Trades Day 2025

Such a great Trades Day 2025!

We hosted over 1100 students and faculty from Santa Cruz County, San Mateo County, and North Monterey County, and 31 exhibitors!

Thank you to our partners at CIEF, Construction Industry Education Foundation, the City of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, and a huge thank you to our Cornerstone Sponsor, XL Construction, and all of our amazing sponsors! We couldn’t have done it without you.

A Huge Thank You to all of our Sponsors

Event Partner

Cornerstone Sponsor

Photos by Katherine Lee

Here's what students are saying ...

“This event helped me know what side jobs look appealing while I’m in and out of college. Architecture looks really fun.”

—Aiden O., 12th grade, Santa Cruz High School

“The booths were great and provided so much information.”

—Christian M., 12th grade, Aptos High School

“It helped me understand more of what we really need to get into trades.”

—Delilah G., 12th grade, North Salinas High School

“I found out about new internships about my future career.”

—Miguel H., 12th grade, Salinas High School

“I had some good conversations with construction workers about what they really do. I didn’t know the difference between CMS and project senior directors, but now I do.”

—Manuel R., 12th grade, Salinas High School

“I talked to professionals about careers I hadn’t thought of before, and I’m amazed at how many different trades there are.”

—Francisco F., 12th grade, Aragon High School

“I feel like I understand now how I would get into these trades jobs better than I did before. And I now know how many programs there are to start a career in the trades.”

—Grace W., 12th grade, Alternative Family Education

“It helped me because I know now what I want to do.”

—Malu R., 8th grade, E.A. Hall

“Firefighters know a lot!”

—Audrey P., 8th grade, E.A. Hall

“It helped me explore future paths and what can help in that job—especially how the process for entering the trades works.”

—Charlie S., 12th grade, Santa Cruz High School

“It gave me the opportunity to expand my options post–high school and into college. You’re sure given great benefits and more opportunities for the future.”

—Alexander H., 11th grade, Aragon High School