With college costs soaring and a nationwide shortage of over 500,000 qualified construction workers, more students are considering trade careers. Tru Plumbing and Gas, in partnership with Okaloosa County Career and Technical Education (CTE), is stepping up to support these students by hosting a skilled trade competition during Trufest in Fort Walton Beach this Saturday, October 26, at noon at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park.

Students from Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Choctawhatchee High Schools will team up to tackle a live plumbing rough-in for a laundry room. This competition, part of Tru Plumbing and Gas’s community event, will allow students to showcase their skills for a chance to win prizes sponsored by the company, along with a memorial trophy provided by Okaloosa County CTE.

“As someone who has spent the better part of my life in plumbing, I know the satisfaction that comes with working in the trades,” said Cody Kearns, founder of Tru Plumbing and Gas. “It’s vital that we help support and motivate the next generation of students interested in this valuable career path.”

The Okaloosa County CTE program offers middle and high school students industry certifications and high school and college credits, preparing them for careers in key industries with growing demand for skilled labor.

Trufest, Tru Plumbing and Gas’s annual festival, held in collaboration with Wildflower Boutique, celebrates community support with food trucks, local vendors, and exciting prize giveaways. The festival runs from 12-6 pm at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park.