Building Tomorrow:

2025 Equipment Rodeo Brings Record Numbers and Real-World Experience to Area Students

On Thursday, September 18, the Valley Corp campus was buzzing with energy and the unmistakable sound of heavy equipment as more than a dozen high schools gathered for the 2025 Equipment Rodeo and Career Fair.

Now in its fifth year, this hands-on event has evolved into one of the region’s most impactful opportunities for students to experience the construction industry firsthand. With the support of generous sponsors and the leadership of Valley Corp team members Darren Elliott and Jesse Lanz, this year’s event saw its largest turnout yet, and by all accounts, it was the smoothest one to date.

“We had some exceptional kids this year,” said Darren Elliott, who co-led the event. “It went off without a hitch thanks to the incredible team we have here at Valley Corp.”

240+ Students, 13 Schools, One Shared Purpose

More than 240 students from 13 schools across Nebraska participated in this year’s event. (That was more than 2x the number of students we’ve hosted before!) Schools included:

  • Ashland-Greenwood

  • Avenue Scholars

  • Columbus High School

  • Columbus Lakeview High School

  • DC West High School, Valley

  • Elmwood-Murdock

  • Falls City

  • Fremont High School

  • JAG Nebraska (Fremont)

  • Mead High School

  • Metropolitan Community College

  • Schuyler Central High School

  • Tekamah-Herman

As students rotated through each station, including operating a skid loader, testing their hand at excavator basketball, tying rebar, pouring concrete, learning about fiber optics, and more, they gained more than just experience. They got a real glimpse of what a future in the trades could look like: rewarding, well-paying, and filled with opportunity.

A Real-World Path Forward

With rising demand for skilled workers and a growing shortage of new talent entering the construction industry, the Equipment Rodeo serves a dual purpose. For students, it’s a chance to explore a career they may have never considered. For Valley Corp, it’s a chance to connect with the next generation of builders.

“Growing up in a rural community myself, I know what it’s like to feel like college is the only option,” Darren said. “This event is about showing students—especially those from smaller towns—that there are great careers out there in the trades. It goes both ways: they get a window into our world, and we get to meet the people who might one day be our coworkers.”

With competitive salaries, strong job security, and a wide range of career paths, the construction industry is full of opportunities that don’t always require a four-year degree.

Thanks to Our Sponsors …And Onto 2026

This annual event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, whose partnership enables us to provide students with a one-of-a-kind experience in a safe and well-organized environment. (see list of sponsors below)

With the 2025 event now in the books, planning is underway for next year. And if this year’s success is any indication, it’s only going to get bigger and better.

At Valley Corp, we believe these are some of the most important reasons why young people should consider entering the construction industry:

  • Competitive Salaries: The construction industry offers competitive salaries and benefits packages. Many jobs in the industry do not require a college degree, allowing young people to start earning a living wage early in their careers. Additionally, as they gain experience and advance in their careers, their earning potential increases.
  • Job Security & High Demand: The construction industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US economy, with a high demand for skilled workers. With a growing population and increasing urbanization, there is a growing need for new homes, infrastructure, and commercial buildings. This demand for construction projects ensures job security for those in the industry.
  • Variety of Job Opportunities: The construction industry offers a range of career options beyond being a construction worker or laborer. There are opportunities in various other career paths, such as project management, engineering, architecture, surveying, estimating, and many more. These roles require different skills and education levels, meaning there is something for everyone in the industry.
  • Hands-On Learning: The construction industry provides valuable hands-on learning experiences that foster both professional and personal growth. Young people can learn technical skills, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, through on-the-job training. This experience offers the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in one’s abilities.

“We understand that to maintain a strong American construction industry, Valley Corp. and other companies must attract and embrace the energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity that young people bring to the labor market,” said Matt Bevington, Valley Corp CEO. “They are our country’s backbone and future!”

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At the event, hundreds of high school students gain practical experience in the construction industry through activities like rebar tying and concrete pouring. Valley Corp’s goal is to address the construction industry’s labor shortage and aging workforce by showcasing construction as a financially rewarding and lifelong career option for young people.

Valley Corp. offers a paid summer internship program that interested students applied for during the event. Upcoming high school graduates from anywhere in the metro area may apply on their website or by emailing Keith Peyton at recruiting@valleycorp.com