Build Mississippi is gearing up to once again host the upcoming SkillsUSA Championship and Career Expo on March 31 - April 1 at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson.
The SkillsUSA Championship is a statewide competition where hundreds of career and technical education (CTE) students go head-to-head in Mississippi’s largest youth craft competition. Teams of top CTE students from across the state will work against the clock to demonstrate their expertise in a variety of construction trades, including cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, welding, and more! This year’s state champions will advance to the national competition in Atlanta this summer.
“These competing students represent the future of Mississippi” said Build Mississippi President Brent Bean. “The future infrastructure and economic growth of our state depends on skilled workers, and these students are stepping up to meet that need. With more than 100,000 craft positions needed statewide, they are helping close the gap and will carry Mississippi into the future.”
Alongside the competition, the event will feature a Job Fair and Career Expo connecting students directly with employers actively hiring across Mississippi. Students will have the opportunity to meet industry leaders, explore internships and apprenticeships, and learn more about full time career pathways in construction. Participating companies include Thrash Commercial Contractors, Key Constructors LLC, and Yates Construction, among others.
“When students see what’s possible in construction, understand the real demand from employers, and gain hands on exposure to the industry, it changes perceptions,” said Luke Walker, Director of Business Development at Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc. “Events like this help young people picture what a career in construction can truly look like. It’s a field that pays well, is deeply rewarding, and offers strong long term opportunity.”
For more information about the SkillsUSA Championship or participation in the Career Expo, contact Build Mississippi at the information listed above.
