Peoria market as well.”
 
More than 200 students were expected to attend today’s event in Peoria. Students had access to 40 exhibits, along with hands-on activities and several pieces of heavy equipment used to build and maintain Illinois’ system of highways and bridges, all explained and led by qualified transportation professionals.
 
The transportation-related careers highlighted include civil engineering, engineering technology, safety engineering, and surveying and construction trades. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as many as 1 million new jobs are forecast for the construction industry by 2016, and numerous job opportunities in other sectors of transportation will open as baby boomers retire during the years ahead.
 
In addition to learning about career opportunities, participating students received written information about construction careers, including brochures and bookmarks. Attendees also received items such as a hard hat, and safety glasses provided by industry partners.
 
IDOT partnered with representatives of the transportation industry, educational institutions and community-based organizations to host this event. For additional information about Career Day, go to https://www.dot.il.gov/careerday/BI.html.