News Summary
Over 1,000 students from multiple school districts participated in the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase, emphasizing hands-on experiences in the construction industry. The event featured activities such as operating cranes, finishing concrete, and learning about mining safety gear. As the industry seeks to fill hundreds of thousands of positions, this event showcased trade opportunities that provide immediate employment without the burden of college debt. Students engaged with industry professionals to explore various career paths within the construction sector.
Wheeling – Over 1,000 students from 30 different school districts participated in the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase at Wheeling Park on September 18, 2025. The event showcased the vital opportunities within the construction trades, emphasizing hands-on experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Students gathered inside the park’s skating rink, where dozens of companies and trade workers set up informational tables. Outside, they engaged in various hands-on activities, which included operating construction equipment such as cranes and backhoes, finishing concrete, and trying on mining safety gear. The interactive elements allowed students to gain a realistic understanding of the skills necessary for careers in construction.
Project BEST Director Nathan Butts highlighted the importance of the Showcase in attracting new individuals to the trades, especially in light of growing concerns about college debt. With many students facing substantial financial burdens from traditional college paths, learning about trade opportunities presents a viable solution. Trade professions can offer immediate employment without the extensive debt that often accompanies a college education.
According to estimates, the construction industry will require around 500,000 new workers within the next five to ten years. This demand creates significant opportunities for students looking to pursue careers in construction without accumulating debt. Aspiring apprentices can receive compensation while they are training, paving the way for a career as a full-time journeyman in various trades.
Starting wages in the union trades are competitive, ranging from $18 to $25 per hour, in addition to benefits, making these jobs attractive for many students. The event’s growth in attendance is evidenced by the increasing interest in the trades among students over the past two years. Trade representatives noted a heightened curiosity and enthusiasm among attendees as they consider future career paths.
The Showcase aimed to help students explore various construction trades and understand the options available to them post-graduation. For instance, Connor Darlington, a student from Edison High School, showed a strong interest in carpentry, while Bridgeport High School students Thad Cooper and Landrum Robbins learned about the usage of drones in the field from an American Electric Power meter electrician.
Overall, the Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase served as a crucial platform for students to connect with potential careers in the construction industry, emphasizing the practical benefits and advantages of pursuing a trade-oriented path instead of traditional academia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Burns & McDonnell Opens Construction Academy in Pearland
Local Leaders Advocate for Project Labor Agreements in Long Island Schools
New Coalition Advocates for Scaffold Law Reform in New York
Ralston High School Automotive Club Car Show Canceled Due to Rain
California Allocates $26 Million for Construction Workforce Diversity
Labor Shortages Threaten New York City’s Economic Growth
New York State Labor Audit Reveals Issues in Apprenticeship Programs
Trident Technical College Expands Future Ready Certificate Program
Flint Hosts Youth Real Estate Academy to Inspire Future Careers
New York State Mandates All-Electric Heating for New Buildings
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
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
