Newtown,CT. — Fine Homebuilding is proud to announce, in its third year of partnership with SkillsUSA, a scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA members. Current SkillsUSA members studying in construction-related fields, with a passion for their craft and planning to pursue continued education including community college, undergraduate programs, and industry certifications are being awarded a $2,500 scholarships for the 2019-20 academic year. Fine Homebuilding is awarding 24 scholarships this year.
Scholarship winner selections were based on completion of an application, along with a 300-word essay and a letter of support from a teacher, administrator, SkillsUSA advisor, or educational/professional mentor. All winners will be announced and acknowledged during the 55th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., June 24-28, 2019
In creating these scholarships, Fine Homebuilding is addressing a disparity between the employment demands of a growing housing industry and a shortage of trained qualified labor – the skills gap.
“For too long true craftsmanship in America has gone unrecognized and underappreciated. Through these scholarships, and through our collective efforts of the KeepCraftAlive program, we aim to ignite a passion for the trades and to support those who will carry on a legacy of craftsmanship in home building,” said KeepCraftAlive executive director, Rob Yagid. “This is important work, and Fine Homebuilding is committed to doing all that we can to celebrate those who are passionate about building the best homes possible, in the best way possible.”
“This is important work, and Fine Homebuilding is committed to doing all that we can to celebrate those who are passionate about building the best homes possible, in the best way possible.”
For Fine Homebuilding editorial director Justin Fink, the mission is clear. “Helping to solve the skills gap is important to us, but that starts with sending a strong message to anybody who has ever felt the pull towards being a tradesman of any kind — we want to assure them that this is truly a rewarding path, and one that shouldn’t be discouraged.”
Publisher Renee Jordan adds, “It is such a fulfilling experience to be able to impact the lives of students and bring financial support to those who want to pursue a career in the trades. We are especially grateful for the support and dedication of our industry partners, who have stepped up to demonstrate their commitment to this issue as well, including our official charter partner, CertainTeed Corporation, Pella Windows and Doors, InOvate and Feeny.”
“Fine Homebuilding continues to support and recognize America’s future skilled workforce in the construction trades,” said SkillsUSA’s executive director, Tim Lawrence. “This program helps deserving students to continue their education within the field. SkillsUSA is a talent pipeline and a verified skills gap solution. Every year 100,000 SkillsUSA students complete their technical program, job-ready on Day One.”
Nationwide, career and technical education (CTE) encompasses 94 percent of high-school students in the United States and 13 million college/postsecondary students in high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, four-year universities and more. CTE and SkillsUSA are working to be a vital solution to our nation’s economic and workforce challenges, such as high-school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. At a time when opportunity for employment is critical, SkillsUSA and CTE are working to ensure students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.
To support the KeepCraftAlive initiative and its scholarship fund with SkillsUSA, click here.
