SPC Hosts 3rd Annual Construction Trades Symposium
March 25, 2026
More than 400 high school students, educators, industry professionals, and community partners gathered on March 5, 2026, at St. Philip’s College (SPC) for the 3rd Annual Construction Trades (ACT) Symposium, highlighting workforce opportunities and the future of the skilled trades.
Held at the college’s Southwest Campus, the event centered on the theme “Next-Gen Builders,” emphasizing the rapid evolution of the construction industry and the growing demand for a skilled workforce.
The symposium began with a welcome from Vice President for Academic Success Randall Dawson, followed by a special presentation from chef, entrepreneur, founder, and president of Grupo La Gloria Johnny Hernandez. Attendees then heard a keynote address from Michelle Seward Davis, president of the South Texas chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
Davis, a construction industry leader with 30 years of experience, works with member companies and community partners to advance workforce development, safety and education initiatives. She emphasized the importance of mentorship, apprenticeships and outreach programs in connecting students and underrepresented groups to career pathways.
The symposium was designed to give both high school students and current SPC students direct access to industry professionals through hands-on demonstrations, panel discussions, and workshops. Breakout sessions throughout the day focused on topics such as certifications, entrepreneurship, teamwork and leadership development.
“We have seen more industry and student participation each year,” said Chair of the Allied Construction Trades Dr. Joseph Kulhanek. “The ACT advisory board played a strategic role in identifying presenters and helping with the facilitation of the event.”
The program also included a lunch panel discussion at the Tiger Bistro cafetorium, where participants continued conversations about career pathways and industry trends.
Kade Hunter, senior project engineer at Flintco, praised the event, writing in a follow-up note: “It was a pleasure, and the opportunity to participate again would be welcome. The turnout left a strong sense of optimism about San Antonio’s future and SPC’s role in it. The program is clearly well put together.”