iBuild Showcase demonstrates industry careers

Middle school students learn how to set up portable work zone signage and how they can help travelers navigate through road construction si

More than 1,000 middle school and high school students in the Kansas City Metropolitan area had the opportunity to meet with transportation industry professionals and learn about various construction industry careers at the iBuild Showcase that was took place at Bartle Hall in Kansas City on Thursday, May 4. 

High school students had the opportunity to climb inside KDOT vehicles and see how they operate from the inside.

KDOT crew members shared what it is like to work for the agency, what they see on a daily basis in work zones, and how to operate the various equipment and vehicles. 

The students learned how the dump truck and attenuator works as well as how the hopper and plow can be used in the event of a snow storm.  Staff allowed the students to see what they see from the driver’s seat and demonstrated how to keep the public informed with lights and portable signage.    

High school students had the opportunity to climb inside KDOT vehicles and see how they operate from the inside.

Students also learned ways to stay safe and keep others safe while on the road, including  driving without distractions, slowing down in work zones, and giving KDOT crews the space they need to work.. Some students even commented on ways that they could take that safety messaging home to their parents. 

Students learned important work zone safety messaging through a trivia game at the iBuild Showcase. 

Other construction interactive programs, such as forklifts, 3-D printers, various construction materials and augmented reality programs were also on display for exploration.