We help students make their mark in construction

A yellow cordless drill with a drill bit attached, surrounded by various tools including a hacksaw, paintbrush, screws, and drill bits, placed on a wooden work surface.

“You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream a reality.” — Walt Disney

A yellow construction helmet with a black and yellow logo on the front, featuring a stylized ladder, and the words 'BUILDING THE FUTURE' in bold black letters underneath.

Our Mission is to Elevate the Construction Industry

The Construction Trades Education Partnership (CTEP) was formed in 2018 by the Builders Exchange of Tennessee (BXTN) to help promote careers in the commercial construction industry. Recognizing the growing workforce shortage and the need to better connect students with real-world opportunities, CTEP was created to bridge the gap between high school construction programs, postsecondary education, and commercial contractors.

People working on a construction or robotics project inside a large indoor venue, with multiple levels and tables, using power tools and wood framing.

The Beginning of CTEP:

The Construction Trades Education Partnership (CTEP) is a collaboration of the Builders Exchange of Tennessee (BXTN), the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Construction Science and Management Program (UTK), and high schools in the state of Tennessee.

A man wearing a yellow safety helmet, glasses, gloves, and a plaid shirt working on an electrical panel on a gray wall.

Our Foundation: Why Commercial Construction Matters

Commercial construction is a vital industry. We don’t just build buildings — we build relationships, communities, and lifelong careers. A strong construction workforce supports economic growth and creates meaningful opportunities for individuals across Tennessee.

Construction site with two workers, one in a red jacket and hard hat, working on foundation with rebar and concrete forms.

Building the Future Workforce

We promote careers in commercial construction through a variety of strategic initiatives designed to educate, engage, and support students as they explore opportunities in the trades.

A construction worker wearing a yellow shirt and a black helmet is working on a wooden framework under a blue sky.

How CTEP Strengthens Tennessee’s Commercial Construction Workforce

  • High School students building wooden frames inside a large industrial space as part of a construction competition.

    BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition

    Our annual BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in their trades programs. Beyond technical ability, students learn to collaborate across trades and work under deadlines — a core component of commercial construction. The competition reinforces real-world expectations while celebrating student achievement.

  • Group of high school students and adults posing together in a workshop, holding a large check for $1,850, with some students wearing welding helmets and safety gear.

    The CTEP Gift Program

    Through the CTEP Gift Program, we provide direct financial support and help facilitate in-kind donations from industry partners to high school construction trades programs. This initiative strengthens classroom instruction by ensuring students and instructors have access to the tools, materials, and resources needed for hands-on learning.

  • A man and a woman are having a conversation at a career fair booth decorated with orange and gray tablecloths, and promotional materials, in an indoor setting.

    Career Fair Engagement

    CTEP participates in career fairs across the region to introduce high school students to the wide range of opportunities available in commercial construction. These events allow students to connect directly with industry professionals and learn about career pathways in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, project management, and more.

  • A man in a blue plaid suit with three teenagers, all wearing safety helmets, inside an industrial or construction building. The teenagers are wearing yellow and gray clothing and appear to be part of a construction or safety event.

    Industry & Community Partnerships

    CTEP partners with schools, workforce organizations, and industry groups to increase awareness of the trades and the many career opportunities within commercial construction. By working together, we expand exposure and create stronger connections between education and industry.

  • Group of people in a welding training or workshop space, wearing protective helmets and gear, with welding machines and red welding curtains around.

    Classroom Presentations & Career Pathways

    We regularly conduct classroom presentations to promote interest in the trades and outline clear, attainable career paths. These conversations help students understand the variety of roles within commercial construction and the steps needed to enter the workforce.

  • Logo for Builders Exchange of Tennessee's Future Builders Scholarship featuring a map outline of Tennessee, a graduation cap, a blueprint, and a rolled-up architectural plan.

    BXTN Future Builders Scholarship

    The Builders Exchange of Tennessee Future Builders Scholarship is awarded annually at the SkillsUSA Tennessee State Conference. This scholarship supports students as they take the next step in pursuing careers in construction and skilled trades.

UPCOMING CTEP EVENTS

Large indoor construction site with numerous workers wearing yellow hard hats, working on constructing wooden frames for floors or walls. Some workers are on the ground level, while others are on the second-floor balcony overseeing the work. The space is well-lit with high ceilings and windows, banners, and signs are hung on the upper level. Equipment, tools, and materials are scattered across the floor.
Circular badge with the text 'High School Construction Trades Competition 2026' around the edge. Inside, a city skyline with a flag-patterned background and the logo 'BCTN' at the top.

2026 BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Knoxville Expo Center

The 2026 BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition will take place on Veterans Day, making it a particularly meaningful event for all involved. In addition to showcasing student talent in the skilled trades, we will take time to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.

2027 ctep gift program

2027 BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition

April 2027

November 2027

Applications accepted from January 1, 2027, through February 28, 2027. Check Presentations in April 2027

Plans are already underway for the 2027 BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition. More details, including dates and registration information, will be announced in late 2026—stay tuned!

Logo for Future Builders Scholarship from Builders Exchange of Tennessee, featuring a graduation cap, open book with blueprints, and a map of Tennessee outline.
Two men shaking hands in front of a blue SkillsUSA Tennessee backdrop at an indoor event. One man is wearing a beige shirt and a baseball cap, the other is in a gray vest and glasses.

2026 BXTN Future Builders Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Lukas Nunley from Grundy County High School, who was awarded the Builders Exchange of Tennessee’s Future Builders Scholarship at the SkillsUSA Tennessee State Leadership and Skills Conference in Chattanooga.

Past BXTN High School Construction trades competitions

Group of ten young people standing together indoors, smiling for a photo, some wearing matching navy blue T-shirts with a logo and text related to a construction competition, in a building under construction or renovation.

School Team Division – First Place

  • Loudon High School

School Team Division – Second Place

  • William Blount High School

Open Division – First Place

  • Carpentry – Bledsoe County High School

  • Electrical – Karns High School

  • Plumbing – William Blount High School

Open Division – Second Place

  • Carpentry – Jefferson County High School

  • Electrical – William Blount High School

  • Plumbing – Sevier County High School

2025 Competition Winners

Group of young people and adults standing on a stage, holding boxes of power tools, smiling for a photo indoors.

School Team Division - First Place

  • Halls High School

Open Division Team Winners

  • Jefferson County High School

  • Grainger High School

  • William Blount High School

Best Individual Awards:

  • Carpentry: Halls High School

  • Electrical: Gibbs High School

  • Plumbing: Farragut High School

2024 Competition Winners

2025 BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition

2024 BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition

Bottom Line

We Are Building the Future of Construction

Contact Us

Have questions about the Construction Trades Education Partnership (CTEP) or looking to get involved? We’d love to hear from you. Schools interested in participating in the BXTN High School Construction Trades Competition are encouraged to reach out and learn how to get involved. Industry professionals can play a vital role in shaping the future workforce by volunteering, sponsoring, or partnering with CTEP. Whether you’re an educator, student, or industry partner—or simply want to learn more about the program—please contact us to start the conversation.