Wheeling, September 18, 2025

News Summary

The Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase at Wheeling Park attracted over 1,000 students from 30 school districts. The event featured hands-on activities and informational booths, aiming to inspire students to consider careers in the construction trades. With significant job opportunities projected in the field, the showcase emphasized alternative pathways to traditional higher education, allowing students to explore various trade professions and engage directly with industry professionals.

Wheeling Hosts Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase

More than 1,000 students from across the Ohio Valley attended the annual Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase at Wheeling Park on September 18, 2025. This year’s event attracted participants from 30 different school districts, providing an excellent platform for students to explore various career opportunities within the construction trades.

The showcase featured a variety of companies and trade professionals who established informational tables within the park’s skating rink. Outside, students participated in hands-on activities, engaging with real equipment such as a crane and a backhoe, practicing finishing concrete, and donning mining safety gear. These practical experiences aimed to inspire students to consider pursuing a career in construction.

Importance of the Trades

Project BEST Director Nathan Butts highlighted the critical role of the event in introducing young individuals to the trade industry. With rising concerns over college debt, Butts expressed the importance of showcasing alternative pathways for students. Opportunities in the trades allow them to begin working immediately without incurring significant educational costs.

The director noted that apprenticeships offer students the chance to earn while they learn, paving the way to becoming full-time journeymen. The construction sector is expected to see a demand for approximately 500,000 new jobs in the next five to ten years. With starting wages ranging from $18 to $25 per hour, plus benefits, the trade industry presents an appealing option for many.

Growing Interest in Trade Careers

Jennifer Long, a representative from the Plasterers and Cement Mason Finishers Local 926, reported a noticeable increase in student interest in trade careers over the past two years. This trend reflects a growing awareness of viable job opportunities outside traditional academic routes.

A variety of students shared their interests in specific trades. Connor Darlington from Edison High School expressed his keen interest in carpentry, while students Thad Cooper and Landrum Robbins from Bridgeport High School engaged with Timothy Bradley, a meter electrician from American Electric Power, learning about the usage of drones in the electrical field.

Event Goals

The showcase aimed to support students in exploring diverse trades while considering their future career paths. With interactive activities and industry professionals on hand to provide information, attendees received a comprehensive look at the potential benefits and opportunities within the construction trades. The event’s success is evident in the enthusiastic participation of students and the representation of various trade organizations.

Conclusion

The Project BEST Building Construction Trades Showcase not only educated students about the construction industry but also provided a platform for many to envision their futures within these vital sectors. With the construction labor market poised for growth, the showcase facilitated dynamic connections between aspiring tradespeople and seasoned professionals.

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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

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