Employers
Details
Thursday, April 29, 2027
Approximately 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Kent ISD Campus - South end (Map)
Audience: Students in grades 10–12
Expected Attendance: Approximately 1,500 students
Format: Outdoor career exploration event - Rain or Shine!
The Build is a large-scale, hands-on construction career exploration event designed to introduce 10th–12th grade students to the wide variety of careers available in construction and the skilled trades.
This is not a traditional career fair.
We are asking employers, unions, training organizations, and industry partners to create interactive experiences that allow students to see, touch, try, build, operate, or practice something connected to the work you do.
Our goal is simple: help students Explore. Experience. Build Their Future.
What to Expect
Approximately 1,500 students from schools throughout Kent County are expected to participate throughout the day. Schools will attend during scheduled time blocks, so students will continually rotate through the event rather than arriving all at once.
Students will move throughout the event and choose experiences that interest them. Your activity should engage small groups of students repeatedly throughout the day.
What we are expecting
Think hands-on rather than handouts. Great activities might allow students to:
- Try a tool or piece of equipment
- Build or assemble something
- Practice a skill used on the job
- Participate in a short challenge or competition
- Explore construction technology
- See a live demonstration and then try part of the process
- Experience a simulated job task
- Talk with tradespeople about what the work is really like
Examples could include laying brick, bending conduit, measuring and cutting materials, hammering or fastening, plumbing connections, welding demonstrations, operating equipment, reading plans, using construction technology, or completing a trade-related challenge.
You may bring information about careers, apprenticeships, training programs, internships, or employment opportunities, but the activity should be the centerpiece of your space.
Event Logistics
Employer Setup — Wednesday, April 28
Employer setup will take place during the afternoon of Wednesday, April 28.
Organizations with equipment, trailers, large displays, tents, or more involved hands-on experiences should plan to take advantage of this setup period.
Specific setup times, unloading procedures, parking information, site access, and other details will be provided to registered organizations as the event approaches.
Space, Equipment & Setup Needs
During registration, please tell us what you plan to bring so we can determine the appropriate location and space for your organization.
Organizations are responsible for providing their own tent/canopy, tables, chairs, and other exhibit equipment needed for their space. Please plan accordingly for an outdoor event.
During registration, we will ask about:
- Approximate space needed
- Your tent/canopy size
- Tables and other exhibit equipment you plan to bring
- Vehicles, trailers, or heavy equipment
- Demonstrations or hands-on activities
- Tools or machinery being used
- Noise-producing activities
- Materials students will handle
- Special setup or safety considerations
Electricity & Power
Electrical power will not be provided for employer activities.
If your hands-on activity, demonstration, equipment, or exhibit requires electricity, your organization must provide its own generator and any necessary extension cords or related equipment.
Please identify your power needs during registration so our team can consider generator placement, noise, cords, and other safety needs when assigning your exhibit location.
Food & Refreshments
A boxed lunch will be provided for registered Industry Partners. Please be sure to include all team members who will be attending when you register so we can plan appropriately.
During registration, you will also have an opportunity to identify any dietary restrictions or food allergies we should be aware of.
If your organization will have team members rotating in or out during the day, please only include those who will be on-site for lunch in your lunch count.
Safety & Insurance
Creating an exciting and safe hands-on experience is a priority for The Build.
Kent ISD maintains liability and insurance coverage applicable to its facilities, operations, and events in accordance with district requirements. Participating organizations remain responsible for their own employees, equipment, materials, vehicles, demonstrations, and activities, including maintaining any insurance normally required for their operations.
Employers will be asked to provide appropriate supervision for all hands-on activities and to follow Kent ISD event, facility, and safety requirements.
During registration, please identify any activities involving:
- Power or hand tools
- Heavy equipment or vehicles
- Welding, cutting, grinding, or hot work
- Electrical demonstrations
- Elevated work or climbing
- Machinery or moving equipment
- Chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials
- Any activity requiring specialized personal protective equipment
This information will help our team review activities in advance and determine appropriate placement and safety precautions.
Activities may be reviewed or modified as necessary to meet Kent ISD safety, facilities, insurance, and event requirements.
Final safety information, including any event-wide PPE requirements, will be communicated to participating organizations prior to the event.
Weather
The Build is planned as a rain-or-shine outdoor event.
Please prepare your exhibit, equipment, materials, and staff for typical Michigan spring weather. Additional information regarding severe weather procedures will be provided prior to the event.
What Should My Organization Bring?
Unless otherwise arranged with The Build planning team, participating organizations should plan to provide:
Staff to operate and supervise your experience
Tools and equipment
Materials and consumable supplies
Signage and organization branding
Appropriate PPE specific to your activity
Generator/power source if electricity is required
Extension cords or other equipment needed for your setup
Weather-appropriate supplies and equipment
BRING STICKERS (if possible!)
Students will receive hard hats at The Build and will be encouraged to collect stickers from participating organizations to decorate them. Bring stickers featuring your company or organization logo so students can add yours to their collection—and take your brand home with them!
Please bring enough consumable materials to accommodate repeated student participation throughout the day.
Pre-Registration Details
It will be helpful to have the following information ready:
- Organization name and primary contact
- Number of representatives attending
- Description of your hands-on activity
- Approximate space required
- Size of the tent/canopy you will bring
- Tables, chairs, and other exhibit materials you plan to bring
- Equipment, vehicles, or trailers you plan to bring
- Generator/power equipment you will bring, if electricity is needed
- Safety and PPE considerations
- Special setup requirements
- Sponsorship interest
- Billing/contact information if a participation fee applies
Please Note: Participating organizations are responsible for providing their own tent/canopy, tables, chairs, and electricity/generator, if needed for their activity.
Industry Partner Orientation
Via Zoom, we’ll review event logistics, setup, student flow, safety expectations, hands-on activity guidelines, and important day-of-event details.
The same information will be shared at each session, so you only need to attend one.
Choose one date: (Holly - create Zoom link - can use CCR personal room link so that they are all the same) Need Outlook appointments for our team
- Tuesday, March 23, 2027 @ 2:00 PM
- Friday, March 26, 2027 @ 9:00 AM
- Monday, March 29, 2027 @ 3:00 PM
- Tuesday, April 13, 2027 @ 1:00 PM -Note: In-person at KCTC*.
In-Person walk-through* of The Build’s space will be available:
Friday, March 19, 2027 at 2:30 PM Holly Need outlook invitations for our team
Tuesday, April 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
*Meet at the security desk of the Kent Career Tech Center. 1655 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids. Parking Lot #1
REGISTER here for the Industry Partner Orientation and walk through toursHolly(Need a simple google form and link - We can talk through fields)
Ready to Help Students Build Their Future?
The Build gives industry partners an opportunity to do more than tell students about construction careers. You can let them experience one.
By participating, your organization can help young people discover career possibilities while building awareness of your industry, your organization, and the opportunities available in West Michigan.
[REGISTER FOR THE BUILD]
Volunteers Needed
Help us make The Build a great experience for all attendees! We'll be setting up the event on Wednesday, Apri l 28 and will need day-of assistance helping with student welcome and check-in, parking lot attendants, partner support, hospitality and set-up and tear-down.
[REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER]
