Hundreds of northwest Iowa students spent yesterday exploring hands-on career paths at the first‑ever Build My Future event, hosted by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer.
The day‑long program brought together more than 50 businesses and over 60 indoor and outdoor exhibits, giving students the chance to try real, job‑specific skills — from welding and construction to healthcare, law enforcement, manufacturing, and diesel technology. About 770 students attended from across Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet counties, including groups from Alta-Aurelia, Newell-Fonda, Sioux Central, Storm Lake and Storm Lake St. Mary’s.
Trevor Smith, Senior Vice President of the Iowa Lakes Corridor, says the idea grew from similar events in Missouri and Des Moines — but local leaders wanted something closer to home, where northwest Iowa employers could connect directly with local students.
Smith says the event is designed for students who may not be headed to a four‑year university — a group that he says makes up a significant share of graduating seniors in the region.
Students attended one of two sessions — morning or afternoon — and each received safety gear so they could participate in hands-on demonstrations. Smith says that was a key requirement for every exhibitor.
Smith says the goal is simple: show students that strong career opportunities exist right here in northwest Iowa — and help local employers connect with the future workforce they need.
Smith says the Corridor hopes to make Build My Future an annual event.
