About 350 students from Valley high schools are expected to find out what working construction is all about Friday.

They may even get a little dirty. Organizers say the event is hands-on.

The first Central Valley Construction Career Awareness Day is meant to offer students exposure to construction-related career opportunities and the construction industry in general. The event, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fresno's Save Mart Center, is being organized by Associated General Contractors of California (AGC) San Joaquin District.

Associated General Contractors, San Joaquin District and dozens of industry sponsors have joined together with area career technical educators, ROP program coordinators, school districts, apprenticeship programs and colleges in a collaborative effort to inform and inspire students, officials said in a statement. In addition to receiving the latest information on hot job trends in the industry, students will also have a variety of hands-on experiences with tools and heavy equipment.

More than 75% of Career Technical Education (CTE) courses have been eliminated over the past 10 years. The California Department of Education recognizes that students who complete a sequence of CTE courses are significantly more likely to graduate from High School. This event is intended to be an annual recurring event with the potential to grow and reach more students in years to come.