Skilled trades expo to hit Patriots stadium

Bring Back the Trades, a skilled trades-focused nonprofit, will host an upcoming ‘Skills Expo’ at Gillette Stadium on October 25, with distributor F.W. Webb as the title sponsor, according to an announcement. 

Why it matters: “This event is about inspiring the next generation to explore the endless opportunities in the skilled trades, while showcasing the innovation and pride that drive our industry,” said Jeff Pope, president of F.W. Webb.

What’s happening: The expo is designed to be an immersive experience for “middle and high school students, their parents, and adults interested in learning about the trades,” per the announcement. 

• It’ll include interactive exhibits hosted by local contractors, including tool and equipment displays, a keynote by Demi Knight Clark, founder of She Built This City, a nonprofit focused on women in the trades, giveaways, and more. 
• “This event is more than a career fair—it’s a movement to change perceptions of the trades and shine a light on the incredible opportunities they offer,” said Bring Back the Trades founder Steve Turner. 

The big picture: While the HVAC industry faces mounting demand, the event comes as enrollment in HVAC programs at vocational-focused schools nationwide has grown by over 40 percent since 2020, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. 

The bottom line: “We’re excited to bring the Skills Expo to a venue as iconic as Gillette Stadium, thanks to the support of F.W. Webb,” Turner added. 

• “Together, we’re creating a space where students, parents, and the community can discover how rewarding and vital skilled trades careers can be.”