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Build Detroit

2026 Skilled Trades Challenge

Build Detroit

2026 Skilled Trades Challenge

The 2026 Skilled Trades Challenge brings high school students from across Michigan to Detroit for a one-day, real-world test of skill in carpentry, masonry, welding, and electrical work, judged by union professionals and industry partners.

Overview

▲ View of the center of Shed 3 display, with pieces of student work atop pedestals, ready to be judged.

  • DATEThursday, May 7, 2026
  • PLACEEastern Market, Shed 3
  • TIME8AM-4PM
  • DATEThursday, May 7, 2026
  • PLACEEastern Market, Shed 3
  • TIME8AM-4PM

Schools, training centers, and youth-serving organizations across the region are invited to participate. Spectators are welcome, and the Industry Showcase will be open throughout the day.

Students compete in one of five tracks. Each competition track has its own registration and evaluation process. Download event fliers and info here:

Download

Who Will Be on Site

  • Judges and mentors from across Detroit’s skilled trades, including local businesses and trade unions
  • Employers, contractors, and training providers participating in the Industry Showcase
  • School teams and individual participants from Detroit-area high schools and career and technical education programs

What’s New This Year

The 2026 Challenge expands its workforce connections with a larger Industry Showcase and dedicated employer networking zone. The updated format strengthens collaboration among unions, contractors, educators, and training providers, creating clearer pathways from technical education to employment in Detroit’s skilled trades.

Industry Showcase

▲ Industry professionals, who are members of Local 2 BAC, set up at a table with information and resources, ready to have conversations with students

Alongside the competition, Build Detroit hosts an Industry Showcase — a networking and learning space connecting students, educators, and employers across Detroit’s skilled trades ecosystem.

Participating employers, unions, and training programs host interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and career conversations throughout the day. The showcase turns the event into a full-day learning hub, helping students understand how technical training can lead to stable, long-term careers in construction and manufacturing.

By pairing competition with conversation, the Industry Showcase makes Build Detroit both a celebration of skill and a platform for long-term partnership between Detroit’s education and workforce communities.

What Students Gain

  • Conversations with professionals across carpentry, electrical, masonry, and welding trades
  • Exposure to apprenticeship programs, certifications, and workforce training opportunities.
  • Insight into workplace culture, expectations, and job readiness
  • Access to mentors who can share guidance on career growth and next steps

How Employers Participate

  • Share career and apprenticeship pathways aligned with local workforce needs
  • Demonstrate tools, materials, and techniques used  on today’s job sites
  • Offer guidance on teamwork, communication, and reliability
  • Connect with emerging talent for future projects and apprenticeships

Competition Tracks

▲ Image caption description here

Each competition track includes its own build requirements, judging criteria, and individual student registration form. Students must register separately for the track they intend to compete in.

If you are registering multiple students, submit the form once per student.

Masonry

The masonry challenge highlights the precision and patience required to build something lasting. Competitors follow a detailed plan to lay brick and block, working carefully to meet both structural and visual standards.

Register

BUILD COMPONENTS

  • Construction of a masonry structure using provided materials
  • Alignment and layout based on dimensions and 
tolerances
  • Emphasis on level, plumb, and uniform joints
  • Attention to safe work practices and cleanup

judging criteria

  • Dimensional accuracy and adherence to plans
  • Quality and consistency of joints
  • Overall workmanship and site organization
  • Safe and efficient workflow

(Each student must register individually for the competition track)

Welding

This hands-on event focuses on technical control, confidence, and safety. Participants complete a small project or demonstration under supervision, showing attention to detail and proper equipment use.
Register

Demonstration elements

  • Execution of assigned welds or small fabrication pieces
  • Consistent bead formation and joint integrity
  • Proper use of equipment and materials
  • Adherence to PPE and safety requirements

judging criteria

  • Strength and visual quality of welds
  • Equipment handling and setup accuracy
  • Safety practices and overall discipline
  • Soundness and presentation of the final piece

(Each student must register individually for the competition track)

Carpentry: Beginner

This entry-level track introduces core carpentry skills, giving newer builders the opportunity to demonstrate developing knowledge of tools, measurement, and assembly.
Register

build components

  • Measuring, cutting, and assembling materials to specification
  • Fit and cleanliness of assembled pieces
  • Tool proficiency and safety awareness
  • Timely completion and craftsmanship

judging criteria

  • Accuracy of measurements and cuts
  • Fit and cleanliness of assembled pieces
  • Tool proficiency and safety awareness
  • Timely completion and craftsmanship

(Each student must register individually for the competition track)

Carpentry: Advanced

A test of experience and precision, this track challenges participants to execute complex builds with tighter tolerances and multi-step processes, reflecting the pace of a professional job site.
Register

build components

  • Reading and interpreting detailed construction plans
  • Completing complex joinery, mitering, and finishing
  • Managing workflow across multiple build stages
  • Delivering a cohesive, well-finished result

judging criteria

  • Fit, finish, and structural integrity
  • Dimensional precision and craftsmanship
  • Body copy
  • Safe, organized work habits under time pressure

(Each student must register individually for the competition track)

Electrical

Competitors complete a wiring project modeled after residential or light commercial installations, installing and testing a functional system while adhering to safety and code requirements.
Register

task components

  • Layout and installation of conduit runs and wiring systems
  • Device terminations and labeling
  • Circuit continuity and function testing
  • Attention to neatness and compliance

judging criteria

  • Code adherence and circuit functionality
  • Organization and clarity of wiring layout
  • Accuracy of labeling and documentation
  • Safe, professional approach to all tasks

(Each student must register individually for the competition track)

Judging & Scoring

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Each competition track uses a scoring rubric that balances quality, accuracy, and safe work practices.

Judges Evaluate

  • Accuracy to plan and measurements
  • Workmanship and finish quality
  • Consistent PPE use and safe tool handling
  • Organization, communication, and professionalism

Event Schedule & Location

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  • DATEThursday, May 7, 2026
  • PLACEEastern Market, Shed 3
    2934 Russell St.
    Detroit, MI 48207
  • TIME8AM-4PM

schedule

8AM – 9AM
Check-In & Safety Briefing
9AM – 1PM
Competition Heats
9AM – 3PM
Industry Showcase Open
1PM – 3PM
Judging & Scoring
3:30PM – 4PM
Awards Ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

Parking & Drop-off

Eastern Market offers convenient access for participants and guests, with nearby parking, designated drop-off areas, and clear routes to Shed 3.

General Parking

Parking is free throughout most of the Eastern Market district. The Eastern Market Garage (2727 Riopelle Street) is recommended for all-day parking. Street parking is available on Russell, Division, and Adelaide Streets; check signage carefully.

participant load-in

Competitors and vendors should use the designated entrance nearest Shed 3. Short-term unloading is available for drop-off only.

Parking Map

bus and van drop-off

School buses and large vans should use Russell Street between Division and Adelaide.

ADA Disability Access

ADA-accessible parking is available near Wilkin Street and throughout the district. All sheds are ground-level and barrier-free.

What to Bring

Participants must wear closed-toe boots and appropriate PPE. All attendees should bring a school or organization ID.