A student attends a demonstration of plumbing work at an event designed to promote skilled trades to high school students. The student graduates from high school. Years pass, but she remembers that day. Later, she decides to enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship program.
“That kind of impact is what makes Build My Future special,” said Charlyce Ruth, Southwest Missouri Manager of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, the organization that facilitates the program.
The interactive event is designed as a construction-focused career day targeted towards high school students. Staffed by industry professionals, students can visit hands-on demonstrations and booths and ask questions.
MEM is a proud sponsor of five Build My Future days in the fall of 2025 that will reach more than 7,500 students across the state of Missouri. What began with a single site in 2017 has grown over the years to seven locations, reaching more than 11,000 students each year. At MEM, building a skilled workforce is one of the key focuses of our Corporate Impact program, alongside improving health outcomes and promoting safety, alongside improving health outcomes and promoting safety.
MEM Safety and Risk Services consultants also regularly volunteer their time at Build My Future events, speaking with incoming students as they arrive on buses about the safety plan for the day.
Build My Future: Forging connections between students, educators, and the construction industry
Charlyce Ruth shared her experience with Build My Future in the interview below.
What is the benefit of this event?
This event raises awareness among students about the opportunities the construction industry has to offer. This is an opportunity for them to learn that there are opportunities available, such as apprenticeships or apprenticeships combined with a two-year college program.
Many people are hands-on learners. Sitting in a classroom and listening to a lecture, it just doesn’t sink in for them. In this industry, we offer numerous hands-on opportunities. At this event, we are doing things with the students, and I think that makes a difference.
What do you like about this event?
Honestly, it’s seeing a kid’s eyes light up. They see that they have choices. Many kids believe that a four-year college degree is the only option, but then they talk to people in the industry, participate in projects and activities, and realize they excel in these areas.
A few years ago, an older gentleman was watching a student work with electrical implements, and he told the student that he was doing a good job. It seemed like maybe no one had told him before that he could do something like that. That student walked away knowing he might be able to have a successful career, maybe becoming an electrician.
What does this event provide for educators?
The teachers now have a better understanding of the construction industry as a result of these events. It allows them to better guide their students. We have received feedback from vendors who have hired students after an event, and after that student graduates in the Spring.
Learn More
To learn more about Build My Future, follow the Associated General Contractors of Missouri on Facebook.
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