For many high school students, careers in construction are not always top of mind. Without early exposure, it can be difficult to understand what opportunities exist or what a future in the trades could look like. M. Davis & Sons created the Construction Trades Summer Camp to help change that. The program is designed to give high school students hands-on exposure to careers in construction and help them better understand opportunities within the industry
The camp is a 4-day program designed for high school students (grades 9-12) who are interested in exploring careers in construction. Throughout the week, campers rotate through trades including plumbing, welding, electrical, and rigging. Each day introduces a different skill set, giving students a well-rounded look at the work involved in construction. Safety is emphasized throughout the program. Students are trained on proper procedures and required to wear PPE while working. This helps create a realistic experience and reinforces the importance of safety in the field.
A key part of the camp is the final project. Each student builds a working lamp from start to finish, applying what they learned throughout the week. The project brings multiple trades together. Students cut and assemble piping, weld a base, wire electrical components, and complete the final assembly. It gives students a clear sense of how different trades work together on real projects.
The program is led by M.Davis employees who serve as instructors and mentors. With small group sizes, students are able to ask questions, get hands-on guidance, and learn directly from experienced tradespeople. The camp is offered at no cost to students, with all materials, tools, and PPE provided. Support from sponsor companies helps make the program possible by providing financial support as well as equipment and materials used throughout the camp. Their contributions help ensure students can fully participate without financial barriers while gaining hands-on experience with industry tools and equipment.
The Construction Trade Summer Camp was developed in response to the growing need for skilled workers in the construction industry. By introducing students to the trades at an early stage, the camp helps them explore career paths they may not have previously considered. The program has also shown long-term impact. Several past participants have gone on to pursue opportunities with M.Davis, with some returning as full-time employees. These outcomes highlight the value of early exposure and hands-on experience, and show how the camp can serve as a starting point for a career in the trades.