More than 400 Nederland middle-school students got some first-hand job knowledge from people across different career fields Wednesday.

Ben Stafford, workforce and continuing education director at Lamar State College Port Arthur, said the event was in partnership with LSCPA, Nederland Independent School District and Nederland Rotary.

Stafford explained that Texas laws changed two legislative sessions ago with House Bill 5 requiring students entering the ninth grade to select an endorsement towards a career path or a dual-track path.

“Nederland Rotary partnered to provide speakers in each of the fields,” he said.

Speakers were listed by category:

• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics — Dr. Kirby Tanner; Rick Bourque, engineer with the city of Nederland; and Pam Berry, finance/banking
• Business and industry — Chad Mason, construction company owner; Ron Arceneaux, partner with Arceneaux, Wilson and Cole; Russell Zech, training coordinator with Huntsman; and Bruce DeCuir, carpenter.
• Public service — Chris Duque, Nederland city manager; Christi English, teacher; Michelle Freeman, fire department; Andy Arnold, police department.
• Arts and humanities— Albert Faggard, artist; Shannon Freeman, author of “Port City High.”

Students learned what type of education is needed for the respective fields, pay scale and more.

Chad Mason of Mason Construction explained that his business was started by his great-grandfather in 1939 and the company works with industrial clients and civil construction contractors in the area.

He said the work is very rewarding as he recalled work on a tower with 6-foot thick concrete at 50 feet in height. Every time he drives by the tower, he tells his kids that he built it.

“For the most part you do not need a college degree although there are some classes that help. Most people learn on the job,” Mason said.

Ron Arceneaux, an engineer and partner with Arceneaux, Wilson and Cole, started out with four people working for him and now has a staff of 32.

He advised the students that no matter what career path they choose they should still focus on science and math as well as reading comprehension because part of his job is the need to be a good communicator.

He quoted Theodore von Karman, a famous mathematician, aerospace engineer and physicist — “Scientists study the world as it is, engineers create the world that never has been.”

Central Middle School counselor Kerri Hays said the Career Day event is a great opportunity for the students who are about to being their four-year plans for high school.