Held at the DECC this week, Construct Tomorrow is a two-day event that introduces high schoolers to careers in construction. Proctor High School teacher Nic Hanson attended for his 12th year. This was the first year that the school brought all of the 11th grade students.

“We have a very robust trade CTE program, and so we love to give students opportunities to learn about the trades,” said Hanson. “We try to get students understand pathways. You don’t know where life’s going to bring you, so we try to expose students to as many different career paths as possible. This is one fantastic way for students to learn about the trades every year.”

Students had the opportunity to walk around and spend time at 14 different tables. Each had a union representative present to answer any questions about the trade as well as guide students through interactive activities.

“There’s so many opportunities for kids these days, especially an event like this. Back when I went to school, we didn’t have events like this, so I had to kind of find my way into the trades. So it’s super important to to give the kids that don’t want to go to college the opportunity to get a well-paying job,” said Laborers’ Union member Derek Pederson.

The event will conclude Wednesday morning with a press conference. Speakers include Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, President of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council Jack Carlson, Director of Duluth Workforce Development Elena Foshay, and additional leaders from the community.