From Playing in the Dirt to Building a Life with His Hands—Kyle Banta Finds a Purpose in the Construction Industry

Like many other young boys in South Louisiana, Kyle Banta spent his days playing with a yellow toy dump truck. His was special and could be loaded up with dirt, driven around and even dump out the contents.

But unlike others, this was not simply play for Banta—in a way, it was practice for the future he was meant to live.

“I always thought the large machinery was fascinating,” he says. “The specialty tools, the things you could just create and make with your hands—it all just felt natural to me.”

What felt less natural was attending traditional school. He went through a few but none were quite the right fit.

“He didn’t fit really well with the mold that the private schools had,” says Banta’s mom, Robin. “It was challenging for him to get along in school. The way he learned was different. He processes things a little bit differently, from a learning perspective.”

Still, there were bright spots. A few teachers recognized his strengths—being incredibly mechanically driven and talented with his hands—and with their encouragement, Banta found the confidence to pursue a particular direction.

“I had friends who were welders and pipefitters, and honestly, I was just looking to make money the easiest way possible without too much school,” he quips.

The construction industry quickly became more than just an easy paycheck. It was a place where he belonged. He developed quick, close bonds with people who were just like him—talented at what they do with amazing knowledge.

“If I had to summarize what the construction industry means to me in a single word, I think it would be friendship,”  he says. “I’ve worked at so many sites with so many people, and those bonds and friendships and memories that I’ve created are wonderful to look back on…you’re at work until these people become a second family to you.”

At this point in his career, Banta focuses on project management. He earns a successful living, has a successful marriage and recently became a father. He is proud of the work he and his colleagues do.

“I think the construction industry can be looked at as a low class field,” he says. “[People think it’s for] people who couldn’t go to college or just wanted to do less, wanted to do manual labor. And I don’t think that’s the case.

There’s things that a degree could never teach you that these guys know and understand and can help work you through.”

For young people considering the trades, he advises “just try it.”

“People don’t just come in as experts,” says Banta. “If you start in the field, regardless of your trade or what you’re working with, you can always work your way up. You just have to get in and you have to want to learn.”

Learn more about how construction education can turn your passions into a profession.