The Big Dig gets underway Saturday, gives kids a chance to operate construction equipment
BURLINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) - A local event promises to be a fun day that teachers kids about construction trades.
It's called The Big Dig and it's a great chance for kids of all ages to safely drive, ride, and play on more than a dozen heavy equipment construction machines at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Burlington.
They will be under the supervision of trained operators from local construction companies.
Kids under five aren't allowed to operate the big machines, but there will be a large sand pit where they can have their own fun.
Organizers have been putting on this event for five years.
The Big Dig is sponsored in part by the Northern Kentucky Regional Construction Partnership.
Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky executive vice president Brian Miller says it's a great way for young people to become interested in the construction career sector.
They also have a chance to have an awful lot of fun. So, they come out and those kids that are five years old and over have a chance to actually operate heavy equipment," Miller said. "We have excavators, we have bulldozers. We have skid steers. We have all kinds of equipment for them to be able to operate and just have a great time.
The Tri-State will need about 65,000 more trade workers over the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Miller says the competitive work environment means folks need to think outside the box when it comes to lining up talent to fill those needs.
Gone are the days where high school juniors and seniors are the hotbed of workforce development. We have to get down younger," he said. "We have to talk to people and their parents younger and begin to make a change in the culture to make sure that folks know that the construction industry is a great place to earn a wonderful living and have a great, rewarding career.
Miller says the event has seen several people and families return over the past five years.
He recommends purchasing tickets and signing waivers in advance online to make check-in quicker.
The event runs from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 and you can get them online here.
Organizers say it will go on rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
