Students Explored Skilled Trades at UMSL Event
Approximately 1,000 students visited the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus to participate in hands-on trade activities.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Job Fairs
Live Poll
Do you believe trade jobs offer a better career path than a traditional four-year college?
Roughly 1,000 students attended a construction trade experience event at the University of Missouri-St. Louis to learn about career opportunities. The event provided hands-on activities to help participants prepare for high-demand roles in the skilled trades.
Why it matters
The event aims to bridge the gap between education and the workforce by introducing younger generations to high-demand career paths. It highlights the growing need for skilled workers as the U.S. labor market prepares for significant expansion in the sector.
The U.S. labor market is projected to add 600,000 skilled trade jobs over the next decade, with the average salary for these roles currently at approximately $67,000.
The players
University of Missouri-St. Louis
The University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public research university that serves as a center for higher education and community outreach in the St. Louis area.
The details
Students at the UMSL event engaged in various hands-on activities designed to mimic real-world construction tasks. This practical exposure seeks to tap into interest among Gen Z, where 6 in 10 members have expressed a desire to pursue careers in the trades.
Timeline
The trade experience event took place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the pattern set by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics skilled trades employment outlook regarding future workforce needs. It positions local education efforts to capitalize on the widening gap between traditional four-year degree paths and the demand for skilled labor.
Students and job seekers in St. Louis can utilize these events to explore high-earning career paths that do not require traditional degrees. This early exposure helps potential workers evaluate if a trade career aligns with their financial and professional goals.
The takeaway
The event highlights that the trades are increasingly viewed as a viable and lucrative career option for the younger generation. Interested individuals should investigate local vocational programs to gain the necessary certifications for these high-demand roles.
Further reading
Learn more about local workforce development opportunities on our Job Fairs page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firstalert4.
Live Poll
Do you believe trade jobs offer a better career path than a traditional four-year college?
