High school students from Johnson, Jefferson, Union, Hamilton, White, Saline, Perry, Jackson, Williamson, Franklin and Washington Counties will have the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience in the construction trades during the 25th Annual Southern Illinois Construction Industry Career Expo, scheduled for September 23–25, 2025, at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.
The Expo is organized by the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP). Students must pre-register though their school’s teachers or counselors to attend.
“The demand for skilled tradespeople has never been greater,” said Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA. “This Expo allows students to discover a rewarding career path where they can earn wages and receive benefits while training—without the heavy burden of college debt.”
One of the Expo’s highlights, according to SIBA, is a comparison between college education costs and apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades. The organization says that while college students often face years of tuition expenses and student loans, apprenticeships provide wages and a benefits package starting on day one. Apprentices “earn while they learn,” gaining valuable experience, certifications, and financial stability without accumulating debt.
Trade unions represented include the Bricklayers; Boilermakers; Carpenters; Cement Masons/Plasterers; Electricians; Iron Workers; Laborers; Plumbers & Pipefitters; and Sheet Metal Workers.
