AOG Helps Kids Dig into Construction Careers

Kansas City’s 2024 Dozer Day® event at the Truman Sports Complex was a tremendous success! Alpha-Omega Geotech continued our tradition of supporting, sponsoring, and participating in the event aimed at opening young eyes to the world of skilled Trades and construction. Fantastic weather provided a welcome boost this year and helped bring out huge crowds.

The first day of the three-day weekend event was devoted specifically to high school students from across the Kansas City area. Over 500 students came out for Career Day, and talked to professionals about how they work, why they enjoy it, and what their rewarding career paths are all about.

Hundreds of students poured into the event’s Career Day for a closer look at how construction works.

AOG Field Technician Chase Behler had fun introducing young minds to the role of geotechnical services. “I think they find the variety of work I do, and all the places I go, especially interesting,” Behler explained as he guided students through soil samples and construction projects featured inside the AOG tent. “They like the science and the idea of not being cooped-up in an office cubicle somewhere day in, and day out.”

Field Tech Chase Behler easily connected with the Career Day crowd.

Behler highlighted the hands-on nature of Field Technician work, everything from extracting soil samples for analysis to processing fresh concrete samples for inspection. He also talked about the diverse settings where he performs, ranging from open, untouched land and busy construction sites to collaboration with scientists back at the AOG Laboratory.

“These kids need to know there are plenty of career options in construction, and it’s a great way to go if it matches your interests. If anything you see out here appeals to you, then it’s just a matter of choosing your path. Many firms will hire you right out of high school, and if you’re serious about a career, you can quickly advance. For example, at AOG, accumulating certifications translates to pay increases. You are literally paid to get better at your work on top of the benefit of improved skills.”

Behler’s personality made him a perfect fit for career conversations.

After all the school buses cleared out, days two and three were opened up to people of all ages. Families were already lined up before the gates opened, ready to dig into acres of activities. Excavation rigs, cranes, dump trucks and other cool machinery gave kids a chance to climb up into the seat with trained professionals and actually work the controls. You could hear giggling as kids scooped and crawled on the sand pile outside the AOG tent.

“There’s enthusiasm everywhere here,” said AOG Business Development Director Dave Flessner, who headed up AOG’s contributions again this year. “The kids and their parents are excited and having a good time. Just take a look around.”

Flessner truly connects with the spirit of the event. A father himself, he takes time to play with smaller kids and talk directly with teenagers about roads leading to construction.

“If we can just expose them to the basic nature of what we do, it can inspire in ways that stick,” said Flessner, helping a little boy pick out a freebie event sticker. “Just shining a light on the world we work in opens doors they may never see otherwise.”

Dave Flessner spearheaded AOG’s participation from start to finish.

“What’s going on out here is a completely different experience than sitting in front of a TV or video game at home. Parents appreciate the opportunity for their children to get outside and engage the world. Actually getting their hands dirty in the sunshine.”

Live music, food trucks, and selfies in front of giant wheels and scoops said it all. Attracting young hearts and minds to careers in the Trades begins with this kind of fun, and the 2024 event certainly delivered.

Thanks to all sponsors, volunteers, and families who made Kansas City’s 2024 Dozer Day® a smash hit. Special thanks to NUCA KC for organizing everything again this year, and we also want to give a big pat on the back to Soderburg Roofing & Contracting for collaborating with AOG on an event presentation that delivered education, stimulating conversation, and a lot of smiles. We couldn’t have done it without them!