With thousands of skilled workers in the construction trades set to retire this decade, more and more opportunities are arising for today’s youth to take advantage of the promising future this industry can have for them. The Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP) are hosting the 20th Annual Metro Construction Career Expo with opportunities for both students and their parents to gain a better understanding of the variety of construction trades careers available and the path to pursue one.
Themed, “Earn while you learn with no college debt,” The Metro Construction Career Expo will provide individuals with hands-on-experience as they participate in interactive activities at booths manned by representatives of the various trades, including carpenters, cement masons, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, laborers, ironworkers, sheet metal workers, operating engineers, roofers and plasterers when they visit with their schools during the day.
A special evening session for parents, students and anyone interested in a career in the construction trades is open to the public where attendees will be able to visit different stations for each of the trades to chat with representatives to learn more about what each involves. Parents will obtain additional information about how to start preparing for a future in the construction trades with suggested curriculum choices and relevant skills needed. Attendees will be provided with takeaway information, including wage and fringe benefit packages for the individual careers.
This event will be presented for the Southern Illinois Builders Association, Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program, approximately 1,000 students from schools throughout Southwestern Illinois interested in the trade industries and representatives of the various trades, including: painters, carpenters, cement masons, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, laborers, ironworkers, sheet metal workers, operating engineers, roofers and plasterers.
Students will be visiting the Expo on: Tuesday, October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A special evening session for parents, students, and anyone interested in a career in the construction trades will be held Tuesday, October 30 from 5 – 7 p.m.
The location is: Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville, IL 62220
