DES MOINES, IOWA (April 26, 2019) — An ongoing message we are starting to hear is the need for more people to follow the path of a skilled trade for their future. There is an increasing demand for workforce in the skilled trades with little or no education occurring to promote what the industry has to offer. Build My Future was brought to Central Iowa by the Iowa Skilled Trades and their partners to help in the education of young people, educators, and the community on what this industry has to offer. We had 47 schools from across the state of Iowa with 2074 kids in attendance for the inaugural year.
The event consisted of welding, bending conduit, pulling wire, flooring, framing, HVAC, operating heavy equipment, and masonry. There were many activities that included a take-home piece created by the students. As the students arrived at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, they were welcomed by the heavy equipment and concrete pumps that they would soon get the opportunity to operate. The day started with a mandatory safety-training, where the participants were issued their own personal protective-equipment (PPE), which were required to do the activities safely. Then they were able to go out on the exhibitor floor and try anything that sparked their interest.
Those in attendance were also introduced to the first annual Iowa Skilled Trades signing-day. This event was incorporated into the day to show the importance that choosing a skilled trade can have on their future. We had 12 students participate and we were able to have their future employer attend and sign their certificate along with the signature of Governor Kim Reynolds. These students were shown the value of their choice alongside their classmates that may have had the same experience in choosing a college.
Along with our partners, we were also able to give back $10,000 to those in attendance. We had 8 schools that will each receive $750 to spend with Acme Tools; 20 students were also chosen to receive $100 VISA gift card; lastly, we have two, one female/one male, $1,000 Build My Future scholarships that will be given away in May. This is just one way that this event can continue to spread the message of the skilled trades.
One of our participants sought out the coordinators of the event and said this, “This is an amazing event and I wanted to thank you for putting it on. I just completed my application with the Missouri Valley JATC, to be a lineman, and it was fun to have my friends see what it is all about. No one tells us about this in High School and so I appreciate what you are doing.” Comments like these are flooding in from parents, students, and the schools that participated. We know that this is an event that must happen yearly in order for the message to continue: college isn’t for everyone and we need to show the different options available to our young people.
