GREEN BAY, WI – The 2nd Annual Build My Future Brown County will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. The event is designed to introduce students to careers in the skilled trades through hands-on experience with industry professionals while helping build the future workforce pipeline for the construction industry. This year’s event will also feature the Welding Rodeo.

“Build My Future Brown County is more than just an event, it’s a unique, hands-on experience where students connect with local industry professionals and explore the exciting possibilities of careers in the skilled trades,” said Lori Frisbie, Executive Officer of BCHBA. “We’re here to open doors, spark curiosity, and show the next generation that building a future with their own hands is something they can truly be proud of.”

More than 1,000 area students are expected to participate in this year’s event, exploring careers through interactive exhibits and demonstrations that showcase the many opportunities available in the skilled trades.

Build My Future Brown County is looking for exhibitors from the construction industry, with a particular need for companies representing concrete, heavy equipment/machinery, electrical, excavating, HVAC, landscaping, plumbing and masonry.

Registration for exhibitors, sponsors, participating schools and volunteers is open through Sept. 1.

For many students, the experience provides meaningful exposure to career opportunities and helps shape future career interests. Green Bay Preble student Elli Johnson attended last year’s event and said the experience reinforced her interest in pursuing a career in engineering.

“This event is awesome. It’s so cool to get this hands-on experience and talk to all these different companies and have all my questions answered,” Johnson said.

Exhibitors also witnessed the event’s impact firsthand. Andrew Hockberger of Hockberger Homes, LLC, who serves as this year’s event chair, said Build My Future goes beyond the traditional job fair model, offering students a hands-on introduction to career opportunities.

“We didn’t want students simply going from booth to booth collecting information,” Hockberger said. “We wanted them to touch it, feel it, see it, and get excited about it.”

2026 Event Details:

Build My Future Brown County

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026

NWTC Parking Lots A, B, TC, & EE 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about Build My Future Brown County or to register as an exhibitor, sponsor, school or volunteer, visit: https://bchba.org/build-my-future-about-the-event.