Skilled trade event showcases career options for Iowa high school students

DES MOINES, Iowa — More than 7,000 Iowa high school students took part in the Build My Future event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Wednesday.

Build My Future is sponsored by companies offering apprenticeship programs in skilled trades. They include construction, automotive, manufacturing, energy, and others.

Iowa has a shortage of skilled workers and salary misconceptions could be a big reason why

“So many people didn’t think you could make a good living in the trades. So carpenters at the end of four years $60,000, electricians $80,000, HVAC $90,000. You can live very well on those. And you get to change, you’re not stuck in an office every day. You can move around. And virtually, you can work your way up and own your own businesses,” said Gary Scrutchfield, President of Iowa Skilled Trades.

According to Future Ready Iowa, 68% of jobs in our state will require training and education beyond high school by next year.

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