Lansing Hosts 3rd Annual Construction Science Expo, Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals

LANSING, Mich. — Sep. 30, 2025 — The Lansing region welcomed hundreds of eager middle school students today, for the 3rd Annual Lansing Construction Science Expo, hosted in partnership by T3 (Teach. Talent. Thrive.), Capital Area Michigan Works!, and the ACEC Michigan chapter. Now in its 14th year overall, this is the third time the event has taken place in the Lansing area. The hands-on expo was held at the Impressions 5 Science Center and adjacent lots owned by the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL).

The expo gave students a unique opportunity to get their hands dirty with real construction tasks — from electrical wiring and bricklaying to heavy equipment simulators — under the guidance of industry professionals. The experience is designed to expose young learners to in-demand careers in the built environment and break down misconceptions about what careers in construction can be.

As a highlight, event organizers invited regional firms and infrastructure stakeholders, including the City of Lansing, BWL, and local engineering firms, to host activity stations and mentor students. The expo aligns with the American Council of Engineering Companies-Michigan’s commitment to support workforce development. The ACEC Michigan calendar lists the event as a key link between the engineering profession and the broader community.

“Getting students to pour a footing or wire a test circuit with their own hands helps remove fear of trades and opens their eyes to real opportunities,” said a representative from ACEC Michigan.

For sponsors, schools, and industry participants, the expo is more than outreach — it’s a long-term investment in developing a workforce pipeline. Employers gain early exposure to future talent, while school partners receive access to resource lists, follow-up educational pathways, and industry contacts. Many participating firms provide apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships tied directly to their interactions at the event.

Capital Area Michigan Works! and T3 plan to expand the event footprint in 2026, with outreach into rural school districts and additional construction discipline modules (such as plumbing, HVAC, and civil surveying).

For more info, visit ACEC Michigan’s event listing or contact Michigan Works! and T3 for participating schools and firms.

Hear Amirika and Jeffrey recently discuss how T3 connects students with STEM careers through MiCareerQuest, expos, and hands-on exploration in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:

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