News Summary
Over 1,000 students from multiple school districts participated in the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase, which provided insights into various trades. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities and learned about career opportunities in the construction industry. The event emphasized the growing demand for skilled workers and the importance of vocational training, particularly as traditional educational paths decline. Students expressed interest in pursuing careers in trades like carpentry, motivated by the potential for stable jobs without the burden of college debt.
Wheeling, WV – More than 1,000 students from across the Ohio Valley participated in the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase held at Wheeling Park on September 18, 2025. The event attracted students from 30 different school districts, providing them with valuable insights into the construction industry.
The showcase featured dozens of companies and trade professionals who set up informational booths inside the park’s skating rink. Outside, students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as operating a crane and a backhoe, finishing concrete, and trying on mining safety equipment, which allowed them to experience elements of various trades first-hand.
Project BEST Director Nathan Butts highlighted the significance of the event in attracting new individuals to the construction trades. With college debt becoming a growing concern for many students, Butts emphasized the importance of exploring trade opportunities that enable individuals to start working without incurring substantial debt. He pointed out that apprentices can receive payment while training, ultimately guiding them to become full-time journeymen.
The demand for skilled workers in the construction sector is anticipated to grow dramatically in the coming years. Butts estimated that approximately 500,000 construction jobs will be available in the next five to ten years. This rising demand underscores the importance of informing students about viable career paths in the construction trades, which not only offer opportunities for stable employment but also competitive wages. According to industry data, general starting wages across union trades can range from $18 to $25 per hour, in addition to benefits.
The event also indicated a notable trend toward increased student interest in trade careers. Jennifer Long, a member of the Plasterers and Cement Mason Finishers Local 926, reported a rise in interest among students over the past two years. This shift is significant in light of the declining numbers of individuals entering traditional college paths, as more young people recognize the potential of trade occupations.
Among the attending students, Connor Darlington from Edison High School expressed a strong interest in pursuing carpentry as a career. At the same time, Bridgeport High School students Thad Cooper and Landrum Robbins learned about the application of drones under the guidance of American Electric Power meter electrician Timothy Bradley. These hands-on experiences allowed students to explore the practical applications of different trades while considering their future career options.
The Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase serves as a valuable platform for students to connect with industry professionals, explore various trades, and learn about the many career opportunities available in the construction field. By attending such events, students can gain insights into a sector that is essential to the infrastructure and economy, while also securing their futures in lucrative and rewarding professions.
The growing focus on showcasing the construction trades not only serves to inform students regarding specific occupations but also plays a critical role in addressing the skills gap in the industry. As the construction sector continues to evolve and demand for skilled labor increases, events like the Project BEST showcase become crucial in motivating the next generation of construction professionals.
Overall, the enthusiasm displayed by students at the showcase highlights a positive trend toward exploring vocational training and entering the workforce without the burden of significant educational debt. As the construction industry continues to grow, it is essential that students are aware of the opportunities available to them in building a successful career.
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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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