Building a Pipeline to Ease the Labor Shortage
For several years, the KCHBA has been working with area schools to provide students with the opportunities available to them in the residential construction industry. The KCHBA’s Workforce Development Committee hosts several activities throughout the year to introduce students to the industry, and a few years ago partnered with the Home Builders Charitable Foundation to create Foundations for the Future Week.
Between April 9-14, the greater Kansas City public had the opportunity to learn about the skilled trades as a career path for their children through several events held at Union Station and Science City in downtown Kansas City.
Through Foundations for the Future week, KCHBA hopes to promote careers in the skilled trades and increase the number of students choosing careers in the residential construction industry. This will put less pressure on home prices, ultimately assisting Kansas City families in achieving the American dream of owning a home.
PARADE OF PLAYHOUSES
This was an opportunity for the public to bid on a playhouse for their backyard in an online auction. The proceeds of the auction will benefit Science City.
Thank you to Ashner Construction and Bodine-Ashner Builders for being the presenting sponsor for the Parade of Playhouses. A big thank you also goes to the realtor, materials, decal and other playhouse sponsors. KCHBA would also like to thank our Parade of Playhouse judges:
- Michelle Schneider, MSI
- Bill Arnold, Keystone Solid Surfaces
- Bob Frost, Frost Construction Company
- Chuck Tilley, Longwire
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PARADE OF PLAYHOUSES WINNERS!
Pick of the Parade: Basehor-Linwood High School for its “Two Story Modern ‘Bakery’ Playhouse with Fireman Pole”
Best in Innovation: Wyandotte High School for its “Retro Chic Modern Playhouse w/ Floor to Ceiling Glass Paneling”
Best in Craftsmanship: Olathe Advanced Technical Center for its “No Place Like Home Playhouse with Solar Panel”
KC MADE
The KC Manufacturing and Design Expo is a contest among high school students (grades 9-12) in construction and manufacturing programs. Projects are not limited in scope. Participants have the freedom to enter everything from a tiny house to a dining room table.
Nearly 20 projects were on display to people visiting Science City inside Union Station during the KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (KC MADE) April 9-13. In addition to one homeschooled participant, students from the following schools participated in KC MADE:
- Bonner Springs High School
- Liberty High School
- Paola High School
- Shawnee Mission West High School
- Wyandotte High School
Thank you to the KC MADE judges:
- Matt Ernst – Ernst Brothers Construction
- Greg Kudrna – Henges Insulation
- Megan Sharp – Legacy Homes of KC
- Maddy Maas – Mission Kitchen & Bath
- David Elliott – Construction & Planning Services
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S KC MADE WINNERS:
Showmanship Award: Tyberias Watkins, Shawnee Mission West
People’s Choice Award: Anna Stadler of Liberty High School
3rd Place Wood Division: Anna Stadler, Liberty High School
2nd Place Wood Division: Christian Wade & Jack Leon, Shawnee Mission West
1st Place Wood Division: Tyberias Watkins, Shawnee Mission West
3rd Place Mixed Materials: Noah Wilson & Aiden Torres, Shawnee Mission West
2nd Place Mixed Materials: Hayden Davis, Liberty High School
1st Place Mixed Materials: Jacobe Arnold (Home school)
3rd Place Overall: Christian Wade & Jack Leon, Shawnee Mission West
2nd Place Overall: Tyberias Watkins, Shawnee Mission West
1st Place Overall: Jacobe Arnold (Home school)