More than 2,300 students expected at construction career event in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – More than 2,300 high school students from across Southeast Missouri are expected to explore careers in construction and skilled trades during the 2026 Build My Future Southeast Missouri event Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The event, organized by the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, will bring together 2,374 students and 165 teachers and counselors from 67 school programs across the region.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, equipment demonstrations and discussions with construction industry professionals representing 43 participating vendors.

The event is designed to introduce students to career opportunities in construction through interactive experiences with contractors, labor organizations, training programs and equipment suppliers.

Charlyce Ruth, a representative of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, said the event gives students an opportunity to discover career paths they may not have previously considered, including apprenticeships, technical education and college degree programs.

The annual event alternates between Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau. Last year’s event in Poplar Bluff drew 1,871 students, compared with 2,374 registered for this year’s event.

Build My Future Southeast Missouri will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Show Me Center, 1333 N. Sprigg St.

The event is free for participating students and schools through the support of industry sponsors and vendors.