Go Build Alabama visited the Dallas County Career Technical Center on Wednesday.

Darrell Barlow and Tom McNeal of Go Build spoke to the students and did a presentation. Go Build is designed to educate young people on the value of learning a trade, dispel their misconceptions about the construction industry and inspire them to consider a career in the skilled trades.

McNeal shared his experiences of successes and failures to the students.

“My dream was to become an extreme sports athlete and make $100,000 a year,” McNeal said. “I didn’t like school, I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence and I had a fear of failure. I was a mixed-up bag of stuff.”

McNeal unveiled his plan to overcome adversity and shared it with the student body. McNeal adapted a simple formula known as APEF: Analyze the obstacle, Plan to execute it, Execute the plan and get Feedback.

“The turning point was I realized I needed to be my best by putting myself out there to learn and grow,” McNeal said. “I had to quit being afraid.”

Dallas County Career Technical Center Instructor Dale Moore said Go Build gave the students a glimpse of the future.

“It means a lot for the students to know what’s going on in the state,” Moore said. “It’ll be good for them to hear about jobs.”

Dallas County Career Technical Center Director Jerolene Turner Williams said Go Build is a great fit for her students.

“Go Build is the best program in the state,” Williams said. “Our children need exposure. They come here to learn.”