Inaugural TradeUp Fest brings hands-on skilled trades experiences, music to Noblesville

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The inaugural TradeUp Fest drew attendees to the Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile on Saturday, Sept. 19, for a first-of-its-kind festival pairing live music with hands-on skilled trades experiences. The festival was presented by Gaylor Electric and Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky, with Meta joining as a co-sponsor.

The free daytime festival featured an interactive Trades Village with hands-on Try-a-Trade experiences and live trade demonstrations, plus eight bands on two outdoor stages emceed by DIY Network’s Kayleen McCabe, followed by a ticketed evening concert headlined by Larry Fleet with The Wilder Blue and Nora Reese.

“For every five people that are leaving the trades right now, only two people are entering,” said Josh Cecil, creator of TradeUp Fest and founder of HamCo Live. “That’s going to create a huge gap when 40-some percent of skilled tradesmen are planning to retire in the next 10 years. Bringing these interactive demos – I hope the kids start tinkering around with jet engines and think, ‘Mom, dad, I might want to be a plane mechanic when I grow up.’”

Photo courtesy of Meta

Cecil, a former Noblesville High School teacher, created the festival, which he calls “Farm Aid for the skilled trades,” to reframe careers outside the traditional four-year college path.

Meta, a co-sponsor of the festival, launched America’s Workforce Academy, built by Meta earlier this year as part of a $115 million national investment to train thousands of workers for jobs building AI infrastructure. Indianapolis is one of four pilot sites, and on Aug. 6 the academy graduated its first class in the country, with more than 55 students earning certificates and guaranteed job placement. The program requires no prior experience and pays participants while they train.

“We fell in love with Josh and his mission of bringing the skilled trades to more people in Indiana,” said Marshall Moore of America’s Workforce Academy. “Introducing young people, students and the entire community to the skilled trades directly aligns with what we’re doing with America’s Workforce Academy, opening pathways for thousands of people to enter the skilled trades.”

Meta is making major investments in Indiana, including in Lebanon and Jeffersonville, driving demand for electricians, HVAC specialists, fiber technicians, and other skilled workers.

Those interested in America’s Workforce Academy can apply at Meta.com/AmericasWorkforceAcademy.