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The 2025 CREATE® Competition is officially underway, bringing together high school students, mentors, and industry leaders for another exciting season of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. This year’s competition will culminate on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Sacramento State University’s University Union Ballroom, where students will showcase their projects before a panel of judges and celebrate four months of hard work and mentorship. Kicking Off the 2025 Season The CREATE® season began earlier this fall with both in-person and virtual kickoff events that introduced participating schools to this year’s challenge and connected them with their industry mentors. Over the next several weeks, students will design and present creative solutions that address real-world challenges in the built environment.  Mentorship in ActionCIEF’s Youth Programs Manager, Ashley Slovak, will be meeting weekly with participating schools across Northern California to check in with student teams and their mentors as they develop their final projects. Just yesterday, volunteer mentor Jenna Baker visited Folsom High School, guiding students through their engineering plans and answering technical questions to help refine their final presentations. Mentorship remains one of the most impactful aspects of the CREATE program, connecting students directly with professionals who shape the built environment every day. During a recent site visit to West Campus High School, Ashley worked closely with the students as they completed their first run-through of design plans. One student, Zia Xiang, stood out for her enthusiasm and commitment. Zia, a junior and third year CREATE participant, shared: "I really like CREATE — it’s such a fun experience. I’ve learned a lot about working on a team with different personalities, ideas, and skills, and it’s been really cool to see how everything comes together. I also like getting to present in front of industry professionals; it’s a little nerve-wracking but exciting. Having mentors to guide us through the project makes a big difference too — it feels good knowing we’re not doing it alone. And I love getting to connect with local companies and meet people who actually work in the industry."  A Look Back at 2024Last year’s CREATE® Competition brought together 13 schools, 58 mentoring companies, and over 250 students—a reflection of the program’s growing impact. To date, CIEF has awarded over $850,000 in scholarships to help students pursue careers in construction, architecture, and engineering. Get InvolvedThe CREATE® Competition would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, mentors, and volunteers.
We’re currently seeking sponsors and volunteer judges to join us for the 2025 competition in December. Together, we’re helping students explore career pathways and inspiring the next generation to create the built environment of tomorrow. Learn More or Get Involved →
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 Over the past few weeks, the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) has been hard at work bringing Trades Day to students across the country—connecting high school youth with hands-on opportunities to explore real careers in construction, design, engineering, and the skilled trades. From Texas to California to New Mexico, each event has provided a unique experience where students meet industry professionals, test real tools and equipment, and gain insight into the many pathways available in the built environment. Recent & Upcoming Trades Day Events
And we’re not done yet—more Trades Days are on the horizon through the remainder of 2025 and into early 2026! At the end of this week, we anticipate having served over 6,000 students from the 8 Trades Days within the last three weeks! Each event brings together dozens of industry partners, including contractors, trade schools, and post-secondary programs, all eager to inspire the next generation of builders. Students get to try hands-on activities like mixing cement, welding, operating heavy equipment, and even climbing scaffolding—all while learning directly from professionals passionate about their craft. Photos include Sacramento, Port of LA, and Albuquerque locations Spotlight: San Antonio Trades Day Today, CIEF hosted its annual San Antonio Trades Day, welcoming over 1,000 students from across the region to experience hands-on career exploration in construction and related industries. This year’s event brought together an incredible network of partners, including ABC South Texas, AGC San Antonio, MCA-SMACNA, and the ASA, San Antonio, who collaborated with CIEF to create a day full of interactive learning, live demonstrations, and meaningful conversations about careers in the skilled trades. Students had the chance to connect directly with local contractors, trade organizations, and industry professionals—many for the first time—gaining a deeper understanding of how classroom skills translate to real-world opportunities in construction.  Student Voices from San Antonio Trades DayDuring the San Antonio Trades Day, students from across the region shared what inspired them to attend and what they’ve learned from the experience. A group of students from Pleasanton High School said they came to explore future career options and learn more about what the trades have to offer. Many expressed that the event opened their eyes to new opportunities beyond college. As one student put it, “College isn’t the only thing you have to do after high school. You can learn a trade, join the workforce, and get started early.” “College isn’t the only thing you have to do after high school. You can learn a trade, join the workforce, and get started early.” Meanwhile, students from Southwest Legacy High School showcased another powerful side of the event — women breaking barriers in the trades. With several of them enrolled in their school’s welding program, these students are already leading by example. One shared that her father, a welding instructor, inspired her to join, while another explained how skepticism from others only strengthened her determination to succeed. They spoke passionately about encouraging more young women to join the field: “We want to inspire younger girls to do the same and join welding as well. When the eighth graders come to visit, we want them to see that women belong here too.” Their advice for future participants? “Don’t be afraid. Be curious. Ask questions. Try everything.” Together, their stories reflect the heart of Trades Day — students discovering confidence, purpose, and passion through hands-on exploration of the trades. Partner Highlight: XL Construction at Sacramento Trades DayAt the Sacramento Trades Day on October 2, CIEF welcomed thousands of students and dozens of exhibitors, including XL Construction, a Gold Sponsor for the event. “The Sacramento Trades Day, held on October 2, 2025, proved to be a profoundly impactful event—not only for the hundreds of young individuals in attendance but also for me personally. I had the privilege of guiding young women and men in expanding their awareness and understanding of the wide-ranging career opportunities within the construction industry. I observed many take deliberate steps toward shaping their professional trajectories. Most notably, I was deeply impressed by the collective commitment and collaboration demonstrated by educators and industry partners, working through CIEF, to support and invest in the future workforce of the construction sector.”  XL Construction Team. Join Us to Build What’s NextIf you’re an educator, industry professional, or company looking to inspire students, there’s still time to get involved! Whether by registering your students, exhibiting with a hands-on activity, or sponsoring an event, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our workforce.
Visit tradesday.org to learn more, find an event near you, or sign up to participate. Together, we’re building a stronger future—one Trades Day at a time. |
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