Youth Explore Careers in the Remodeling Industry

The Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of NARI (EM NARI) will host the first annual Youth Remodeling Career Day at the Bolton Fairgrounds in Lancaster, MA. on October 18th, 2016.  High school students enrolled in vocational education programs around the Commonwealth will enjoy a day-long event featuring interactive, hands on building activities, educational expo booths, mock interviews with local business owners, and more. This career day provides a step towards closing the workforce gap in skilled labor.

Event Chair, Karl Ivester of New England Shutter Mills became involved because, he said,

“For years we have been steering all students toward a college degree after they graduate high school.  We need to do a better job of offering post-graduate career options that provide a living wage and avoid the burden of college debt for the next generation.”

The response to the event has far exceeded expectations with nearly 500 students and their teachers registered to attend the event from 30 classrooms around the state.  EM NARI members will host activities that include hands on demonstrations of remodeling activities like framing, masonry, window installation, and stair building.  Students will also learn about design/build remodeling, entrepreneurship, resume building and universal design.

EM NARI Executive Director, Michelle Glassburn added, “A career in the trades can take a student far — from earning a good living at a young age, to the eventual opportunity to become a small business owner. Students and their parents need to be aware of all the career paths in this segment of the construction industry.  We hope that through the EM NARI Youth Remodeling Career Day, we can spark an interest in a career in the trades, and particularly in remodeling, with these students.”

The shortage in skilled labor is an opportunity to welcome a new generation of workers in any of the trades or in general remodeling.