Bedrock says it will need thousands of skilled-trades workers as it ramps up projects including the Hudson’s site redevelopment, Wayne County Criminal Justice Center and Monroe Blocks.

The building boom comes at a time when there is a shortage in skilled-trades workers, particularly those from Detroit and Wayne County.

To help fill that gap, Bedrock and construction firm Barton Malow are holding the Ready. Set. Build! construction careers expo from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Cobo Center that will cater to a range of people — from those with no experience in the trades, to those ready for employment.

"The goal on the 14th is to break down some of the barriers that could preclude a resident from entering the skilled trades," said Dannis Mitchell, diversity manager for Barton Malow. "First, identifying what the general requirements are, explaining to the community that there are more than 20 trades that makes up the skilled-trades industry. That means that there is a vast variety of opportunities available for a potential job seeker. Then explaining that each trade has a different entry requirement. There are several that transition over several of the trades."

Twelve trade apprenticeship schools will be on site to give hands-on demonstrations. There will also be several contractor employers that have partnered with those apprenticeship schools.

"They’ll be explaining to the job seekers when their application time lines are," Mitchell said. "When they’re going to be starting their next class.”

Bedrock has numerous projects in the pipeline during the next few years, said Joe Guziewicz, vice president of construction for Bedrock. Those projects include $1 billion redevelopment of the Hudson's site and the $830 million Monroe Blocks development.

“I think the biggest thing we can get across to everybody is show up,” Guziewicz said. “Don’t wait. Get out here. Come to the event. If you can’t come to the event get on the website.... There’s time required to get into an apprenticeship to get training started so that when we’re ready for that particular trade, whatever excites you and you want to get into, that you’re in position ready. You don’t want to wait until the job is posted.”

There will be five bus-shuttle locations available for expo attendees: Samaritan Center, Southwest Detroit Center, Northwest Activity Center, Wayne Service Center the Highland Park Service Center. Pick-up times at each location are every hour from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Preregistration to the free event is encouraged at www.readysetbuildexpo.com. However, walk-ins are welcome.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CWilliams_DN