AWCI Chapter, the Texas Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association introduced more than 600 North Texas students to careers in stucco, EIFS, plastering and stone at the Construction Industry Education Foundation’s DFW Trades Day in Forney, Texas.

TLPCA representatives answered questions, demonstrated tools and discussed career opportunities in the skilled trades. Participating industry representatives included Trey Harris of QUIKRETE, Rick Durham of SSI, Eric Kihl of Southwest Lath & Plaster, and the RONPARCO team.

“What I found most refreshing and inspiring was how many students came up to our exhibit genuinely curious and asking intelligent questions about our trades,” Kihl said. “Many of them had no idea that careers in stucco, EIFS and plastering even existed.”

The event is part of TLPCA’s broader workforce-development effort, which includes visiting schools, participating in career fairs and developing an “earn-while-you-learn” pathway that combines classroom instruction with hands-on jobsite experience.

TLPCA also recently raised approximately $32,000 through its annual convention auction to support workforce development, including student scholarships and a mobile trailer equipped for school demonstrations.

“The key now is to keep up the momentum we’ve created over the last couple of years and turn that interest into real opportunities,” Kihl said. “That requires direct involvement from contractors, suppliers and manufacturers.”

TLPCA plans to continue its outreach across Texas, with the goal of connecting students with training and long-term careers in the industry.