Florida Construction News staff writer
The ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida welcomed 170 high school students from Baker, Clay, Duval, and St. Johns counties to its annual ACE Trades Day at Ring Power, giving them hands-on exposure to careers in skilled trades and construction.
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive stations to explore opportunities in electrical work, plumbing and pipefitting, welding, roofing, fire protection, heavy equipment operations, and commercial construction. They participated in live demonstrations and spoke directly with industry professionals about apprenticeship programs, certification pathways, and the strong earning potential available in the trades.
“Trades Day gives students a firsthand look at the incredible opportunities available in construction and skilled trades right here in Northeast Florida,” said Lauren Atwell, chair of the ACE Trades Committee. “By connecting students directly with employers and training partners, we’re helping them see clear, attainable pathways into rewarding careers that are essential to our region’s growth.”
Participating companies and organizations included Abercrombie, Auld & White Constructions, Barber & Associates Roofing, Brasfield & Gorrie, Electrical Training Alliance, EMCOR, Haskell, Miller Electric, NEFBA, Owen Electric, Petticoat-Schmitt, Pye Barker Fire Sprinkler, Ring Power, Sheet Metal Workers, Stellar, Superior Construction, T Conlan Roofing, Trinity Metal, Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville, UA Local 234/JATT, and W.W. Gay. Event sponsors included ABC First Coast, ACME, Stanley Black & Decker, and others.
ACE extends special thanks to Ring Power for hosting the event and to all participating vendors and sponsors for investing their time, expertise, and resources to inspire the next generation of industry professionals.
The ACE Mentor Program is a free, after-school program that introduces high school students to careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Through mentorship and real-world exposure, ACE helps students build industry connections and discover meaningful career pathways.
For more information or to get involved as a mentor or sponsor, contact Nicole Eubanks at ne**********@*******or.org.
