Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County recently extended a heartfelt thank you to the National Home Builders Association, the Builders Association of Elkhart County (BAEC), local contractors, and other BAEC volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the organization’s workforce preparedness program. This program aims to empower youth by providing them with hands-on experience in the construction industry and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment through building projects.

This impactful initiative has not only equipped club members with technical skills but has also exposed them to the sheer joy and satisfaction that comes with creating something from scratch. The palpable elation on the face of a young participant while using a miter saw for the first time, under supervision and after thorough training, serves as a testament to the program’s success in igniting passion and curiosity among the youth.

The Middlebury Boys & Girls Club became a hub of activity on the afternoon of October 10, as 20 students from Middlebury, Goshen, and Elkhart engaged in the construction of two sets of cornhole boards. Supported by the financial grant from the National Home Builders Association, local contractors, and BAEC volunteers, the students enthusiastically embarked on this hands-on learning experience.

Aaron Gilliland of Elevation Home Builders was particularly impressed by the students’ genuine interest in the trade and their enthusiasm for the construction process. “It was great seeing kids interested in the trades and having fun while doing it,” he remarked.

The immersive learning experience provided the students with the opportunity to operate various tools and equipment, guided by seasoned builders. From safety talks to the final touch of paint, the students actively participated in every facet of the construction process, showcasing their growing skills and confidence.

Bryan Barr, owner of Square 1 Builders, cherished the priceless joy on the students’ faces throughout the project. He noted, “Seeing the joy in the students’ faces while doing all this was really priceless.”

From working with framing squares to using miter saws, jigsaws, circular saws, and impact drivers, the students eagerly absorbed knowledge and skills under the expert guidance of the builders. Despite encountering some challenges along the way, the students persevered, making mistakes, learning from them, and celebrating small victories.

Todd Meier from Team Construction expressed his delight in both the students’ and his own experiences, highlighting the students’ evolving engagement and confidence as the project unfolded. “It was a great event and experience for both the kids and myself,” he shared.

This construction activity marked the third of four planned projects facilitated by NAHB. The preceding activities included building serving trays from reclaimed wood, participating in a forklift truck demonstration, and engaging in a nail-driving competition. These immersive experiences have allowed the BAEC to garner national recognition among the 40-plus Home Builders Associations that also benefited from the grant.

The collaboration with local businesses and volunteers has been pivotal in providing the students with exposure to diverse aspects of the construction industry, further fostering their interest and enthusiasm. From watching a concrete truck pour concrete to learning about careers in concrete, the students have gained insight into various trades and careers within the construction sector.

The generosity and support of businesses such as Zeeland Lumber, Alpha Building Center, and Sherwin Williams, along with the dedication of volunteers from Elevation Home Builders, Shipshewana Homes, Square 1 Builders, and Team Construction and Remodeling, have contributed significantly to the success of these initiatives.

As Justin Stecz, owner of That 1 Painter, aptly expressed, “It was amazing to see kids super excited, but hesitant at the start, to being fully engaged and thrilled to use each new tool in creating their board.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County’s workforce preparedness program stands as a shining example of how collaborative efforts and community support can provide invaluable learning experiences for young individuals. These initiatives not only equip youth with practical skills but also instill in them a sense of confidence, curiosity, and passion for the diverse opportunities within the construction and building industry.