O’FALLON, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP), in partnership with the Greater St. Louis Area Council’s Exploring program, is preparing to host its Skilled Trades Summer Camp.

This is an immersive, five-day opportunity for high school students to explore well-paying, hands-on careers in the construction industry. The 2025 program will take place Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, beginning at SIBA headquarters in O’Fallon, Ill.

The Skilled Trades Summer Camp has become a popular summer program for students who want to learn about the trades through real-world experience. The camp is open to all high school students, regardless of school district or prior experience.

“Skilled trades remain a reliable, well-paying path to a strong career, especially for students who want an alternative to traditional college routes,” said Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA. “This summer camp gives students an inside look at these opportunities – real tools, real training and real potential.”

Students will be transported daily to various union apprenticeship training centers, where they will engage with instructors and journeymen across a wide range of construction fields. Transportation is provided by SICAP, and lunch will be served each day.

2025 Skilled Trades Summer Camp Schedule

  • Monday, July 21: Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, July 22:
    • Boilermakers Local 363 (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
    • Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 101 (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, July 23: Electricians Local 309 (9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
    • Virtual Reality Headsets at SIBA Office (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 24: Ironworkers Local 392 (9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, July 25: Sheet Metal Workers Local 268 (9 a.m. – 12 noon)

The Skilled Trades Summer Camp is part of SIBA’s and SICAP’s larger mission to promote career opportunities in construction. Beyond this camp, SIBA and SICAP also organize major Construction Career Expos each fall, provide grants to schools with vocational training programs and fund scholarships for students pursuing a degree in the fields of construction management, construction-related engineering, architecture and construction safety.