The Madison Area Builders Association (“MABA”) is pleased to announce it will be hosting its
12th annual Career Day, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This exciting event provides students
with a robust opportunity to see all the stages of a residential home build. Building industry
volunteers will showcase their trade through presentations and hands-on demonstrations at the
Magnolia Springs neighborhood in Stoughton, a Eldon Homes development. MABA is excited to
host over 300 students from thirteen (13) local schools. Beginning this year, MABA will host
local companies on-site to connect directly with students about youth apprenticeships, summer
internships, and post-graduation employment opportunities, creating a direct pipeline from
education to the workforce.
Students will begin at a vacant lot and discuss surveying, then move through the building
process from foundations to framing to plumbing to electrical to exterior installation. They
conclude their walk through hearing about educational opportunities to get into the construction
trades from the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center and Madison College. In total, students
will tour eight (8) homes and lots in various stages of construction. According to Madison Area
Builders Association Executive Director, Chad Lawler, “Despite recent challenges to home
building, such as high interest rates, material delays, and cost increases, the Madison market
continues to see a need and demand for housing. In turn, we need more and more youth and
young adults to join the construction industry.”
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude around 2:00 p.m. Media is
welcome to attend and should meet at the “starting home” at 400 Orchid Ave., Stoughton.
The Madison Area Builders Association is dedicated to educating younger generations on the
benefits of a career in the skilled trades and allowing students to familiarize themselves with
local trade companies. In addition to Career Day events, the Madison Area Builders Association
has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County to create the McKenzie Regional
Workforce Center, which opened in July 2023. Club members and students from area schools
are learning and being trained about the opportunities available in the Construction industry via
hands-on programming. In addition, the Center is preparing students for transition into the
workforce with soft-skills training and entrepreneurial classes. The Center is located at 5215
Verona Road, Fitchburg, WI.
The Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) is focused on promoting the building trades and
filling the need for skilled labor within the industry. If you’re interested in working in the building
trades, learn more at webuildmadison.org.
Media interested in learning more, please contact:
Chad Lawler at 608-469-1542 (cell) or clawler@maba.org.
