GONZALES — Nearly 1,500 high school students got a closer look at career paths at the Build Your Future event today.

The Pelican and Bayou chapters of Associated Builders and Contractors hosted the annual event at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. Students from 40 schools explored career opportunities in the construction and petrochemical industries.

Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities, students learned more about the skills needed for different trades and what it takes to turn those skills into a career.