Mayor, Sachse Construction Academy celebrate 10 years with hands-on skilled trades experience for Detroit High School Students during National Apprenticeship Day
Detroit High School Students get an insight look at skilled trade construction careers with hands-on experience
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day on April 30, 2025, and the 10th anniversary of the Sachse Construction Academy, Sachse Construction, in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, The Community Builders, the City of Detroit, and Carhartt, will host a hands-on Construction Academy at The Preserve on Ash in North Corktown. This milestone event will provide 75 Detroit high school students with the chance to explore high-paying careers in the skilled trades—right on an active construction site.
Hosted at The Preserve on Ash, a transformative affordable housing development currently under construction, the event is part of a decade-long commitment to inspiring the next generation of trades professionals. By aligning with National Apprenticeship Day, the 10th annual Academy shines a spotlight on the critical role that apprenticeships and workforce development play in building stronger communities.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sachse Construction Academy, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate it on National Apprenticeship Day,” said Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction. “Over the last decade, our mission has remained the same: to connect Detroit's youth with meaningful opportunities in the skilled trades and help build the city’s future workforce.”
“We are proud to partner with Sachse Construction and all of our community stakeholders on this important event,” said Mayor Mike Duggan, City of Detroit. “The skilled trades are essential to the future of Detroit, and we are committed to providing our youth with opportunities that will help them build successful careers and contribute to the city's growth and revitalization."
“As the developer of The Preserve on Ash, we are thrilled to welcome students to our job site on National Apprenticeship Day,” said Patricia Beldon, Executive Vice President of The Community Builders. “This event is a model for how we can connect real estate development with real workforce opportunity, right in the neighborhoods that need it most.”
“Junior Achievement is proud to support this event on National Apprenticeship Day. Career exposure is crucial for young people,” said Jason Lee, CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. “This kind of hands-on learning helps students envision themselves in these roles—and that’s the first step toward closing opportunity gaps.”
Throughout the day, students will participate in live demonstrations and hands-on activities guided by experienced tradespeople, learning about the craftsmanship that goes into building a community. This 10th anniversary event reinforces the importance of apprenticeship pathways and the power of experiential learning. To date, 5,500 Detroit high school students have attended the Sachse Construction Academy.
About Sachse Construction
Sachse Construction is a full-service general contractor with extensive experience in commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. Known for its commitment to quality and safety, Sachse Construction works to create lasting community impact through innovative projects and workforce development initiatives like the Sachse Construction Academy, now in its 10th year.
About The Community Builders
The Community Builders (TCB) is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit real estate developers, dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable communities. TCB builds affordable, quality housing that strengthens neighborhoods and creates lasting economic opportunities for low-income families.
About Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan is a nonprofit organization that equips young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a global economy. JA empowers students through hands-on programs in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.
