As the construction industry continues to grapple with a persistent labor shortage, one Wisconsin nonprofit is tackling the issue from the ground up—by sparking interest in the trades among the youngest generation.

Kids Building Wisconsin, an annual educational event aimed at children and families, returns this year on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg. The free event is open to the public and designed to connect kids to the exciting possibilities of a future in construction. Organizers encourage families to register in advance at kidsbuildingwi.org to help plan for the day's activities.

The goal? Get kids excited about careers in construction—by letting them explore, touch, and operate real equipment.

“The event is meant to encourage children’s interest in the construction industry through hands-on activities, demonstrations and more than 60 interactive exhibits,” officials said.

This year's lineup features a wide range of immersive experiences, including cranes, boom lift rides, virtual reality mosaic tile building, and even steel beam photo opportunities hosted by Riley Construction, a Kenosha-based contractor.

In addition to high-tech and large-scale machinery, kids can also get up close with big construction equipment, take part in hands-on workshops, and witness live demonstrations from regional trade professionals and industry partners.

“Activities include cranes, boom lift rides, virtual reality mosaic tile building and steel bean photo opportunities from Kenosha-based Riley Construction,” officials added.

Over 60 exhibitors from across Wisconsin are participating, offering kids and their families a chance to engage directly with people working in fields like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, masonry, and heavy machinery operation. These face-to-face interactions help demystify the construction industry and showcase the diversity of career paths it offers.

Major supporters of the event include Aring Equipment Company, JF Ahern, Boldt, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, The Daily Reporter, Dodge Construction Network, Findorff, Ideal Crane Rental, IUPAT District Council 7, Peiper Power, Reynolds Equipment, Stevens Construction, and Tri-North Builders.

“Kids Building Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to hosting free educational community events and showing kids and their family the potential a career in the construction industry offers,” officials added.

The event comes at a time when the construction sector is actively seeking new ways to expand its workforce pipeline. With aging skilled workers retiring and fewer young people entering the trades, industry leaders across the U.S. are exploring innovative strategies to expose children to construction careers early on. Kids Building Wisconsin serves as one of the state’s most visible efforts to do just that.

In addition to the main event in Fitchburg, the organization hosts satellite events and school partnerships throughout the year, reinforcing its mission to build long-term interest in skilled trades and construction careers.

Whether it’s riding a boom lift, operating a crane simulator, or learning how bricks are laid, the event promises to be as educational as it is entertaining. And for many of the children attending, it might just plant the seed for a future career in construction.

Originally reported by Ethan Duran in The Daily Reporter.