Build My Future Las Cruces—call to teachers

A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece for the Build My Future program in Las Cruces. The time is here for teachers and school staff to start planning to attend this year’s event. Recall, this year, the Build My Future skilled trades expo will happen on Oct. 17, in the parking lot across from the Pan Am Center at New Mexico State University.

In previous years, it has welcomed 1,700 students from local and regional middle and high schools to take part in the event to raise awareness about the importance of construction and other trades occupations and to introduce students to hands-on activities with the hope of igniting an interest for some in a valuable and noble career path.

At this event, students can learn about skills needed to become welders, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and other trade jobs, in a structured, safe setting. Participants can visit a plethora of tables to experience hands-on activities with the support of subject matter experts and professionals from our community.

Soon-to-be graduates can explore job opportunities and ask questions about equipment and practices in rewarding fields. Younger kiddos can begin to develop an interest in or expand their existing passion for working with their hands.

Students must arrive in buses from their schools. They are provided t-shirts to easily identify them as registered participants. Entry is strictly controlled. Water is provided so that the kids can enjoy our lovely October weather safely.

Students are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and pants without holes. Any personal protective equipment needed for each activity will be provided during that activity.

In an uncertain world, technology fields are popular. But technology can’t fix your toilet, or return power to your home after an outage, or build houses. Those jobs must be done by skilled tradesmen and women who have a passion for working with their hands and building something from nothing that they can be proud of.

The world will always need tradespeople to continue to build our country and enrich our lives. Jobs like these are recession-proof. They have existed for millennia and will continue to be a reliable means to not only earn a living, but can be quite lucrative, often leading to small business ownership.

Schools don’t always have shop class anymore. But there are opportunities for your students to get a taste of these rewarding career paths.

Please consider bringing them out on Oct. 17 to the Build My Future 2025 event.

The event is sponsored by the New Mexico Construction Alliance, formerly the Las Cruces Home Builder’s Association.

If you are a student who wishes to attend, please contact your school principal or Rachael Knight at raknight@lcps.net.

For information on how to sign up to bring your class to the event, please reach out to the following folks:

The new Executive Officer of the New Mexico Construction Alliance, Roxanne Livingston: Roxanne@buildnmca.org 575-405-9060

Ryan O’Hea, as the current Chair: RyanO@hbconstruction.com 575-294-4372

Jessica Spires: jessica@lcat.net

Steve Coletti: Stephen.coletti@linde.com 575-496-0351

Shawna Pfeiffer is a life-long Dona Ana County resident, graduate of NMSU, small business owner, hobby farmer, dog-lover, outdoor enthusiast and mother to two young children. She can be reached at srpfeiffer1@gmail.com.