High School Outreach “The future millionaires in America may not be software engineers or Ivy League graduates — they might be plumbers, electricians, and hands-on skilled workers. As AI and automation take over white-collar tasks, technical trades will become the backbone of the economy. These are not ‘backup careers’ anymore — they are frontline roles in an AI-powered world.” — Jensen Huang As the current workforce ages out, a shortage of well over 500,000 skilled trade workers has created high demand in the field of construction. Many skilled workers can earn six-figure incomes without the burden of student debt. Yet, trends show that more people are leaving the construction field than entering it. Studies show that for every seven workers who leave the field, only one worker enters the field. Given the need for more construction workers — including the asphalt pavement field — UAPA is collaborating with local schools to introduce construction-related careers to high school students. Each year, UAPA invites hundreds of high school students to attend the annual conference to present the varied career options in the asphalt pavement field. At UAC ‘26, UAPA’s Bup Minardi and Tim Nevenner spent time with the students, discussing their career thoughts and insights and answering questions. 31 On The Road Workforce Development
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