Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 AM–1:00 PM2026 Counselor Forum
Construction Careers
From Information to Impact
Hosted by S4CA, the 2026 Counselor Forum brings high school and community college educators together with construction industry leaders to turn information about construction careers into practical guidance for students.
Explore the range of careers, apprenticeships, internships, certificates, and education pathways available to students. Learn what employers look for, hear directly from industry and former students, and leave with resources and connections you can put into practice.
Who Should Attend:
Counselors, educators, and administrators supporting students interested in construction careers.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Electrical Training Alliance of Silicon Valley
Lunch will be provided.
What you'll experience
Knowing that opportunities exist is only the beginning. Counselors and educators also need to understand how students access them, what they need to prepare, and where to connect them next.
Through industry insights, student perspectives, and interactive roundtable discussions, the forum will help participants move from learning about construction careers to having practical information they can use with students.
❋ Explore the OptionsDiscover construction careers, apprenticeships, internships, certificates, and education and training pathways, including opportunities you may not already know about.
❋ Know the RequirementsLearn what apprenticeship programs and employers look for, how application and hiring processes work, and how students can better prepare.
Hear directly from construction industry professionals, educators, and former students now working in the industry about the experiences, skills, and support that help students successfully transition into careers.
❋ Learn What Works❋ Put It Into PracticeLeave with practical resources and next steps you can use when helping students explore and prepare for construction careers
Choose Your Conversations
Six conversations. Three opportunities to connect.
Join three small-group roundtable discussions exploring construction careers and pathways. Ask questions, hear directly from people doing the work, and leave with practical information you can use to support students.
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Understand how students get in.
Learn how apprenticeship applications work, what programs require, where applicants commonly get stuck, and what can help a student stand out.
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Discover more ways into construction.
Explore lesser-known trades and apprenticeship opportunities, what the work looks like, and which students may be a good fit.
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Start with what you have.
Explore practical ways to help students build skills, experience, and connections—even when their school doesn't offer a formal construction pathway.
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Hear it from former students.
Hear directly from former students now working in construction about what surprised them, what helped, and what they wish they had known earlier.
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Help students show up ready.
Hear directly from employers about early-career hiring, the skills and qualities they value, and what helps candidates stand out.
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Understand the options after graduation.
Explore college programs, certificates, articulation, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and industry connections that can help students continue their path into construction.
Built for Counselors and Education Partners
When a student says, “I’m interested in construction,” knowing what to recommend next isn’t always simple.
What opportunities are available?
What does the application process look like?
What should a student be doing now to prepare?
What if their school doesn't offer a construction pathway?
Who should they connect with?
The Counselor Forum is designed to help answer those questions and broaden awareness of the many routes students can take into the construction industry.
The goal is for participants to leave better informed, better connected, and better equipped to help students take their next step.
Register for the
2026 Counselors Forum
Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Electrical Training Alliance of Silicon Valley
Questions? Contact Jazmine Garcia at jazmine@s4ca.net