Construction leaders and workforce organizations across Indiana are working to confront the growing shortage of skilled labor in the industry. According to the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, the state will need more than 1,000 additional construction workers by next year to keep up with demand driven by infrastructure upgrades, commercial development, and housing needs.
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To help build a stronger talent pipeline, the Construction Industry Education Foundation hosted Indiana Trades Day — a statewide event designed to immerse high school students in real-world construction careers. The hands-on experience allows teens to operate tools and equipment under professional guidance while connecting with employers who are actively recruiting.
Brittany Albaugh, director of national youth programs for the organization, said there are significant misconceptions about the industry. Many people assume construction only involves basic manual labor, but Trades Day highlights the wide diversity of specialized fields now shaping the built environment.
"We have masonry here. We have electric panels," Albaugh said. "We have VR headsets, if they are into technology, video gaming—we're showing them all of these opportunities."
The event reflects broader industry trends toward advanced technology, including virtual design, robotics, and drones — tools that help improve efficiency, reduce jobsite hazards, and attract tech-interested students who may not see construction as a modern career.
More than a dozen schools participated this year, including Pike High School. Construction teacher Jason Hochstedler said the program allows his students to visualize themselves in a successful future and discover their strengths.
"We do have a shortage," Hochstedler said. "The vendors here, will tell the kids that they're looking for young kids."
In addition to building awareness, industry organizers are hoping this outreach helps reshape the workforce pipeline long-term. Many graduating students aren’t aware that apprenticeships, certifications, and entry-level industry roles often lead to higher-than-average wages without requiring a four-year college degree.
Construction employers at the event emphasized that immediate job openings exist across Indiana — from carpentry and electrical work to project management and heavy equipment operation. As major infrastructure and development projects ramp up, the need for young, skilled workers is only expected to grow.
Organizers say they plan to expand Trades Day into a multi-event program held in several regions each year, ensuring more students gain access to career exploration opportunities.
Indiana officials and education partners are increasingly viewing these workforce development efforts as essential to supporting the state’s long-term economic stability — while also giving students strong pathways into well-paying, in-demand careers.
Originally reported by Timoria Cunningham in WFYI.
