DETROIT – About 75 Detroit high school students gained hands-on construction experience during National Apprenticeship Day through a program to address the skilled trades workforce gap.
The students participated in the Sachse Construction Academy at The Preserve on Ash development in North Corktown on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
It marked the program’s tenth anniversary of connecting Detroit youth with construction and skilled trades career opportunities.
Students rotated through various stations at the active construction site, working alongside industry professionals, to learn about different skilled trade specialties.
The immersive experience gave participants direct exposure to potential career paths in construction.
“They can’t be what they don’t see,” said Jason Lee of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. “Providing them this opportunity gives them that motivation and the inspiration to be in the construction and skilled trades.”
Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction, emphasized that the program’s longstanding mission has been to create meaningful connections between skilled trades careers and Detroit’s youth.
The initiative has shown significant results, with interest in construction careers growing substantially among participating students.
“We had these modules with carpenters and plumbers and pipefitters and painters and tile-setters. And the kids got hands-on experiences. They’re laying brick and they’re painting and they’re laying tile. It’s all about introducing young men and women from Detroit to the opportunity for skilled trades,” said Sachse.
For students like Richard Lester and Shamari Williams, the academy provided valuable insights into the construction industry through real-world experience at an active development site.
“I’m definitely forced to go out of my comfort zone in certain things and aspects,” said Williams. “But I can say that, for the most part, being in this program has allowed me to do that more easily.”
The Sachse Construction Academy operates through strategic partnerships with the City of Detroit, Carhartt, The Community Builders, and Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan.
This collaborative approach ensures students receive comprehensive exposure to various aspects of the construction industry while learning from experienced professionals.
“They can’t be what they don’t see,” said Jason Lee with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. “So, providing them this opportunity gives them that motivation and the inspiration to be in the construction and skilled trades.”