They might just be 9th-graders right now, but these could be future builders, plumbers and iron workers, and they got to see first-hand at what those careers might be like, as Great Falls hosted a Trades Rodeo at the Montana ExpoPark.

Student Bridger Gurnsey said, "I've seen pipe fitting, like for plumping and stuff, and I've seen carpentry - what I want to go into - and this. It's a pretty fun experience."

The Trades Rodeo offered kids the chance to check out trades they could pursue through apprenticeship or college programs.

IBEW 233 Electrican Dwight Rose explained, "This gives us the ability that the students actually get to come to us. They can get a little bit of hands on of what it is like to be out in the trades."

The event was a joint venture of MSU-Great Falls, the Central Montana Central Labor Council and local schools. Those working in the trades say even with the current economy these are still good jobs.

Rose said, "Montana has been very blessed - we've been experiencing a lot more steady work than the rest of the country. You are learning a trade you can use for the rest of your life whether it's here in Great Falls, or if you want to go to another part of the state or another part of the country."

And while these kids are still a few years from graduating, many say today's event encouraged them to try their hand at a trade job.

Student Mark Mozzoni said, "I wanted to do wood working but I got a feel for what these machines can do and I really like it."

And fellow student Christian Perbil said, "It's hard to choose because there are so many. There are so many jobs. They are all interesting and fun."

The rodeo continues on Wednesday with more high schoolers planning to visit.