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 Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania dedicated a full day to the younger students to allow for a more comfortable, focused experience.

“They’re able to be more engaged and curious without feeling pressured,” said Kevin Reilly, executive vice president, The Builders Association. “That early exposure can spark interest in something they may not even realize is an option for them yet.”

Early exposure, long-term impact

Middle school might seem a little soon to start talking about careers, but educators, skilled trades professionals and career counselors agree it’s the perfect age to begin.

“These kids are just starting to think about what they want to be when they grow up,” said Tressa Shearer, math teacher, Lakeview Schools in Pennsylvania. “They’ve all heard of doctors and lawyers, but they haven’t been exposed to trades unless someone in their family does it. This kind of event changes that perspective.”

Shearer believes the hands-on aspect at the Expo is key.

“It’s not just talking, it’s doing, and that makes it real for them.”

Early awareness could be part of a long-term solution with the demand for skilled labor increasing.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the construction industry will add over 380,000 jobs by 2033 and is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Laying a foundation that feeds the workforce

According to Brian Collier, a field representative with Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 23, the trade could use 60 to 70 new workers immediately in the region.

“Too often, these careers are overlooked, and it’s not until someone stumbles into them by chance,” Collier said. “But if we plant the seed early, more students can picture themselves in a skilled trade.”

His own career path was shaped by a moment of early exposure.

“When I was five, my dad pointed out a bricklayer on a job site and told me to watch how he worked. That image stuck with me and made me realize this was a specialty skill,” he said.

However, the seeds may be starting to take root.

Avery B, an eighth grader from Southington, asked Collier questions about bricklaying. It opened her eyes to a career path she hadn’t considered.

“It’s cool to actually see the work, and I could try it myself,” she said. “I didn’t know you could make that much money or have a job like that.”

As for wages, Collier added that the entry-level pay for bricklayers starts at about $22 an hour and goes up to $40 an hour for a journeyman.

“Overtime pay is time and a-half, and with the benefits, total compensation can reach around $60 an hour,” he said.

Changing the conversation around careers

The Expo reflects the shift from the traditional “college first” mindset to showcasing opportunities in the trades.

“Middle schoolers might not be ready to choose a career, but they’re definitely ready to what’s out there,” Reilly said. “This is about showing them that college isn’t the only road to success.”

The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, along with Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Columbiana County Career and Technical Center and Trumbull Career and Technical Center, have worked with The Builders and Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades since the event’s inception to connect schools and students with careers.

“Right now, we’re running building trades courses in 18 schools and serving at least 800 high school students,” said Rob Eggleston, career counseling coordinator, ESC of Eastern Ohio. “It all starts with exposure, tours, speakers and hands-on activities. They’re all tailored by age to spark interest early.”

Schools recognize that early exploration helps them make better informed decisions when they reach high school.

“The hope is that by the time they’re juniors and seniors, they can narrow things down to a specific interest,” Reilly said.

Although not every student will choose a skilled trades career, the goal is to provide a broader vision.

“They might not remember everything they experienced, but they’ll remember they have options,” Shearer said.

To explore all careers and apprenticeships available in the building trades, or with questions, click here.