Phillies and NEST Give Students Hands-On Look at Skilled Trades Careers

What a field trip for students exploring careers in the skilled trades!

On Tuesday, June 9, high school students from Philadelphia's Liguori Academy visited Citizens Bank Park, where they took part in an immersive, Skilled Trades All-Star Program hosted by the Phillies and South-Jersey-based NEST, the pioneer of integrated facilities management.

Throughout the experience, students were given a behind-the-scenes look at how skilled trades professionals help prepare the ballpark for major moments — from Phillies games to MLB All-Star Week and large-scale concerts.

The interactive program brought participants into key operational areas of the ballpark, including the HVAC control room, mechanical spaces, carpentry shop, and grounds crew facilities. At each stop, students engaged directly with members fo the Phillies’ facilities team and trade professionals, learning about the systems, technical expertise, safety protocols, and teamwork required to maintain and improve the ballpark.

The event also featured a welcome by Rob Almond, CEO of NEST, who helped establish the Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC) in 2023 to address the growing demand for skilled workers and raise awareness of trade careers.

“Programs like this are about creating access and awareness,” said Almond. “By bringing students into environments like Citizens Bank Park, especially at a time when it’s preparing for a global event, we can help them see the opportunity that exists in the skilled trades and the role they can play in it.”

For the students of Liguori Academy, the event undoubtedly provided a clearer vision of future career pathways and the skills needed to turn those opportunities into reality.