Madison-area “Careers in Construction” event has students get hands-on with skilled trades careers 

Representatives from Wisconsin’s building trades unions will gather in Fitchburg on Wednesday for Careers in Construction, a hands-on event designed to help high school students explore pathways into the skilled trades.

The event will give students, teachers, and industry partners the opportunity to connect directly with union representatives and learn more about careers in construction through interactive activities across multiple crafts. The event also highlights apprenticeship as a practical path into high-demand careers with strong wages, hands-on training, and no student debt.

The event takes place April 8, 2026, at IUPAT DC7, located at 2919 Commerce Park Dr., Fitchburg, running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students, teachers, and industry partners will have the opportunity to interact directly with union representatives and explore careers in construction through live demonstrations and hands-on activities spanning multiple crafts.

A central focus of the event is apprenticeship — highlighting it as a practical, debt-free alternative to a four-year degree that offers strong wages, hands-on training, and long-term career opportunity in a high-demand industry.