|
|
 |
| |
|
Building a House to
Build Careers
THE HBA OF GREATER
KANSAS CITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HOME
BUILDERS INSTITUTE AND AFFILIATED WITH
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
LAUNCHED ITS "BUILDING A HOUSE TO
BUILD CAREERS" PROJECT IN SEPTEMBER
OF 2000.
|
|
|
This
school-to-work opportunities grant,
jointly funded by the U.S. departments
of Labor and Education, exposes K-12
students of Grain Valley R-V School
District to careers in residential
construction.
During the 2000-01 school year, a
group of high school students helped
build a Habitat for Humanity house
under the direction and guidance of
HBA members. The building process
provided an opportunity for students
and teachers to learn about the home
building industry, and fostered authentic
"hands on" experiences connecting
classroom learning with industry practices.
"Building a House to Build Careers"
was developed with the residential
construction industry in mind, due
to critical labor shortages and the
decline in education and training
programs that prepare individuals
for the requirements of the industry.
The purpose of the project was to
engage young people in career development
activities that will build a strong
workforce for tomorrow. Three cities
were selected to participate in this
national pilot program: Tallahassee,
Fla. (urban location); Indianapolis
(suburban location); and Kansas City,
Mo. (Grain Valley will serve as the
rural site).
In addition to building a Habitat
for Humanity house, students were
involved in educational opportunities
such as job shadowing, internships,
summer job programs, and NAHB/HBI
student chapter activities. The project
is geared toward college bound as
well as those who undergo technical
training to learn a trade. Students
are empowered to pursue careers related
to the homebuilding industry such
as architecture, engineering, interior
design, real estate, finance, and
construction management to name a
few. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
