LOCAL NONPROFIT STEPS UP TO FILL THE GAP IN TRADES TRAINING FOR AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

Frame Your Future Unveils New Mobile Workshop 

Spokane, Wash., June 6, 2023—Frame Your Future, a local nonprofit founded by Spokane Home Builders Association, recently unveiled the newest component of its impactful local workforce development initiative: the “Skills that Build” trailer. 

This mobile workshop is a unique rolling classroom, which will be used for trades exposure and real-world construction training experiences at local schools. The “Skills that Build” trailer is fully equipped with enough hand tools, power tools, and materials to supply a crew of high school students with what they need to build a garden shed or other construction project. 

“This trailer is state of the art–it’s a carpenter’s dream on wheels,” said Fred Anderson, a founding trustee of the FYF program and owner of Compass Construction in Spokane. 

Anderson is one of many industry partners in Spokane supporting the FYF initiative to ensure that the region has a stable and sustainable construction workforce. More skilled workers are needed to help reduce home building costs, and also to prepare for the retirement of baby boomers. 

“Today, one in four construction workers will reach retirement age within the next 10 years, but our state and local school districts continue to funnel students into four-year degree pathways while cutting funding for shop programs,” said Anderson. “A new workforce must be trained and ready to take over critical positions—from top to bottom—of every construction company.”

The trailer will ensure youth in the region have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, even if they lack access to training facilities on their school campuses. 

“Wood shop classes across the state were cut following the 2008 recession. Many have never returned, and our employers are now feeling the ripple effect,” said Brian Burrow, FYF program director. “This trailer gives students the hands-on opportunity to hone their skills while learning about careers in construction,”

The “Skills that Build” trailer was unveiled during FYF’s third annual Construction Camp in May. 

During the camp, more than 80 students, instructors, and construction industry volunteers worked together to build storage sheds. High school instructors and industry partners coached students through the building project, completing five 6’ x 8’ storage sheds that will be donated to local high schools to store items like sports equipment.

FYF plans to hire a full-time builder/instructor position to support high school construction programs throughout Spokane County using the “Skills That Build” Trailer to help facilitate hands-on learning projects.

“I like the concept of a mobile workshop,” said East Valley School District’s CTE Director, Doug Edmonson. “Instructors and students are better equipped for success in the classroom when they have the adequate materials, tools, and industry involvement.”

Trailer Sponsors:
Spokane County
Spokane Home Builders Association

FYF Founding Partners:
Band Construction 
Compass Construction 
Condron Homes
Fred’s Appliances 
Greenstone Homes
Hayden Homes
Lanzce G. Douglas 
Parr Lumber
Spokane Association of Realtors
Really Clean Energy
Washington Trust Bank
Windermere Real Estate 

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(509) 532-4990
5813 E 4th Ave, Suite 201
Spokane Valley, WA

The Spokane Home Builders Association is a member-driven organization that works to elevate professionalism in the residential construction industry, provide innovative resources and information to our members and engage in informative, effective advocacy on construction issues to create affordable housing options for the community. We promote, protect and educate the housing industry and our community.