CAIRO, Ill. (WSIL) – Juniors and seniors from Cairo School District #1 stepped out of the classroom and into the world of opportunity this week at the 25th Annual Southern Illinois Construction Industry Career Expo held at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
The event gave students a firsthand look at the wide range of careers in construction, engineering, and skilled trades. From hands-on demonstrations to conversations with industry leaders, the expo offered real-world experiences designed to spark curiosity and guide future career paths.
Students tested equipment, explored multiple job tracks, and gained valuable insights into industries that are in demand and shape the infrastructure of Southern Illinois and beyond.
Cairo educators praised the event as a meaningful investment in career readiness. The aim— to leave students inspired and help them envision bold futures while making connections that could open doors after graduation.
The expo, now in its 25th year, continues to bridge the gap between education and industry, helping prepare the next generation of builders, innovators, and problem-solvers.
The Expo is organized by the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP) and allows students to discover a career path where they can earn money and receive benefits while training.
Trade unions represented include the Bricklayers, Boilermakers, Carpenters, Cement Masons/Plasterers, Electricians, Iron Workers, Laborers, Plumbers & Pipefitters, and Sheet Metal Workers.
