‘High School Students Learn Hands-On Opportunities About the Construction Industry and Future Careers’: HCOE

This is a press release from the Humboldt County Office of Education:

The Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF), a construction education non-profit partnered with the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) and the Humboldt Builders Exchange serving 22 high schools and 300+ students at its latest construction and trades workforce development program, Humboldt Trades Day.

The event occurred at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 25th, with over 300+ junior and senior high school students from Humboldt County and 32 local companies partnering for the program. High school students gained hands-on experience at different exhibits on mock-ups, constructing walls, tiling, welding, operating equipment, using hand and power tools, and more, all while connecting with local industry professionals from the community and gaining valuable workforce experience.

“Trades Day shows what is possible when we come together and collaborate for a wonderful cause – and that is providing these students the chance to learn in-depth about all of their professional possibilities,” said CIEF Director of National Youth Programs Brittany Albaugh. “We appreciate all of our educators and partners who understand the power of real-world experiences for these youth and continue to help us inspire students’ lives and fill the industry need for passionate workers.”

“Trades Day is a great place for students to get the opportunity to have hands-on experience with the trades. We hope the students get to see and experience a trade or opportunity that they can connect with and pursue further. Both as an exhibitor and someone who helped to organize, I really enjoyed watching the students connect with the exhibitors and vice versa. After talking with many companies who attended, they were impressed with the level of questions and interest that the students showed. We look forward to expanding and improving this great event for students and businesses alike.”

—Patrick Hooven, President, Humboldt Builders Exchange

“Students had the opportunity to meet with representatives of many professions in the trades and were able to try out something new with hands-on activities. For many students it was their first time using a particular tool or piece of equipment to perform a task. It was great to see the interest and enthusiasm of the students as they got to explore many of the possibilities that are available to them. This was our second successful Trades Day. I would like to thank all the exhibitors and volunteers that made this opportunity happen for the students.” – Jack Sheppard, CTE Program Manager, Humboldt County Office of Education

“As we think about preparing Humboldt County students for their preferred future, the importance of the trades cannot be overemphasized.  I am grateful for the strong partnership we continue to nurture with the Humboldt Builders Exchange, and I applaud the efforts of CIEF in providing hands-on learning experiences for our High School students through the Trades Day event.” – Michael Davies-Hughes, Superintendent of Humboldt County Schools

This is one of many Trades Days events occurring in 2024. Last year, CIEF hosted 14 Trades Days in five states, serving over 7200 students. For more information on Humboldt County Office of Education Career and College Resource programs visit https://hcoe.org/career-college-resources/   and CIEF visit  https://www.cie.foundation/