Trades for Tomorrow: Empowering the Next Generation of Builders
HBA: Quad Cities Builders & Remodelers Association
Category: Education
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Size: 201-600 members
Year: 2024
The Quad Cities Builders & Remodelers Association (QCBR)’s Trades for Tomorrow was an initiative designed to engage local high schools and their industrial trades students, showcasing their skills at their annual Home Show. The program encouraged students to build various items, such as benches, picnic tables and birdhouses, using donated materials, which were then displayed and auctioned at the event. The primary goal was to raise awareness of the importance of supporting trade programs while recognizing the achievements of students and instructors. The auction raised $17,250, with half of the proceeds going directly back to the participating schools to support their programs and the other half funding the Build My Future event and the Student Built Home Scholarship Fund.
The program’s success was a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting future tradespeople. Thirteen high schools participated, and the event had tremendous public and industry support, with more than 65 items displayed for auction. The initiative not only raised significant funds but also helped build a stronger connection between students, schools and the community. It provided a platform for students to showcase their talent and reinforced the importance of trade education. The success of the event has already led to plans for increased participation in the coming years.
