Detroit, Michigan – The Preserve on Ash in Detroit’s North Corktown was alive with the hum of drills and the clatter of building tools on April 30, 2025. But this was a celebration, not really another day at a job site. It coincided with National Apprenticeship Day and honored the 10th anniversary of the Sachse Construction Academy. Sachse Construction invited 75 high school students for a full day of hands-on learning in the skilled trades along with the City of Detroit and many community partners.
Held on the site of an active affordable housing development, the event gave students a unique and significant chance to walk straight onto a live building site. Working alongside experienced craftsmen from bricklaying to framing and electrical work, participants learned what it truly takes to construct the city—and possibly a future job.
Over a whole decade, the Sachse Construction Academy has exposed Detroit’s young people to professions in the skilled trades. With more than 5,500 students having gone through the program since its beginning, this year’s milestone highlights the influence of that work. Running in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, The Community Builders, the City of Detroit, and clothing partner Carhartt, The Academy aims to close the gap between classroom education and practical experience.
“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.”
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The venue, The Preserve on Ash, was a fitting choice. Created by The Community Builders, the affordable housing project is the kind of changing effort that not only changes the scene but also opens doors. Its ongoing construction provided students a real feeling of purpose and potential.
Throughout the day, laughter mixed with the buzz of saws, and curious questions gave way to confident hammer swings. Many of the students departed by the end with more than just sawdust on their shoes; they went with motivation, mentorship, and a better knowledge of what their future could contain.
One thing was evident as the 10th annual Sachse Construction Academy came to a close: the tools may have been in their hands for only one day, but the knowledge acquired could last a lifetime.