Design. Build. Inspire.
The CREATE® Competition is more than a program—it’s a hands-on launchpad into the world of architecture, engineering, and construction. Over the course of 10 action-packed weeks, high school students take on the role of real-world design professionals, responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) and bringing their mock project to life with guidance from experienced industry mentors.
Students roll up their sleeves to visit active job sites, tackle real client challenges, build physical models, develop floor plans and budgets, and present their final vision to a panel of experts. Along the way, they explore the skilled trades at an immersive Trades Day and gain insider knowledge that opens doors to careers in the built environment.
And the best part? It’s completely free for all high school participants—thanks to the incredible support of our mentors and sponsors.
Click here to explore the CREATE® Competition website
Design it. Build it. Bring it to life.
In the Design Build Competition®, high school teams take on an unforgettable challenge: design and construct a 96-square-foot structure from the ground up—just like professionals in the field. Working within real-world criteria, students lead every step of the process, from drafting construction documents and scheduling tasks to managing their team and building with precision.
A national panel of architecture and construction experts evaluates each project not only on the final product, but also on the team’s performance in planning, design, safety, teamwork, and craftsmanship.
CIEF and our dedicated industry partners provide all necessary materials for teams participating in the Build Competition, and many of the essentials for those competing in the Open Competition—though teams in the Open division are responsible for supplying some of their own materials.
Click here to explore the Design Build Competition® website
Get Your Hands on the Future.
Trades Day is a high-energy, hands-on experience that gives high school students a front-row seat to the exciting world of construction and the skilled trades. From wielding real tools to trying out professional equipment, students explore a wide range of career paths in the building industry—guided by the experts who live it every day.
With interactive stations led by industry pros, trade associations, and training programs, students get the chance to ask questions, make connections, and discover how to turn their interests into well-paying, in-demand careers. From apprenticeships to advanced certifications, they’ll walk away with a clear vision of the pathways available—and the inspiration to pursue them.
Thanks to the generous support of CIEF and our industry partners, all materials and supplies are provided—making it easy for students to dive in and get their hands dirty (literally).
Click here to explore the Trades Day website
Build Your Future. Lead the Industry.
NEXT Young Professionals is SRBX’s dynamic program designed to shape the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. Through powerful networking, leadership development, and career-building opportunities, NEXT empowers young professionals to grow personally, rise professionally, and connect meaningfully with peers and industry veterans alike.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next big step in your career, NEXT helps you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and bridge the gap between today’s emerging talent and tomorrow’s industry leaders.
Join a community that’s focused on growth, impact, and the future of construction.
Click here to learn more about the NEXT Young Professionals program
Questions about CIEF Programs? Contact Ashley Slovak at [email protected]
The CREATE® Competition is more than a program—it’s a hands-on launchpad into the world of architecture, engineering, and construction. Over the course of 10 action-packed weeks, high school students take on the role of real-world design professionals, responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) and bringing their mock project to life with guidance from experienced industry mentors.
Students roll up their sleeves to visit active job sites, tackle real client challenges, build physical models, develop floor plans and budgets, and present their final vision to a panel of experts. Along the way, they explore the skilled trades at an immersive Trades Day and gain insider knowledge that opens doors to careers in the built environment.
And the best part? It’s completely free for all high school participants—thanks to the incredible support of our mentors and sponsors.
Click here to explore the CREATE® Competition website
Design it. Build it. Bring it to life.
In the Design Build Competition®, high school teams take on an unforgettable challenge: design and construct a 96-square-foot structure from the ground up—just like professionals in the field. Working within real-world criteria, students lead every step of the process, from drafting construction documents and scheduling tasks to managing their team and building with precision.
A national panel of architecture and construction experts evaluates each project not only on the final product, but also on the team’s performance in planning, design, safety, teamwork, and craftsmanship.
CIEF and our dedicated industry partners provide all necessary materials for teams participating in the Build Competition, and many of the essentials for those competing in the Open Competition—though teams in the Open division are responsible for supplying some of their own materials.
Click here to explore the Design Build Competition® website
Get Your Hands on the Future.
Trades Day is a high-energy, hands-on experience that gives high school students a front-row seat to the exciting world of construction and the skilled trades. From wielding real tools to trying out professional equipment, students explore a wide range of career paths in the building industry—guided by the experts who live it every day.
With interactive stations led by industry pros, trade associations, and training programs, students get the chance to ask questions, make connections, and discover how to turn their interests into well-paying, in-demand careers. From apprenticeships to advanced certifications, they’ll walk away with a clear vision of the pathways available—and the inspiration to pursue them.
Thanks to the generous support of CIEF and our industry partners, all materials and supplies are provided—making it easy for students to dive in and get their hands dirty (literally).
Click here to explore the Trades Day website
Build Your Future. Lead the Industry.
NEXT Young Professionals is SRBX’s dynamic program designed to shape the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. Through powerful networking, leadership development, and career-building opportunities, NEXT empowers young professionals to grow personally, rise professionally, and connect meaningfully with peers and industry veterans alike.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next big step in your career, NEXT helps you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and bridge the gap between today’s emerging talent and tomorrow’s industry leaders.
Join a community that’s focused on growth, impact, and the future of construction.
Click here to learn more about the NEXT Young Professionals program
Questions about CIEF Programs? Contact Ashley Slovak at [email protected]