CIEF - Construction Industry Education Foundation
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We are excited to offer new locations this year, check below to see if we are coming to a city near you!

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Trades Day introduces high school youth to industry career opportunities in construction, design, sub-contracting,
heavy equipment, engineering, and other skilled trades.

 
We hope you--our partners from the trades, industry, training and post-secondary programs, and others--will join us to inspire local students to pursue careers in construction. Bring a hands-on activity for students to explore all the industry has to offer; teach them how to swing a hammer, try their hand at mixing cement, scale a wall for roofing, or throw on some PPE and get them welding. Anything to get their hands and minds moving!
​
Take part in an exciting opportunity to pass along what excites you about your profession!
CLICK HERE FOR TRADES DAY RESOURCES
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2024 EVENT INSIGHTS

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27% OF ATTENDEES IDENTIFIED AS FEMALE | 68% ATTENDEES IDENTIFIED AS HISPANIC


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WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY

FROM EXHIBITORS

FROM STUDENTS

FROM INSTRUCTORS

HOW TRADES DAY CAME TO BE

Historical Timeline
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1996 - First Event in Boston

The Boston Private Industry Council and Boston schools sponsor the first Groundhog Job Shadow Day. About 300 students from four high schools in Boston participate, shadowing public officials and workers from Boston businesses.
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1997 - Massachusetts Expansion

The success of the initial event leads to Groundhog Job Shadow Day being marked again in Massachusetts in February 1997. The event continues to gain local attention and support. In late 1997, the National Job Shadow Coalition was created, bringing Groundhog Job Shadow Day to the national level in 1998.
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Late 90s - Start of Trades Day

Over 100,000 students participated in the first national observance.​ Groundhog Job Shadow Day sparks the beginning of Trades Day in the local area. In the first couple of years, students are transported to various venues to experience what the industry has to offer. Notable destinations include Nacht & Lewis and the plumbers training center.

THE EVOLUTION OF TRADES DAY

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2015 - Change of Scenery

In 2015, the Plumber and Pipefitter’s Training Facility in Sacramento invited students to attend a Saturday morning event which was attended by many of the building trades. In addition to the hands-on career exploration, students left with several small projects that they had constructed that morning – including tool boxes, tile mosaics, small lamps, and more. 
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2017 - CIEF Growth and Evolution

Formally known as the SRBX Education Foundation (now CIEF) expands the event to invite students who were not already participating in one of CIEF’s other workforce programs and moved the event to Raley Field. The additional space allowed for heavy equipment and showcased a wider range of industries while also reaching more students.
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2019 - CIEF Grows Local Trades Day Event and Markets Nationally

The event moves to Cal Expo in 2019, drawing over 1,000 students and 50 exhibitors. In 2022, CIEF Trades Day went national, visiting 12 cities in two states. By 2023, it reached 15 cities across three states, serving over 5,000 students. In 2024, CIEF expanded to five states with an estimated 9,000 students attending.
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FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

CALIFORNIA

CHICO | 1.23.25
humboldt | 4.24.25
inland empire | 10.22.24
port of la | 9.26.24
simpson strong-tie - riverside | 10.16.24
SACRAMENTO - HIGH SCHOOLS | 10.2.25
SACRAMENTO - MIDDLE SCHOOLS | 3.7.25
santa cruz county | 10.23.24
san diego | 11.7.24
SIMPSON STRONG-TIE - stockton | 10.4.24
TULARE & KINGS COUNTIES | 9.26.24

INDIANA

INDIANAPOLIS | 11.07.24

TEXAS

AUSTIN | 11.14.25
DFW | 9.23.25
HOUSTON | 10.29.25
SIMPSON STRONG-TIE - McKinney | 10.16.24
San Antonio | 11.13.24

NEW MEXICO

ALBUQUERQUE | 10.4.24

OHIO

SIMPSON STRONG-TIE - COLUMBUS | 10.16.24

OREGON

portland | 11.19.24

For more information or questions about Trades Day, please contact Brittany Albaugh at [email protected] or 916.465.8341.
© Copyright 1901-2025 Construction Industry Education Foundation
In Partnership with the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange
5370 Elvas Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95819 p: 916.442.8991
2211 Michelson Drive, Suite #900-127, Irvine, CA 92612
2001 Ross Avenue, Suite #700-182, Dallas, TX 75201 p: 214.241.1090
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Trustees
    • STAFF
    • DEI Statement
    • In The News
    • Job Opportunities
    • Grants
    • Refund Policy
  • CHAPTERS
    • DFW
    • HOUSTON
    • CENTRAL TEXAS
    • NORCAL
    • SOCAL
    • INDY
    • OREGON
  • Programs
    • CREATE Competition >
      • CREATE Competition Submit
      • CREATE Competition Deliverables
    • CIEF Summer Camp
    • Design Build >
      • CALIFORNIA >
        • Northern California
        • Southern California
      • OREGON >
        • Salem
      • TEXAS >
        • DFW
        • Houston
      • INDIANA >
        • Indiana
      • FAQ
    • Trades Day >
      • California >
        • Chico
        • Humboldt
        • Inland Empire
        • Port of LA
        • Sacramento - High Schools
        • Sacramento - Middle Schools
        • San Diego
        • Santa Cruz County
        • San Francisco
        • Tulare & Kings Counties
      • INDIANA >
        • Indianapolis
      • New Mexico >
        • Albuquerque
      • Texas >
        • DFW
        • Houston
        • Austin
        • San Antonio
      • Oregon >
        • Portland
      • Trades Day Resources
    • NEXT Young Professionals
    • Scholarships
  • Get Involved
    • View Programs in Your Area
    • Regional Board of Directors
    • Mentoring
    • Instructors
  • Classes
  • Events
    • Crab Feed
    • Presidents' Week Brewfest
    • Spring Golf Tournament
    • Design Build Competition
    • Spring Clay Shoot
    • Golf Invitational
    • Brew Bikes
    • Legends Golf Tournament
    • Tri-tip Shootout
    • Charity Golf Classic
    • Casino Royale
    • Builders Cup
    • Trades Day
    • Women in Construction >
      • WIC 2025 Registration
      • 2024 Sessions + Speakers
      • WIC Programs
      • 2024 Rewind
      • 2023 Rewind
      • FAQs
    • CREATE Awards Lunch
    • Contractors Caring for Kids
  • Calendar
  • Donate