Trenchless professionals from around the world traveled to Denver for the North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT) No-Dig Show, to share ideas and learn about the newest equipment and trends in the industry. A total of 67 college students from across North America were awarded the chance to hear from top professionals in the field. The four-day conference began with a student orientation session. This included the first annual “How to Get Hired” workshop, and NASTT board members participated in an hour-long Q&A session. There were competitions throughout the week. Each student chapter was asked to present on the activities they participated in during the school year. Also, cash prizes were awarded for a poster competition. Students designed posters explaining their trenchless research, which were displayed in the exhibit hall.
Additionally, students competed in a unique challenge, The Amazing Trenchless Race. Each member was given various volunteer assignments that allowed them to engage with exhibitors. The Amazing Trenchless Race is an activity designed to allow students to learn more about the trenchless industry and network with potential future colleagues. While many of the planned activities were fun and meant to get students thinking about their future in the industry, the serious nature of the challenges that lie ahead and the responsibility of the next generation to discover solutions was not lost on the attendees. Attending the No-Dig Show allowed for a group effort and combined participation from classmates, to network with some of the industry’s leading professionals and learn about issues and advancements within the industry that are not commonly addressed in classrooms. This is an exciting industry, chock-full of new opportunities, rewarding projects and a constantly expanding acceptance as the best solution to many infrastructure problems. If you’re interested in a career with innovative engineering, look for future events to be a part of your success!
