May 7, 2026 at Eastern Market
Showcasing Detroit’s Emerging Skilled Trades Talent
The BUILD DETROIT: Skilled Trades Challenge is Atlantic Impact’s third annual showcase of Detroit’s emerging talent in the skilled trades.
Hosted at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, the competition brings high school and CTE students together to demonstrate their skills in Carpentry, Masonry, Welding & Electrical.
Students compete using real tools, real materials, and industry-aligned blueprints, and are judged by professionals on: Safety, Accuracy and Technique, Craftsmanship & Adherence to Industry Standards
Why Build Detroit Matters
Detroit students have talent, drive, and potential. Too often, what’s missing is access, visibility, and connection.
Build Detroit creates a platform where young people can be seen, recognized, and connected to real opportunities in skilled trades. The event highlights both the talent emerging from Detroit’s classrooms and the collaborative system of unions, employers, and educators committed to supporting their growth.
By combining competition, peer learning, and direct industry engagement, Build Detroit motivates students to explore skilled trades pathways and take concrete steps toward training, apprenticeships, and employment.
BUILD DETROIT demonstrates the power of hands-on, youth-centered workforce engagement:
- 100+ student competitors ages 16–24
- 300+ students engaged through competitions and the Business Showcase
- Participation from 7+ high schools and career technical centers
- Engagement from 25+ business, union, and industry partners
- Local media coverage across Detroit outlets
2026 Participating Schools Include:
- Breithaupt Career Technical Center
- Randolph Career & Technical Center
- Chandler Park Academy
- Cesar Chavez Academy High School
- Thurston High School
- Harper Woods High School
2026 Advisory Board Members:
- Carmen Bender, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
- Guy Cohoon, Clark Construction
- Jared Davis, Randolph Career and Technical Education Center
- Frank Hines, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
- Hernando Flowers, Barton Malow
- Felicia Wiseman, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 58
Build Detroit Sponsorship Opportunities
Why Sponsor Build Detroit?
Sponsoring Build Detroit is an investment in Detroit’s future workforce.
Partners benefit from:
- Direct engagement with students exploring skilled trades careers
- Early exposure and relationship-building with future talent
- Visibility with schools, unions, families, and community stakeholders
- Alignment with equity, access, and workforce development outcomes
Build Detroit sponsors are not just supporters; they are partners in building sustainable career pathways.
