Building the Future: CIEF Trades Days Inspire Students Across Multiple Regions

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.
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Recent & Upcoming Trades Day Events

• Dallas–Fort Worth, TX – September 23
• Port of Los Angeles, CA – September 30
• Sacramento, CA – October 2
• Albuquerque, NM (partnering with AGC New Mexico & ACE Leadership Heavy Equipment Rodeo) – October 3
• San Antonio, TX – October 8 
• Ventura, CA – October 9 (first-year event!)
• Santa Cruz, CA – October 9

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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 Day

During 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 Day

At 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.”
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— Kimberly Wilson, Supplier Diversity & Workforce Development Program Manager, XL Construction 
​(Gold Sponsor, Sacramento Trades Day)

XL Construction Team.

Join Us to Build What’s Next

If 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.
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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.