News Summary
Over 1,000 students participated in the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase, exploring hands-on activities and learning about trade skills. This annual event highlighted the increasing interest in construction careers, allowing students to engage with industry professionals and understand potential job opportunities in the field. With projected job growth in the construction sector, the showcase serves as a vital platform for encouraging young individuals to consider trade professions as viable career paths.
Wheeling – More than 1,000 students from across the Ohio Valley gathered at Wheeling Park on September 18, 2025, to attend the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase. This important event brought together participants from 30 different school districts, highlighting the growing interest in construction and trade skills among young individuals.
The showcase featured dozens of companies and trade workers who set up informational tables inside the skating rink at the park. Students had the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on activities outside, where they could operate a crane and a backhoe, finish concrete, and try on mining safety equipment. These experiences were designed to provide a practical understanding of the various construction trades available to them.
Project BEST Director Nathan Butts emphasized the critical role of the event in attracting new talent to the trades. He noted the rising concerns surrounding college debt and the necessity for students to explore trade opportunities that allow them to start working without accruing significant debt. This is especially pertinent as many students seek viable career paths that offer financial stability and growth.
According to Butts, apprentices can earn while they train, progressing towards becoming full-time journeymen. This can lead to lucrative job opportunities, as an estimated 500,000 construction jobs are expected to need filling in the next five to ten years. The starting wages across union trades typically range from $18 to $25 per hour, in addition to benefits.
The event reflects a noticeable increase in student interest in trade professions, as observed by Jennifer Long from the Plasterers and Cement Mason Finishers Local 926. Over the past two years, more students have shown enthusiasm for exploring careers in various trades.
Among the students participating, Connor Darlington from Edison High School expressed a strong interest in carpentry, indicating a desire to develop practical skills that can lead to future employment in the field. Additionally, Thad Cooper and Landrum Robbins from Bridgeport High School learned about drone usage from Timothy Bradley, an electrician with American Electric Power, showcasing some of the innovative technologies being integrated into modern construction practices.
Designed to help students explore various trades and their potential career options, the showcase is a vital resource for encouraging the next generation of skilled workers. The event serves as a platform for students to gain insight into job prospects in the construction industry, as well as the training and education paths that can lead them there.
This year’s Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase not only offered a comprehensive look at the opportunities within the construction trades but also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in career paths that can lead to immediate employment and financial independence. With a significant number of construction jobs projected to become available in the near future, events like this play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Legislation Targets Corruption in School Construction
Milwaukee Tool Expands Operations in Menomonee Falls
What Are the Key Steps to Preparing for Your First Home Build?
Ralston High School Automotive Club’s Car Show Canceled
California Allocates $26 Million for Construction Apprenticeships
Tennessee Titans Release Wide Receiver Treylon Burks
Trident Technical College Expands Future Ready Certificate Program
Flint Hosts Youth Real Estate Academy to Inspire Careers
Construction Industry Faces Workforce Crisis
Additional Resources
- Times Leader: 1,000 Students Attend Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase
- News and Sentinel: College Receives $5 Million for Job Training
- WTOV9: Hands-On Job Fair Introduces High School Students to Union Trade Careers
- Weirton Daily Times: Wheeling YMCA Breaks Ground on Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Trades
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
