The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), in partnership with the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF), announced the return of Construction & Skilled Trades Days, taking place November 17–18 at Wheeler High School. For the first time, the previously separate Lake and Porter County events will come together for an immersive two-day event that introduces students from across Northwest Indiana to careers and apprenticeships in the skilled trades.
Since its launch in 2017, the event has grown in popularity, welcoming thousands of high school students from across Northwest Indiana to explore careers in construction and the skilled trades. As participation has increased, the move to the expansive field house provides a central location for both students and trade organizations, with room for expanded mock worksites and hands-on activities. The surrounding campus also provides opportunities to extend activities outdoors with construction equipment and other large-scale displays.
Throughout the event, participants will have opportunities to learn about apprenticeships as pathways into in-demand careers. They can experience aspects of the work for themselves, from masonry and sheet metal activities to pipefitting and equipment simulators, under the guidance of apprentices, trainers and experienced tradespeople. The program is designed to give students an interest in skilled trades a chance to engage directly with industry professionals, ask questions and gain a better understanding of available career pathways.
“One of the most rewarding parts of Construction & Skilled Trades Day is the chance to introduce young people to these careers,” said Kevin Comerford, Director of Professional Development for the Construction Advancement Foundation. “Nearly 10 years in, we are now encountering apprentices and even journeymen who first attended the event as high school students. Seeing them come full circle is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact these experiences can have on a young person’s career.”
CWI and CAF host Construction & Skilled Trade Days in collaboration with Indiana Plan, the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, READY NWI, and We Build Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council endorses the event, reflecting a shared commitment to developing the region’s next generation of skilled workers.
“Giving young people opportunities to experience these careers firsthand is an investment in Northwest Indiana’s future,” said Lisa Daugherty, President and CEO of the Center of Workforce Innovations. “As experienced tradespeople retire and new projects create demand for skilled workers, connecting students with these career pathways today helps build the workforce our region will need tomorrow.
Schools looking to register for the event can do so by visiting https://bit.ly/2026CSTD. Information about skilled trades and career pathways within Northwest Indiana can be found at www.webuildnwi.com. For questions about Construction & Skilled Trades Day, contact Ami Reese at (219) 981-4126 or areese@cwicorp.com.
Enrollment starts in late May, and classes begin in early June. To learn more or sign up, call 1-866-GRAD219 or email grad219@cwicorp.com.
