KeepCraftAlive communities continue to develop across North America in an effort to tackle regional skilled-trade issues and to inform and inspire the next generation of craftsmen and women. There is no finer example of the effort than a recent event held by Julie and Eddie Leverett of One Eleven, a design-build firm out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Together, with a team of their subcontractors, the duo held an in-house work day event for the youngest of potential builders. The kids were given a safety overview before tackling concrete demo, a grueling task that’s nothing short of fun when employed with sledge hammers and jack hammers—tools fewer and fewer children get to experience today.
The crew then moved on to exploring the finer points of construction. Those in attendance were provided all of the tools and materials necessary to build bird houses. Upon completion, the kids were able to bring the projects home to decorate over the holiday break.
The event took place at one of the firm’s current projects and the new homeowner’s children were included in the mix of participants, yielding a perspective in the construction of their new home—and who builds it—that undoubtedly has had an important and meaningful impact.
One of the main factors leading to the dearth of qualified and skilled professionals in the construction industry is the lack of construction experience at an early age. Those who never have the ability to experience the challenge and satisfaction of constructing something with their own hands don’t develop a passion or inclination for the construction environment. By providing opportunities for kids of all ages to step onto a job site and experience the unique satisfaction of building, we can help develop that sense of wonder and empowerment that drives the talented among us into construction careers.
If you’d like to start a KeepCraftAlive community in your area, please send an e-mail to info@keepcraftalive.org.
