As the construction industry faces a critical worker shortage, an exciting event in Indianapolis hopes to address the gap while also inspiring the future of the industry. The Construction Zone Expo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds gathered more than 500 high school students from across central Indiana to introduce them to the world of construction and trade work, offering hands-on experiences and valuable industry insights.

"Starting them young allows them the flexibility to move through their career at any capacity they want to," said Lynn Busby, Director of Community Outreach at Indiana Careers in Construction Association. "This early exposure can help students better understand the variety of roles within the industry, which gives them more opportunities for success in the future."

The event took place in the Agriculture and Horticulture Building at the fairgrounds, with students gaining firsthand knowledge from some of the leading construction and trade organizations in the region. The expo is designed not only to showcase the potential of construction careers but also to provide a platform for future workers to connect with employers.

“Investing in future workforce development programs like the Construction Zone provides students with more than an introduction to the construction trades,” said Jon Hooker, President of the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council. "It provides them with a real opportunity to make valuable connections and even secure employment in a thriving industry."

Creating Opportunities for Students and Employers

The event is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s also about making connections. The Construction Zone Expo serves as a venue where students can network with future employers in the construction field, allowing employers to recruit individuals who are already interested and eager to enter the industry.

“They said you can learn valuable lessons, set yourself up for life, and meet new people,” said Jacob Shearer, a high school junior who attended the event. His statement highlights the broader purpose of the expo: to inspire students not only to pursue a career in construction but to build the foundation for their future.

‍Meeting the Industry's Growing Demand for Talent

According to a press release from the Indiana Careers in Construction Association, the North America’s Building Trades Unions reports a record number of new apprentices entering the building trades nationwide. However, the talent shortage continues to challenge Indiana’s construction industry. The event is aimed at filling this gap by engaging young people with the potential for careers in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more.

“I would like to do some carpentry, build some houses or some big factories or something like that,” said Kasen Jarnecke, a high school junior. Kasen’s interest in the trades reflects the type of hands-on learning and career exploration that the expo aims to offer.

With the demand for skilled labor continuing to rise, programs like the Construction Zone Expo are seen as critical to helping meet workforce needs while offering students a pathway into a well-paying and rewarding career.

The Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council

The Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council is an essential partner in the event, representing 14 union building trade organizations, 21 local unions, and more than 32,000 trade professionals in eight counties in central Indiana. These professionals play a key role in driving growth and innovation within the region's construction sector, and the expo helps strengthen the ties between the industry and the local community.

The Construction Zone Expo also gives students the chance to explore a range of potential career pathways within the construction industry. It offers an opportunity for them to hear directly from industry professionals about the benefits of joining the trades and pursuing careers that offer job security and opportunities for advancement.

Looking to the Future

Events like the Construction Zone Expo serve a dual purpose: addressing the industry's current workforce shortage while inspiring the next generation of workers who will continue the legacy of construction excellence in central Indiana. With continued support from organizations like the Indiana Careers in Construction Association and the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, the future of Indiana’s construction industry looks promising.

The Growing Need for Skilled Workers

With more opportunities for young people to explore career paths in construction and trades, the industry is positioning itself for a more diverse, skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for skilled labor. The success of the Construction Zone Expo represents a significant step forward in addressing both immediate needs and long-term workforce planning within the construction sector.

For more information on the expo and how students can get involved, please visit the Indiana Careers in Construction Association website.

Originally reported by Adam Schumes in WRTV.