Blog & News

Stay up-to-date on the latest from The Builders Association.

Builders’ annual meeting highlights growth, momentum in the industry

The Builders Association capped off a year of progress at its annual meeting held at The Lake Club by reflecting on strong performance, honoring leadership and reinforcing its commitment to workforce development. Executive Vice President Kevin Reilly reported a 2.1% increase in man hours from 2024 to 2025, reaching just

Bustin’ Clays hits the mark to support students entering the skilled trades

With shotguns in hand and the trades in mind, members of The Builders Association gathered for the second annual Bustin’ Clays with The Builders. The sold-out event was held on November 5 the Lawrence County Sportsmen’s Association to raise money for pre-apprenticeship programs, scholarships and education expenses. Industry professionals from

Prefabricated construction install suspended in air

The Growing Importance of Prefabrication in Construction

The Builders Association understands the significant shift within the construction industry towards more efficient and innovative building methods. Among these methods, prefabrication, also known as off-site construction, has grown as best practice for contractors. Prefabrication entails the manufacturing of building components in a controlled environment, components which are later transported

MVCC Student wearing hoodie and hard hat at construction site

4 Reasons Why Northeast Ohio Businesses Trust Builders Association Members

Northeast Ohio businesses deserve reliability, skilled craftsmanship, and seamless project delivery. That’s why when it’s time to break ground—or close out a major commercial build—the Builders Association members are the go-to contractor options. From union certification and hands-on experience, these contractors consistently deliver on time, on budget, and with exceptional

Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Pre-Apprentice Competition banner displayed at the Skilled Trades Expo, featuring construction images of students working with heavy equipment, steel framing, and HVAC systems. The banner welcomes participants and encourages student involvement in skilled trade careers.

Pre-apprentice competition tests real-world knowledge at Skilled Trades Expo

Answering construction-related questions on paper is one thing. Applying that knowledge to an actual job is a game changer. One of the main events at the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo was the pre-apprentice competition. At least two dozen area high school students participated between days two and three of

Skilled Trades Expo cultivates future talent through early exposure  

A record-breaking 6,500 students attended the 2025 Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo, but it was especially encouraging to see 2,200 middle schoolers show up on the first day. The sixth annual event was held at the Canfield Fairgrounds on September 16-18. For the last two years, The Builders Association of

Two golfers play on the putting green during The Builders Association golf outing, with one lining up a putt under sunny skies surrounded by trees.

Teeing up connections at The Builders annual golf outing

Members filled the fairways for a day of camaraderie, networking and summer fun at The Builders Association’s annual golf outing. Participants took their best shots at Trumbull Country Club on August 18. The event is about strengthening relationships among contractors, suppliers and partners. “Sometimes our members don’t get to see

bulldozer clearing a construction site

Specialized Equipment Used in Construction Site Clearing

Before any construction project can begin, the site must be properly cleared to create a safe and stable foundation. Site clearing involves removing trees, rocks, debris, and existing structures, as well as grading the land to ensure a level surface. To accomplish this efficiently, construction professionals rely on specialized equipment

Group of pre-apprentice students and instructors stand together in front of The Builders Association sign, celebrating scholarship and competition winners for skilled trades training.

Pre-apprentice payoff: Trade careers shaped by scholarships, chair builds

Nine area high school students have been awarded scholarships by The Builders Association for their commitment to the skilled trades. They were recognized on April 30 at The Builders headquarters and received gift cards to help with the next step of their journey. “We know the cost for a good

Instructor observes as a student in safety gear climbs a steel beam during a hands-on ironworking training exercise at a skilled trades facility.

Educators get eye-opening lessons on skilled trades apprenticeships

At least 75 school counselors and teachers from the Mahoning Valley are now better equipped to guide students toward meaningful careers in the skilled trades. They attended a presentation on March 28 at the Ironworkers Local 207 JAC Training Center in Boardman. It was hosted by The Builders Association, Mahoning