An event Wednesday will give students from eighth grade through high school a look into possible careers.

Several organizations are coming together to sponsor the career expo, including Wallace Community College Selma, Region 6 Workforce Development and Selma Dallas Economic Development Authority.

More than 2,000 students will participate in learning more about career paths and different trade professions. Representatives from more than 40 companies will be on-hand to talk with students about what they do, what education is required for their work and salary ranges.

Introducing students to trade professions just doesn’t teach them about a great career ­— it’s vital for our country’s future. According to Go Build Alabama, for every four people who leave the trades, there is only one replacement from apprenticeship programs. The average age of a construction tradesman today is 47 years old.

The simple fact is our trade workforce is getting older and smaller. Events like Wednesday’s expo is a great way to reverse that trend.