BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Not all high school students know what they want do to after graduation. Today, several trade businesses helped showcase their options in the workforce.

Over 600 school students from 22 local districts were at the Big Flats Municipal Campus to learn about the career options in the trades. Try Trades is a hands-on exploration of different careers in the fields of construction, labor, energy, heavy machinery, and more.

"It was cool with the excavators and stuff. Them guys had us out there digging. You know it was pretty neat," remarked Noah Hurd, a student at Canisteo-Greenwood High School.

"It's helped people like get together and explore and see what they want to do in their future. Maybe say, want to do something that they didn't know they wanted to do," added Jahkeem Covington, a ninth grade student at Broadway Academy.

"I think it's a good experience to kind of explore what the possibilities could be after high school. It kind of opens up that and step into the next world, kind of what it would be like after high school a lot of different opportunities, I think," said Garren Harar, an eleventh grade student at Horseheads High School.

"it's a great tool for young learners who especially want to do something along the lines of heavy equipment and stuff like that," remarked Jake Sehomover, a ninth grade student at Canisteo Greenwood High School.

Many of these students have some time left before graduation that will let them fully understand the many opportunities available. Some already share an interest in the disciplines at today's showcase.

"I want to, just, you know, get more into it. But I've worked on all like drywall I've done. I built a house building a garage right now, spray foam last night," said Carver Robbins, an eleventh grade student at Horseheads High School, "this can definitely influence what I'm doing. I'm also looking into mechanical engineering."

The benefits of these occupations was a hot topic among both students and representatives of each line of work -- and how students can line themselves up for a secure future.

"When they come around to us, we can talk to them about that and what the importance is down the road of having a future, a nice retirement, so you don't have to worry so much about money and you don't have to worry about you know planning, you know your whole future from day one," stated Martin Swauger, training director of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158 in Dansville (District 832).

Essentially all trade fields are in-demand and in need of applicants not just here -- but across the nation. Career exploration opportunities like this one hope to drum up interest in these fields that offer growth and stability.