On Saturday, September 12, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) welcomed more than 100 Club teens to the inaugural Heart of Texas Trades Day, creating an opportunity for young people to explore skilled trades through hands-on experiences, conversations with professionals and real-world career exploration.

Across more than 20 interactive stations, teens explored a variety of skilled trades, including electrical, construction, HVAC, plumbing, welding, carpentry and more. Rather than simply learning about these careers, Club members were encouraged to get involved and experience the tools, equipment and skills used by professionals in the field.

Outside, teens had the opportunity to operate a full-size crane under the supervision of trained professionals. They also explored rigs and forklifts and learned how heavy equipment is safely operated. A virtual reality crane simulation offered another way to experience the work, while a live welding demonstration gave teens a firsthand look at the precision and skill required in the trade.

Inside, Club members continued exploring through interactive activities. Teens used impact drills to drive screws into wood blocks, while other stations introduced them to HVAC and plumbing through hands-on projects, including building marshmallow launchers with PVC pipes.

For Aiyedehn, a Navarro Boys & Girls Club member, the experience opened the door to new possibilities.

Throughout the day, Club members had opportunities to ask questions directly to professionals working in the trades. They learned about what a typical workday can look like, the skills needed to enter different fields and the training and apprenticeship opportunities available to them.

The experience continued over lunch, when teens gathered for a barbecue provided by Joeris and a Q&A with former Club members who are now working in the trades.

Hearing from young adults who once sat in the same Club spaces gave current members the opportunity to see a familiar face on the other side of the career journey. Former Club members shared their experiences entering the workforce, navigating their career paths and building careers in the trades, while teens asked questions about their journeys and what they have learned along the way.

Experiences like Heart of Texas Trades Day help teens connect their interests and strengths to potential career pathways while building awareness of the many routes available after high school.

By connecting Club members with professionals, hands-on experiences and potential career pathways, Heart of Texas Trades Day helped teens take another step toward becoming future-ready—and discover that their future may hold more possibilities than they imagined.

Thank You to Our Partners

Heart of Texas Trades Day was made possible through the collaboration of BGCAA and the industry partners who shared their expertise, equipment and time to create a meaningful career exploration experience for Club members.

Joeris 

Milwaukee 

TDIndustries