News Summary Wheeling, West Virginia, hosted the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase, attracting over 1,000 students from 30 school districts. The event highlighted various career opportunities in the construction industry through hands-on activities, such as operating heavy machinery and learning about mining safety. Project BEST Director Nathan Butts emphasized the importance of promoting trades as appealing alternatives to traditional college paths, especially with rising college debt. The showcase aimed to inspire students and address the increasing demand for skilled construction workers in the region. Wheeling Hosts Major Construction Trades Showcase Attracting Over 1,000 Students The city of Wheeling, West Virginia, recently hosted a significant educational event aimed at fostering interest in the construction trades. On September 18, 2025, more than 1,000 students from across the Ohio Valley converged on Wheeling Park for the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase. This event drew participants from 30 different school districts, with the goal of introducing students to various career opportunities within the construction industry. Event Structure and Activities The showcase featured a wide range of interactive and informational components. Inside the park’s skating rink, dozens of companies and trade workers set up tables to provide information about their specific trades and careers. The event was designed to give students firsthand exposure to the trades, emphasizing practical, hands-on experiences outside. Students actively engaged in activities such as operating heavy machinery, including a crane and backhoe. They had the chance to try finishing concrete and explore mining safety equipment, providing real-world insights into what careers in construction and related industries entail. These activities aimed to spark interest among young people by demonstrating the skills and tools involved in different trades. The Importance of Promoting Trade Careers Project BEST Director Nathan Butts highlighted the significance of the event for attracting new talent to the trades. He pointed out that many students are now increasingly aware of the challenges posed by college debt. The rising costs of higher education have made alternative career paths more appealing, especially those that enable individuals to start working and earning immediately without incurring substantial debt. Butts emphasized that apprenticeships provide a pathway for students to earn wages while they learn. Apprentices may become full-time journeymen without the burden of college loans, making trades an attractive option for many young people choosing their career paths. Demand for Skilled Construction Workers According to Butts, the construction industry is facing a significant demand for new workers. An estimated 500,000 construction jobs are expected to need filling within the next five to ten years. This statistic underscores the importance of events like the trades showcase in helping to meet this labor shortage by educating and inspiring future workers. Starting wages in the union trades are competitive, ranging from $18 to $25 per hour, supplemented by benefits. This wage range demonstrates the potential earning power for individuals entering these trades, further encouraging students to consider skilled labor careers. Student and Industry Perspectives Participants at the event represented a broad spectrum of interests. Jennifer Long, a member of the Plasterers and Cement Mason Finishers Local 926, noted that student interest in trades has increased over the past two years, reflecting a growing awareness of the viability and benefits of skilled labor careers. High school students also explored specific trades; for example, Connor Darlington from Edison High School expressed his strongest interest in carpentry. Others, like students Thad Cooper and Landrum Robbins from Bridgeport High School, learned about modern technology applications in utility work, such as drone usage, through presentations by industry professionals like electric company representatives. Outlook and Goals of the Showcase The primary purpose of the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase was to serve as an educational platform where students could explore different trades and consider future careers. By combining hands-on activities with informational displays, the event aims to inform young people about the opportunities available within construction, mining, electrical work, and related fields. The event’s success demonstrates a community-wide effort to address upcoming labor needs while providing students with alternatives to traditional college paths. It highlights a strategic push to develop the skilled workforce required for ongoing and future construction projects across the Ohio Valley region. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Burns & McDonnell Launches Construction Academy in Texas Local Leaders Advocate for Reforms in School Construction California Distributes $26 Million for Women in Construction Memphis Titans: Reflections on AJ Brown Trade and Team Struggles Flint Hosts Youth Real Estate Academy to Inspire Careers What Are the Secrets to Successfully Managing Your Home Building Timeline? Construction Industry Faces Workforce Decline in Mooresville Additional Resources Times Leader: 1,000 Students Attend Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase News and Sentinel: College Receives $5 Million for Job Training WTOV9: Hands-On Job Fair Introduces High School Students to Union Trade Careers Weirton Daily Times: Wheeling YMCA Breaks Ground on Expansion Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Trades
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