Employers
What to Expect at The BUILD
Approximately 1,500 students from schools across Kent County are expected to participate on April 29. Schools will attend during scheduled time blocks, so students will continually rotate through the event rather than arriving all at once.
Students will move freely around 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.
Registration
Ready to Help Students Build Their Future?
The BUILD allows industry partners to do more than tell students about construction careers. You can let them experience one.
By participating, you can help young people discover career possibilities while building awareness of your industry, your organization, and the opportunities available in West Michigan.
Sponsorship Levels
To make The BUILD a success, we need support from our partners. Sign up on the registration form to join us.
Platinum Presenting Sponsor ($10,000)
Exclusive Opportunity/One Available
- Exclusive recognition as The BUILD, Presented by [Company Name]
- Premier logo on website, all promotional materials, and event signage
- Exclusive sponsor banner recognition at the main event entrance
- Three dedicated social media posts - before, during and after the event
- Priority inclusion in official media opportunities and press materials where applicable
- Special recognition during event announcements
- Premium exhibit location with expanded space
- $350 Industry Partner registration included
Gold Sponsor ($5,000)
Limited Opportunities Available
- Prominent logo placement on website, digital promotional materials, and event signage
- Two dedicated social media spotlights on all Kent ISD platforms
- Recognition during event announcements
- Preferred exhibit location
- $350 Industry Partner registration included
Silver Sponsor ($2,000)
- Company logo on website and event signage
- One dedicated social media spotlight on all Kent ISD platforms
- Preferred exhibit location
- $350 Industry Partner registration included
Bronze Sponsor ($500)
- Company logo on website and event signage
- Recognition in a group social media post on all Kent ISD platforms
- Preferred exhibit location
- $350 Industry Partner registration included
Event Logistics
Employer Setup — Wednesday, April 28
Employer setup for The BUILD 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 use this setup period.
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
While completing registration, you'll have the opportunity to tell us what you plan to bring so we can determine the right 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. A limited number of tables and chairs will be available upon request. Please plan accordingly for an outdoor event.
During registration, we will ask about:
- Tables and other exhibit equipment you plan to bring
- Vehicles, trailers, or heavy equipment
- Demonstrations or hands-on activities
- Tools or machinery being used
- Materials students will handle
- Special setup or safety considerations
Electricity & Power
Limited electrical power will be available for employer activities. Let us know your needs, and we'll be in touch.
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.
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.
Safety & Insurance
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.
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.
Orientation
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 for a virtual orientation via Zoom:
- 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
In-person walk-through of The BUILD’s space will be available:
- Friday, March 19, 2027 at 2:30 PM
- Tuesday, April 13, 2027 at 2:00 PM
*Meet at the security desk of the Kent Career Tech Center, 1655 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids. Parking Lot #1
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 encouraged
Appropriate PPE specific to your activity
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.
Volunteer
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are essential to keeping the day welcoming, organized, safe, and running smoothly.
Help us make The BUILD a great experience for all attendees! We'll be setting up the event on Wednesday, April 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.
