Target taps local high school students for store remodel

Target’s new partnership is exposing high school students to construction opportunities — and giving them hands-on experience.

The discounter, along with workforce development company ConstructReach and design firm KAI Build, launched “I Built This!,” a unique campaign that invites high students to participate in Target store builds and remodels throughout the country. On Sept. 20- 21, the retailer hosted its first event at its Kansas City store. More than 150 high school students from neighboring workforce development programs and school districts helped to remodel the store using skills such as carpentry, plumbing, fixturing, design, technology and mechanics.

The event also introduced students to local training programs, schools, internships and job opportunities in the construction industry. Other industry participants involved in Target’s remodel included KAI sister company The UP Companies (UPCO), Flooring Systems, Russell Construction Company and the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council.

Target’s “I Built That “program comes at a pivotal time in the construction industry. Despite an abundance of construction projects, retailers continue to struggle to find qualified workers. On a positive note, construction jobs will grow faster than the average for all other occupations from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Target will continue to leverage its partnership with KAI Build and UPCO as it remodels stores in St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as a distribution center in Topeka, Kansas.  

Target operates nearly 2,000 stores across the U.S.