More than 3,000 high school students from across southern Missouri are expected to gather for the annual Build My Future Construction Showcase, a hands-on event designed to introduce young people to careers in the skilled trades. Scheduled for April 1 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, the event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering an immersive look into the construction industry.
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The showcase will feature 67 interactive exhibits where students can actively engage with different trades. Activities include bricklaying, roofing, flooring installation, carpentry and plumbing, giving attendees a practical feel for the skills required in each field.
Beyond traditional trades, the event also highlights career pathways in areas such as civil and private engineering, architecture and utility services. This broader exposure allows students to see the full spectrum of opportunities within the construction ecosystem—from design and planning to execution and maintenance.
A total of 95 schools and academic programs from a 24-county region are expected to participate, underscoring the scale and regional importance of the initiative. Organizers aim to provide students with real-world insights that go beyond classroom learning, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
The showcase comes at a critical time for the construction industry, which is facing mounting workforce challenges. A significant portion of the current workforce is nearing retirement, particularly from the Baby Boomer generation, creating an urgent need to attract younger talent.
Events like Build My Future are increasingly seen as a key strategy to bridge this gap by introducing students to high-demand, well-paying careers that do not always require a traditional four-year college degree.
The Build My Future model has gained traction well beyond Missouri. Similar showcases have been successfully implemented in multiple states, including Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
This growing adoption reflects a nationwide push to reshape perceptions of skilled trades and emphasize their importance in supporting infrastructure, housing and economic development.
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As labor shortages persist across the construction sector, initiatives like Build My Future are expected to play an increasingly vital role. By combining education with hands-on experience, the program is helping reshape how the next generation views careers in construction—transforming them from overlooked options into viable, attractive career paths.
Originally reported by Janis Reeser, Springfield News-Leader in News Leader.
