BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern High School District students now have the opportunity to explore the construction career field as they earn their high school diploma.

Lucas Niemeyer is one of about 50 students to take part in the new class and says prior to this year, he didn't have a lot of direction.

“I had no clue what I was going to do after school. I didn’t know if I wanted to go to college, do a trade school. I was not sure,” he said.

Niemeyer says he's now discovered what could be a life-long career.

"I just thought if nothing else I could just fix stuff around the house but I really think this could be a great vocation for me," he said. ”It's very fulfilling to work hands-on and to build literally from the ground up and to see the project come to fruition.”

Chad Wright is the instructor of the construction class. He's also a local business owner and say the skills students learn here will go a long way when the job hunt begins after graduation.

“I’m a general contractor. So for a young adult to come to me and say this is the training I have, versus somebody that has no training at all, I’m thirsty for that," said Wright. "This town needs more of that. We are in desperate need of a labor force."

To find more information on all of the career options at KHSD ROC, click here.