KCHBA, Union Station Partner for “Foundations for the Future Week” 2023
The residential construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage of epic proportions — there are approximately 300,000 unfilled jobs in the skilled trades nationwide. This shortage is causing home prices to increase for potential homeowners. Data shows that for every additional $1,000 in the price of a home, 951 households are priced out of the local market.
To promote careers in the skilled trades, the KCHBA is hosting its Foundations for the Future Week March 28-April 1 at Union Station. This week includes the Parade of Playhouses, the KC MADE competition and culminates with a students and industry luncheon.
PARADE OF PLAYHOUSES
Bid on a playhouse for your backyard! Online bidding begins Tues., March 28 at 9:00 a.m. and ends Saturday, April 1 at 5:00 p.m. CLICK HERE to view the playhouses and bid on your favorite!
The Parade of Playhouses will feature seven children’s playhouses that will be displayed in Haverty Family Yards outside Science City. Schools participating and their playhouses themes are as follows:
- Basehor-Linwood High School
- Independence School District – Historic schoolhouse
- Liberty High School – Alice in Wonderland playhouse
- Northland Career Center – Camper
- Olathe Advanced Technical Center – Train
- Paola High School – John Deere-style Barn
Building a children’s playhouse allows these high school students to hone their carpentry skills, which until now they have been primarily learning in a classroom setting. Playhouse themes include a train, a John Deer barn, a schoolhouse and an Alice in Wonderland playhouse. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Science City to promote STEM learning.
Thank you to our 2023 Parade of Playhouses Presenting Sponsors:
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KC MADE
Between March 28-April 1, KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (KC MADE) projects will be on display to people visiting Science City inside Union Station. The KC MADE competition 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.
A panel of industry professionals will judge the projects and determine the award winners based on project quality, skill knowledge and professionalism. Students can win prizes and program grants will be awarded to the schools of the first, second and third place overall winners in the amounts of $1,000, $750 and $500. Anyone can vote for their favorite project to win the People’s Choice award.
STUDENTS & INDUSTRY LUNCHEON
KCHBA is hosting a student-industry luncheon at Union Station on Saturday, April 1. Students involved in all these projects will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals with the intent of fostering connections that could lead to employment opportunities once they graduate.
Through this partnership with Union Station to host Foundations for the Future Week, the KCHBA hopes to increase the number of students choosing careers in the residential construction industry. This will put less pressure on home prices, which will ultimately assist the KC families in achieving the American dream of owning a home.
For more information about Foundations for the Future Week, visit kchomework.com.