Crown Point High School’s trades students traveled to the 9th Annual Lake County Construction & Skilled Trades Day at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Hosted by the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF), this event offered students the chance to explore career paths and develop new skills beyond the classroom. 

Students rotated through interactive booths presented by representatives from various trades. Each booth provided hands-on activities designed to showcase the skills and problem-solving that take place daily in the trades. Trades in attendance included carpentry, plumbing, roofing, painting, and more. Over 125 volunteers were present to interact with the students and share their expertise. 

"The annual We Build NWI Skilled Trades event provides students with an opportunity to not only speak directly with skilled craftsmen that are professionals in each of the 18 represented building trades, it also allows them to experience each trade in a hands-on fashion,” says Brian Trapp, a machining instructor at CPHS. “From brick laying to heavy equipment operators, to HVAC, and plumbing, students are provided with an invaluable learning experience that engages them with the work in a way that a website simply cannot replicate.”

In addition to gaining practical insight, participation in this event counts towards students’ Indiana graduation requirement for career exploration. Through career-specific events like Trades Day, students strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world opportunities. 

“Trade shows can play a valuable and practical role in preparing students for life after high school, especially in helping students explore careers, develop professional skills, and understanding the various trades in the workforce,” says Scott Rettig, CPHS trades teacher. 

CPHS’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) trades programs provide hands-on training in high-demand fields such as precision machining, construction, engineering, and automotive technology. Students begin with a prerequisite course covering essential industry skills and safety standards, then progress to advanced, specialized classes. Through this structured sequence, students gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in the trades. 

Whether they are considering a trade as a career or just enjoy being a part of the CPHS programs, this Construction & Skilled Trades Day allows students to see professionals at work and pick up tips and tricks they can carry with them both back to the classroom and into the future.

This article was written by CPHS student communications intern Cailin Ward.