Over 1,300 students from 55 schools across Eastern Iowa are gearing up for the Eastern Iowa Build My Future Construction Career Day, an event that aims to immerse students in the construction industry. Taking place on April 29 at the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center in Cedar Rapids, the event is hosted by the Future Builders of Iowa and offers an exciting, hands-on learning experience for middle and high school students.

This annual event provides students in grades seven through twelve the opportunity to explore the wide range of careers available within the construction industry. Attendees will engage in interactive learning labs, with industry experts from over 50 local construction and related companies leading sessions on carpentry, plumbing, heavy equipment, masonry, drywall, and more. There will also be equipment operation demonstrations and educational displays to give students an inside look at what the industry entails.

The event’s goal is to show students that the construction industry offers many viable career opportunities that don’t require a four-year college degree. It is designed to give them the chance to test different careers and discover areas that might pique their interest.

"The lack of skilled workers continues to be a major challenge for builders and general contractors," said Tim Ruth, board member of the Iowa City Area Home Builders Association Vocational Training Council. "Showing students the various career opportunities in the construction trades while they’re still in school gives them time to explore and decide if it’s a rewarding career choice for them. We hope that many of them will eventually join the field."

For Andy Becker, a board member of the Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Association and volunteer at the event, the rewards of engaging with students are clear. “It’s been so rewarding to work alongside local trade professionals to showcase the opportunities available right here in Iowa,” said Becker, who has volunteered for three years. “Sparking interest in the construction trades early is vital for keeping pace with industry growth and building a strong workforce for the future.”

In addition to hands-on experiences, the event will also feature the second annual Industry Skills Competition for Carpentry and Welding. Teams from 11 local high schools will compete in timed challenges, constructing an assigned project onsite. Individual students will participate in a stick welding competition, with prizes awarded to the top carpentry teams and welders.

The event, organized by Future Builders of Iowa—a non-profit group supported by the Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders and the Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Associations—aims to develop the region’s construction workforce.

"Our mission is to empower and educate students about the vast array of opportunities available in construction and related industries," said Amy Pearson, Workforce Development Director for Future Builders of Iowa. “By inspiring the next generation of professionals, we aim to help sustain a vibrant and skilled workforce for Iowa’s construction industry.”

The Build My Future event highlights the growing need for skilled workers in the construction industry and offers an exciting opportunity for young people to learn about rewarding careers they may not have previously considered. The event is set to provide valuable insights into the future of construction and workforce development in the state of Iowa.

This event also gives students a chance to network with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain inspiration for their potential future careers. With the industry's demand for skilled workers steadily growing, this interactive event is helping to ensure that future generations are well-prepared for success in the construction sector.

Future Builders of Iowa’s initiative reflects their broader efforts to support the state’s construction workforce through education, skills development, and workforce training. The event has become an important part of Iowa’s construction workforce development efforts, serving as a blueprint for future career days in other regions.

Originally reported by CBJ News Staff in Corridor Business.