Humboldt Builders Exchange and HCOE Seek Partners for April Trades Day

Humboldt Builders Exchange and the Humboldt Office of Education are inviting contractors, suppliers and trade organizations to partner for Trades Day on April 23 at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds in Eureka, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event targets local high school juniors and seniors and aims to connect classroom learning with real-world career paths in the skilled trades.

"Trades Day is a hands-on career exploration event designed to introduce local high school juniors and seniors to the wide range of opportunities available in the skilled trades." Students at the event will have the chance to meet contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals, explore tools and equipment, and learn about career pathways in construction and related fields. Organizers say the event brings students face-to-face with working professionals to help build the next generation of Humboldt County’s skilled workforce.

Exhibitors are asked to provide interactive, hands-on demonstrations that let students try trade tasks. Event materials invite partners to teach hammering, mixing concrete, scaling a roofing wall, or donning PPE to try basic welding, and to showcase sectors including construction, design, subcontracting, heavy equipment, transportation, and engineering. A separate summary of the program notes that Trades Day will feature interactive exhibits and demonstrations from various trade organizations and employers, allowing students to get hands-on exposure to tools and workflows.

The event is funded through sponsorships from local businesses and industry partners. "The event is made possible through sponsorships from local businesses and industry partners. Every dollar raised supports the event directly, with any remaining funds benefiting the Humboldt Builders Exchange scholarship program for students pursuing education in the trades." Past editions drew a substantial student crowd: "More than 300 junior and seniors at local high schools took part in the recent Humboldt Trades Day," a photo caption credits, with photography by Erik Fraser of HCOE.

Materials for potential sponsors and exhibitors emphasize visibility and program support. Space is limited - register soon, and organizers list benefits such as premium exhibit space, a speaking opportunity at a Safety Talk, logo placement on an event bag given to each student, and additional sponsor-year benefits tied to a foundation partnership. Those benefit descriptions reference foundation-level listing and annual-dinner privileges that potential partners should confirm with event organizers.

One page fragment lists a registration deadline of October 8, 2025, which predates the current call for partners for the April 23 event; potential sponsors should verify the correct exhibitor deadline, current sponsor tiers and the official Humboldt Office of Education name and sponsorship packet with Humboldt Builders Exchange or HCOE before registering. Organizers are seeking hands-on partners to help students explore skilled trades and to sustain the Humboldt Builders Exchange scholarship program for future applicants.