Building the Future: 40 Years of the Design Build Competition® and Workforce Impact
Forty years ago, a small group of students and educators gathered in a Sacramento, CA parking lot to take part in a hands-on construction challenge. What began as a grassroots effort to connect young people with career pathways in the built environment has since grown into a nationally recognized workforce development movement.
Today, the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) proudly celebrates four decades of impact through its signature event: the Design Build Competition®. This program brings together high school students, instructors, and industry professionals in a fast-paced challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, technical skills, and career connected learning.
This year, the program reached an unprecedented scale:
Each of the 134 student-built structures created during the competitions finds a meaningful second life—whether donated to local nonprofits, used by schools for additional storage space, or sold to raise funds that support ongoing career and technical education programs. Through these contributions, students are not only gaining hands-on experience—they’re also giving back to their communities in tangible, lasting ways.
Students picked up tools, reviewed blueprints, and worked side by side with industry mentors to bring their designs to life. In the process, they built not only structures—but confidence, insight, and lasting connections.
Many instructors emphasized that the experience was about far more than the build itself—it was about watching students take ownership of their learning and discover meaningful opportunities in the construction industry.
The 2025 season also marked the first-ever Design Build Competition® events hosted in Oregon and Indiana, expanding the program's reach and impact across new regions. Additionally, the Sacramento event celebrated 40 years of workforce development by honoring its history and showcasing the next generation of talent.
🎥 Watch the KCRA 3 story on the 40th Anniversary NorCal Design Build Competition® →
The program’s legacy is rooted in collaboration. Contractors, suppliers, architects, and tradespeople continue to donate time, materials, and mentorship—just as they did four decades ago. Back then, a Teichert Construction supervisor reportedly told students, “You’re welcome to work in my yard anytime.” That spirit of welcome continues today.
As CIEF looks ahead, the mission remains clear: to empower students through experience, education, and exposure to rewarding careers in the built environment. Join us in building the future—one Design Build Competition® at a time.
Today, the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) proudly celebrates four decades of impact through its signature event: the Design Build Competition®. This program brings together high school students, instructors, and industry professionals in a fast-paced challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, technical skills, and career connected learning.
This year, the program reached an unprecedented scale:
- 1,789 students
- 132 schools
- 134 teams
- 7 events across 4 states: California, Texas, Indiana, and Oregon
Each of the 134 student-built structures created during the competitions finds a meaningful second life—whether donated to local nonprofits, used by schools for additional storage space, or sold to raise funds that support ongoing career and technical education programs. Through these contributions, students are not only gaining hands-on experience—they’re also giving back to their communities in tangible, lasting ways.
Students picked up tools, reviewed blueprints, and worked side by side with industry mentors to bring their designs to life. In the process, they built not only structures—but confidence, insight, and lasting connections.
Many instructors emphasized that the experience was about far more than the build itself—it was about watching students take ownership of their learning and discover meaningful opportunities in the construction industry.
The 2025 season also marked the first-ever Design Build Competition® events hosted in Oregon and Indiana, expanding the program's reach and impact across new regions. Additionally, the Sacramento event celebrated 40 years of workforce development by honoring its history and showcasing the next generation of talent.
🎥 Watch the KCRA 3 story on the 40th Anniversary NorCal Design Build Competition® →
The program’s legacy is rooted in collaboration. Contractors, suppliers, architects, and tradespeople continue to donate time, materials, and mentorship—just as they did four decades ago. Back then, a Teichert Construction supervisor reportedly told students, “You’re welcome to work in my yard anytime.” That spirit of welcome continues today.
As CIEF looks ahead, the mission remains clear: to empower students through experience, education, and exposure to rewarding careers in the built environment. Join us in building the future—one Design Build Competition® at a time.
Showing them the ropes: Trades Day for high school students held
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Local high school students took a field trip to the Nevada County Fairgrounds this week for a Trades Day event focusing on career exploration.
The Nevada County Contractors’ Association (NCCA) was the leading event partner, along with Noah Levinson, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), according to Tom Last, executive director of NCCA.
READ FULL ARTCLE.
The Nevada County Contractors’ Association (NCCA) was the leading event partner, along with Noah Levinson, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), according to Tom Last, executive director of NCCA.
READ FULL ARTCLE.
40 High Schools Compete For CIEF's 38th Annual
NorCal Design Build Construction Competition
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Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange and Construction Industry Education Foundation Celebrate Women in Construction Week
Construction Non-Profit CIEF Hosting Trades Day Event for High School Students
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UC DAVIS HOSPICE CHILDREN RECEIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS SPONSORED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
