High school students learn about construction trades at Milwaukee career fair

For a high school student deciding what to do for a living, some career routes aren’t as obvious as others.

This year’s Building Advantage Career Fair, held on Tuesday, aimed to connect construction trades careers with Milwaukee area youth seeking careers. Dozens of general contractors, subcontractors and local unions pitched to high school students from nearly 50 local schools at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium.

There were nearly 1,300 high school students and 1,500 attendees total, said Katie Connell, director of communications for Building Advantage. Around 45 contractors, unions and professional organizations set up booths. The Daily Reporter was an event sponsor.

Construction is in critical need of labor as much of the current workforce prepares for retirement and hundreds of thousands of new workers are needed to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, students are looking for careers that have competitive pay and build marketable skills.

Students arrived from schools such as Tenor High School, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, Shorewood High School and Greenfield High School and met with industry professionals from companies such as Boldt, VJS Construction Services and Staff Electric. They also had the chance to try hands-on activities simulating carpentry, electrical work, bricklaying and welding with many different union booths.

They also heard a speech from Alma Mercado, the youth outreach and program coordinator at WRTP | BIG STEP, a nonprofit working to prepare and train trades workers across the state.

The group offers entry-level training in construction skills and other certifications such as a Commercial Driver’s License.

The pre-apprenticeship programs are an onramp for young people to prepare for the industry before they move onto registered apprenticeships, said Daniel Webster, director of workforce development and community engagement for Walbec Group.

“We’re looking for people who are reliable, who have a good attitude and are willing to learn,” Webster said. “All of those are important in the on-the-job training environment.”