Construction workforce demand in the St. Louis region is creating opportunities for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Alberici and the Andy Rice Trade Scholarship brought more than 120 high school students and educators together for a two-day hands-on construction career showcase on October 21 and 22, 2026.
Held at Alberici’s facility in north St. Louis, the event introduced participants to practical construction activities, including welding, concrete formwork and operating heavy equipment such as skid steer loaders and cranes.
The showcase provided students with direct exposure to construction work through demonstrations and small-group activities alongside industry professionals.
Alberici's self-perform construction operations, steel fabrication division Hillsdale Fabricators and masonry division Leonard Masonry contributed to the programme. The format allowed students to ask questions, interact with tradespeople and learn about different career paths in the industry.
Participants came from nine schools: Ladue Horton Watkins, Eureka, Parkway West, Parkway North, Parkway South, Union, Lift for Life Academy, Maplewood Richmond Heights and Webster Groves.
The event marked its fourth year, reflecting continued efforts by the organisers to introduce young people to construction careers.
The career showcase comes amid strong construction employment growth in the St. Louis area. Associated General Contractors data cited by Alberici showed the metropolitan region added 11,200 construction jobs over the 12-month period ending August 2026, representing a 14% increase and the third-largest gain nationally.
A separate AGC of Missouri survey found that 92% of responding contractors reported difficulty filling hourly craft positions.
The event also gave teachers and school counsellors an opportunity to gain practical insight into construction occupations, helping them better explain career options to students.
Industry-led career programmes can help connect students with skilled trades at an earlier stage and strengthen the future construction workforce pipeline. With contractors reporting difficulty filling craft positions, hands-on exposure to welding, masonry, concrete work and equipment operation can support greater awareness of career opportunities.
Alberici also pointed to its local project portfolio, including the 425-acre Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park in north St. Louis County, which is under construction and scheduled to open in 2027.
Source: Alberici.
