SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Ozark Region Workforce Development Board and the City of Springfield Department of Workforce Development have partnered with a collaborative of local contractors, organizations, and institutions for the second annual award-winning Build My Future Construction Showcase March 28, 2018 at the E-Plex, 1009 W. Smith St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 1800 high school juniors and seniors from across the state will have the opportunity to interact with hands-on exhibits showcasing careers in construction, architecture, bricklaying, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and more. At 8:30 a.m., Springfield Mayor Ken McClure will read an official proclamation from the City about Build My Future. Following his speech, Springfield Chamber of Commerce President Matt Morrow and Greene County Commissioner Bob Cirtin will also say a few words.
“We are so excited and looking forward to our 2nd Annual Build My Future Event,” Tracy Polk, Workforce Development Supervisor, said. “We have over 1,800 students coming from across the state and over 70 exhibitors. We have collaborated with several organizations in order to put this event on and it has grown substantially since our inaugural event in 2017. We are showing the students the different avenues of construction and what jobs are available and possibly look at other career pathway options.”
The Build My Future model has garnered attention from organizations across the State of Missouri and nationally. Recently, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) has awarded the Build My Future Collaborative with the 2018 W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award. This award is given to one recipient nationwide annually. NAWB advocates for more than 550 workforce development boards (WDBs) nationwide and their network of American Job Centers.
To see footage of last year’s event including interviews with students and exhibitors, click here. For additional information about Build My Future visit buildmyfuturesgf.com.
A special thanks to this year’s Program & Master level sponsors: the Carpenters Regional Council, Laborers Local 663, MoDOT, HBA of Greater Springfield, City of Springfield, The Builder’s Association, the Ozark Region Workforce Development Board, Springfield Contractors Association, Branco Enterprises, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Local 10 Ironworkers, Ozarks Technical Community College, DeWitt & Associates, Nabholz Corporation, and Missouri State University.
For information about the event, please contact Tracy Polk, [email protected], 417-841-3324