We are excited to announce our inaugural Trade Days of Summer: Construction Camp 2024 was a resounding success! The goal of the camp is to "build the future with the future" by investing in the next generation of tradesmen and women. The average tradesperson is currently 55 years old and the trades require new workers, causing a future gap in skilled tradesmen. Due to the demand, this causes a large need for tradespeople and causes high repair and housing costs. This has a direct impact on housing affordability, which is a main goal of Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity (FAHFH).
For four days, spanning July 23-26 2024, FAHFH hosted 25 students aged 16-18 to participate in educational building sessions. Following a comprehensive safety overview, students learned about construction and gained hands-on experience in different areas of construction trade. Each day featured a different area of construction trade.
Day One was drywalls, where students learned how to fix and repair holes in the wall.
"I liked it," remarked one student. "I feel glad that I have another skill to add under my belt."
Day Two was all about plumbing, where students worked in small groups with local plumbers to learn how to take apart and reassemble toilets and repair kitchen sink's p-trap and faucets.
On Day Three, students learned from local electricians how to work on a circuit panel box, change out light switches and outlets/receptacles, and change out smoke alarms and ceiling fans.
On the final day of the Construction Camp, students worked alongside Fort Liberty's Home Builders Institute (HBI) to build a shed. The students and Veterans worked in small groups to construct four walls with openings for windows and a door and raise the walls on a foundation. This project was a culmination of the four days of learning while gaining additional carpentry skills.
The summer camp wrapped up with a graduation ceremony, where participants received their certificates of completion. The guest speakers were from Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and HBI. Each student was gifted with a valuable set of tools, courtesy of Lowe's. They also gained invaluable knowledge that will help them on whatever path they decide to take after high school, whether it be pursuing a high-paying, rewarding career in the trades, or being able to use their newly gained skills around their own home.
We would like to thank our sponsors - Lowe's, T.J. Maxx, Brock's Cabinets, and Revolve Commercial Real Estate for their support in sponsoring the Construction Camp 2024. Another shoutout also goes to Cumberland County Schools, FTCC, HBI, and the other over 20 partners for their continuous collaboration and partnership. Thanks to their support, we were able to host an impactful event, marking the first summer camp of hopefully many to come.
To partner with Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity as a local business or an individual supporter of the upcoming 2025 Trades Construction Camp, please reach out to marketing@fayettevillenchabitat.org.
Comments