Exploring the Trades. Building the Future.
Each year, the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) partners with Santa Fe College to host Careers in Construction Days — a hands-on, interactive event that introduces high school students to rewarding careers in the construction industry.
More than 200 students from 20+ high schools across Alachua and surrounding counties attend this one-day event to discover the many career paths available in the trades.
Students rotate through five interactive trade stations — Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Carpentry/Building Maintenance, and the University of Florida’s Building Construction (BCN) Program — where industry professionals and instructors bring the trades to life with tools, equipment, and live demonstrations.
After exploring each trade, students meet with local employers and contractors to learn about apprenticeship opportunities, internships, and future career paths. The day wraps up with pizza, networking, and plenty of inspiration for what’s next.
Careers in Construction Days is more than an event — it’s a first step toward building a skilled, confident, and successful workforce for our community.
Hands-on learning. Real connections. Building the next generation of skilled trades.
Each year, hundreds of students within our communites discover career paths in the trades at Careers in Construction Days. Through hands-on trade stations and networking with local employers, students gain real-world insight into construction careers and apprenticeship opportunities.
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a student eager to explore the trades, a teacher helping guide future builders, or an employer ready to inspire — there’s a place for you at Careers in Construction Days.
“This event opened my eyes to all the opportunities in the trades — I can actually see myself building a career in construction.”
— 2024 Student Participant
“We met students who are now apprentices in our company — this event really connects the dots.”
— Local Employer
“Careers in Construction Days is one of the most impactful field experiences our students attend all year. They come back energized, talking about hands-on careers they didn’t even know existed. It’s opened doors for so many of them — especially those who thrive in hands-on learning environments.”
— High School Counselor, Alachua County
“My son came home from Careers in Construction Days more excited than I’ve ever seen him about school or his future. He couldn’t stop talking about his experience and the people he met. Now he’s looking into the apprenticeship program and talking about becoming an electrician — it really lit a spark in him.”
— Parent of 11th Grade Student
Our Industry Partners Make It Possible
Careers in Construction Days is powered by the support of our local industry leaders. Thank you to the employers, sponsors, and volunteers who help us inspire tomorrow’s skilled workforce.
Check out our lastest sponsors and if you want to know more about them, click on their logo.
Want to see more photos?
Contact Us
Sara Emmanuel
Apprenticeship Director
sara@bancf.com
352-372-5649
Justin MacDougall
Associate Director
justin.a.macdougall@sfcollege.edu
352-395-5251