A buzz of excitement surrounded Cal Expo last Thursday as more than 3,000 high school students from across the region gathered for Sacramento Trades Day 2025, hosted by the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF). The annual event is designed to ignite curiosity and inspire young people to explore dynamic careers in construction, design, engineering, heavy equipment, sub-contracting, and other skilled trades.
With rows of booths, machinery, and interactive demonstrations, there was an abundance of information to share with area young people. Students grabbed hammers, mixed cement, and even suited up in personal protective equipment (PPE) to try their hand at welding. The hands-on activities provided a true taste of what a career in the trades could look like—and the opportunities that await.
Students from three SCOE junior/senior high schools attended: Nathaniel S. Colley, Sr., Elinor Lincoln Hickey, and Leo A. Palmiter. “It’s an amazing event,” said Mike Ankner, NCCT Instructor for SCOE schools. “More than 3,000 students are here from different area high schools. It’s great to see all the people here. The kids are asking great questions, trying to learn as much as they can about what career pathways might be available to them.”
As students explored, their eyes widened as they learned about competitive salaries, medical benefits, and retirement options available in trade careers. The experience opened new doors for many, sparking dreams of promising futures in industries often overlooked but vital to our communities.
Sacramento Trades Day not only showcased career opportunities but also empowered students with a sense of possibility. With support from industry partners, training programs, and post-secondary institutions, the event proved that for thousands of local students, the path to success might include a hard hat, a set of tools, and the confidence to build their own future.