Indiana Builders Invest in Trade Students Success
NAHB is spotlighting career and technical education (CTE) related stories throughout CTE Month® in February.
What is the secret to building a reservoir of local residential construction industry talent? In Garrett, Ind., a half hour north of Fort Wayne, the local home builders association, school, community leaders and area employers work together to support students enrolled in building trades classes. Career exploration in Garrett begins in middle school. Then, students select a career path in their junior year and are job-ready by graduation.
“I enjoy opportunities to visit the Garrett students and see the current projects — their work is always so impressive,” said Rebecca Cameron, executive officer of the HBA of Fort Wayne. “We strongly encourage our members to visit Garrett and our other student chapters to connect with the students and, ideally, create working relationships that will extend beyond graduation day.”
The Building Trades class at Garrett High School recently broke ground on its 50th home. The local community selected the project as “2023 Home of the Year.” In addition, a DeKalb County, Ind., tourism video touted Garrett High School’s Career Development Program (CDP). The home gave students a comprehensive building experience, from breaking ground to learning about rooftop solar power generation. Proceeds from the sale of the house benefit the Building Trades program.
The school administration created a schedule for work-based learning classes featuring the long blocks of time needed for hands-on subjects. The block schedule also allows students to work paid, off-campus jobs two or more full days per week. Employers, including HBA members, come to the school from November through February and make presentations to all students, not just those currently enrolled in CDP classes, to raise awareness of the many career opportunities for skilled trades professionals.
Dedicated, talented and creative faculty members are also vital. Current CDP director Corey Schoon runs a Reverse Career Fair, a refreshing take in which the students stand in the booths and pitch their portfolios to employers seeking workers. Garrett High School’s architectural design students were awarded both Rookie of the Year and 1st Place winner in the NAHB Secondary Schools Competition - Architecture Track at the NAHB International Builders’ Show® in 2020, a testimony to outstanding teaching and student learning.
NAHB Student Chapters are critical to the Federation’s efforts to nurture the next generation of talent. Contact Sarah Weber to learn more about starting a student chapter in your community.
Latest from NAHBNow
Aug 14, 2025
NAHB Spotlights Housing Affordability Issues at National and Local LevelNAHB and the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) recently spotlighted housing affordability struggles at both the local and national level in a two-part series titled “Washington to Washington: The Housing Crisis.”
Aug 13, 2025
How Remodelers Can Capitalize On The State of The Housing MarketThe housing affordability crisis in conjunction with an aging housing stock are signaling a high demand for remodels. With nearly half of owner-occupied houses in the U.S. built before 1980, home owners are choosing to invest in updating their current homes, making this the perfect time for remodelers to market themselves.
Latest Economic News
Aug 14, 2025
Building Material Prices Rise in JulyPrices for residential building materials rose again in July, marking the largest year-over-year increase in over two years. The underlying price growth trend remained the same, with service prices continuing to grow at a faster pace than goods prices. Similar to last month, parts for construction machinery and metal molding/trim experienced significant price growth, as both increased over 25% compared to last year.
Aug 13, 2025
U.S. Economy Rebounded in Second QuarterReal GDP growth rebounded in the second quarter, driven by a turnaround in the trade balance and stronger consumer spending.
Aug 12, 2025
Student Loan Balances RiseOverall consumer credit continued to rise in 2025, but the pace of growth remains slow. Student loan balances also rose year-over-year as borrowers resumed payments following the end of pandemic-era relief.