Today, students from across District 186 attended the Central Illinois Building Trades Career Day, a dynamic, hands-on event that highlights career opportunities in the Union Building Trades of Central Illinois. This annual event welcomes students from middle schools, high schools, trade schools, and colleges, offering them a firsthand look at careers in construction and skilled trades.
District 186 is committed to exposing our students to a variety of career pathways throughout their school journey, ensuring they are prepared for life after graduation. At today's event, students from all of our middle and high schools explored a wide range of trade opportunities through interactive and hands-on activities. From welding in virtual reality to climbing high beams and operating heavy machinery, our students were engaged and inspired by the many possibilities the trades have to offer.
Superintendent Jennifer Gill, who calls this one of her favorite events of the year, joined the students, interacting with them and hearing about their aspirations. She connected with industry professionals, including Aaron Guernsey, Business Agent for Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 137, and Brian Baskett, President of Iron Workers Local 46, as well as many others from the trades. She saw so many familiar faces and enjoyed catching up with individuals passionate about providing these opportunities for our students.
Events like this are vital for our students as they help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By engaging directly with industry professionals and exploring hands-on experiences, students can visualize future possibilities, make informed decisions about their career paths, and gain exposure to high-demand, high-paying jobs in the trades.
We are proud to share that over 500 students from District 186 attended today’s event.
Thank you to all the unions, organizations, and individuals who made this event possible and impactful. Together, we’re building stronger futures for our students!