ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) hosted its fourth-annual Build My Future: Construction Career Day & Industry Showcase at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley Campus. This high-energy, full-day expo was designed to introduce more than 1,000 students from 36 St. Louis area schools to real-world opportunities in the construction industry.
Students began the day with a safety briefing, then rotated through hands-on activities, live demonstrations and interactive exhibits led by more than 40 exhibitors and 19 sponsoring organizations. From operating equipment simulators to learning skilled trade techniques, students stepped directly into the world of construction careers.
A continual workforce shortage across St. Louis and throughout Missouri is the impetus for these Build My Future events statewide. In July 2025, Missouri construction employment reached 150,300 workers, an increase of 3,400 workers (2.26 percent) from the prior year, according to the AGC of America Missouri Fact Sheet.
Nationally, the worker shortage is also evident. A recent AGC of America/NCCER workforce survey found that 89 percent of Missouri contractors have open craft positions and 70 percent have open salaried positions.
Construction careers consistently pay above the state median, with skilled trade roles offering immediate, high-demand opportunities.
Construction contributes more than $22 billion annually to Missouri’s economy and fuels the infrastructure, transportation and industry growth critical to the state’s future.
Throughout September and continually through the month of October – celebrated as Construction Careers Months – AGCMO is continuing to highlight workforce needs and opportunities across Missouri with additional Build My Future events in Poplar Bluff (Oct. 7), Jefferson City (Oct. 15) and Bethany (Oct. 22).