By Patricia Schallert –
On Oct. 9, the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) hosted Trades Day at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, bringing together industry professionals and high school students for a day of career exploration.
Approximately 700 students from 29 high schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties attended the event, where they learned about career paths, developed valuable skills and connected with industry experts for guidance and mentorship.
Trades Day featured hands-on workshops, demonstrations and interactive activities in a variety of skilled trades, including construction, plumbing, electrical work, automotive repair, hospitality, landscape design and more. The event offered students a unique opportunity to discover their interests and potential career paths in the trades.
Jeffrey Lasher, president of the Southern Section of CIEF and chief operations officer of MS Ralphs Co., is actively involved in the flooring industry and supports CIEF’s Design Build Day program. The program brings STEM students together to construct projects, with scholarships awarded to winners to encourage continued education in architecture or design.
Lasher spoke to students about his own career journey, starting in a program similar to Trades Day and working in the field for years before becoming president of a major construction company. He emphasized that the trades offer a strong path for people who want to work with their hands, gain experience and avoid college debt.
Mary Purdue, a business developer, said she is always looking for new clients and talent — and believes some of the students at the event may be interested in landscape management. “Landscaping offers a range of career opportunities beyond gardening,” she said, noting that the field includes business development, arboriculture, construction and management. Purdue added, “Trade programs offer focused training with shorter learning times, providing a practical alternative to traditional college education.”
The Simi Institute, a local trade school, showcased its Fast Track Your Future catalog, highlighting a wide range of career education options. Whether students were ready to enter the workforce or planned to use career education as a steppingstone to college, the Simi Institute offered programs in building and manufacturing, medical careers, cosmetology and more. Upon completion, students earn certificates in specialized fields that can help them secure employment.
Kurt Miller, a teacher at Carpinteria High School, observed that his students were actively engaging with professionals across industries. “This kind of practical experience allows them to make real connections and gain insights beyond what they learn in the classroom,” he said.
Several female students shared how much they enjoy designing and building in their vocational classes. Teachers noted that more girls are entering the trades, helping break the stereotype that these careers are only for men. “The girls are my top workers due to their excellent listening skills,” one teacher said proudly.
When industry and education come together, clear pathways to meaningful work can emerge. CIEF awards scholarships for academic and summer programs, demonstrating its commitment to creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and explore potential careers.
By connecting students directly with industry professionals, CIEF is helping to build the next generation of skilled workers — and strengthening the future of the trades.
For more information, visit www.cie.foundation.
