JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Florida’s construction industry faces a growing demand for skilled workers, local students have had the chance to explore what a career in the trades could offer.

Construction Ready’s CareerExpo returned to The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center this week with the goal of bridging the skills gap and linking students to real job opportunities in construction and other high-demand sectors.

Scott Shelar, president and CEO of Construction Ready, explained to News4JAX how the event benefits students and the wider workforce: “We want to make sure people know you don’t have to get a four-year degree to be successful in life. It’s our main message here. There are other actually better paths to success for a lot of people. That is learn a trade, become an electrician, become a plumber, become a mason and you can make a lot of money.”

The expo focused on showcasing a wide range of trades for students, including electricians, plumbers, masons, and more. However, the initiative is not just limited to high school students. “You have to start talking to young people before they get to high school, you have to make them aware of these opportunities. And we’re pushing them as young as second grade,” Shelar said.

Students who participate in the expo must already be enrolled in a trade program at their school, where they can compete in the SkillsUSA State Championships. “It’s sort of two championships in one. The state championships of the best young carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers in the state of Florida. They come here to Jacksonville every year to determine who is the very best, who is the gold medalist,” Shelar added.

Meanwhile, the construction industry is facing a dire shortage of workers, with experts estimating that over 430,000 new workers will be needed in 2025, and nearly half a million more the following year, just to keep up with demand.

Construction Ready’s CareerExpo serves as a crucial tool for addressing the growing skills gap in Florida’s construction industry. The event not only promotes skilled trades as viable career options but also provides a platform for students to get a hands-on experience that directly links them to real-world job opportunities. With the industry facing urgent hiring needs, initiatives like the CareerExpo are essential in ensuring a steady influx of qualified workers. By targeting students as early as elementary school, the program aims to nurture future talent and shape the next generation of construction professionals.

Originally reported by News 4 Jax.