Build My Future Event Information

Build My Future | April 23, 2026 | CLAY COUNTY REGIONAL EVENTS CENTER

A hands-on career exploration event for high school students in the skilled trades

Join us on April 23 at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, Iowa.  Over 800 high school students from across the region are expected to attend, with the chance to meet local employers and try real, job-specific skills firsthand.


Students will explore career opportunities and try hands-on activities in the following sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Automotive / Mechanic
  • Commercial & Residential Construction
  • Electrical
  • Emergency Services
  • Healthcare
  • HVAC
  • Law Enforcement
  • Manufacturing
  • Military & National Guard
  • Plumbing
  • Utilities
  • & More

Event Schedule
Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM – 2:15 PM
All students will complete a safety orientation prior to entering the exhibit floor. Each student receives a Build My Future t-shirt, drawstring bag, and PPE equipment (safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves).


Participating Schools
Alta-Aurelia, Emmetsburg, GT-RA, Harris-Lake Park, Newell-Fonda, North Union, Okoboji, Sioux Central, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Storm Lake St. Mary's

 

Event Sponsors

Gold Level

 

 

 

 

Silver Level

 

 

 

 

Planning Partners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibitors

Alliant Energy

Army Reserves (Spencer, Estherville & Storm Lake)

Art's Way

Beck Engineering

Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab

Biofuels Mobile Education Center

Black Hills Energy

Buena Vista University

CMBA Architects

Community 1st Broadcasting (KUOO)

CW Suter

Demco

General Traffic Controls

Graves Construction

Greystone Construction

Indian Motorcycle

Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Corn Education Trailer 

Iowa Department of Transportation

Iowa Department of Public Safety

Iowa Lakes Community College -- Aviation Flight Simulator

Iowa Lakes Community College -- Construction Booth of the Trades

Iowa Lakes Community College -- Culinary

Iowa Lakes Community College -- Health Sciences

Iowa Lakes Community College -- Wind Energy

Iowa Lakes Electric

Iowa Workforce Development

K&W Electric, Inc. 

Lakes Regional Hospital

Local Police Departments (Milford / Spirit Lake / Spencer)

Micheal Foods

Midwestern Mechanical

Mobile Trailers / MWI

moveero

National Guard (Spencer, Storm Lake & Estherville)    

NWICC

Pure Fishing

Ranco Fertiservice

Rembrandt Foods

Rosenboom

Shine Bros

Spencer Fire Department  

Spencer Hospital  

Spencer Imaging Center

Spencer Municipal Utilities

Stay in Home Care & Medical Staffing  

Sumz Consulting

Talon Development

Tecton Industries

Tyson (Pork)

Tyson (Turkey)

Vander Haag's

Wells Blue Bunny

Woodruff Construction 

See the full list of exhibitors and activities. 

 

We need your help!

We’re looking for approximately 50 volunteers to help ensure this event runs smoothly and creates a meaningful experience for everyone involved. It takes a strong community effort to make an event like this impactful and engaging, and we need your support. Whether you’re hoping to earn community service hours, use volunteer time off, or simply give back, we invite you to join us. Your time and involvement will help create valuable connections and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals. Learn more and sign up. 

 

See Build My Future in Action


See more here - Build My Future 2023 Video
Build My Future - DSM  (Iowa Skilled Trades) Website