Building a Workforce through the AHB Care Endowment Scholarship

People love to generalize generations. Baby boomers don’t like change. Millennials feel entitled. Generation Z is technology-addicted. These are bold and often unwarranted categorizations of entire generations. However, there’s one Gen Z trend that you probably haven’t heard. This one is true and likely to surprise you. 

Gen Z is dubbed the “Toolbelt Generation.” Today’s teens and young adults are starting to choose trades over college at an increasing rate. Experts attribute this to a number of factors including emerging technology and the skyrocketing cost of college. According to the Education Data Initiative, college enrollment has declined nearly 10% over the last 14 years, from when it was at its peak. Many cite the crushing debt of student loans. The average cost of college has more than doubled over the past 50 years. Unfortunately for some students, even in-state tuition is far beyond the scope of affordability. 

That’s not the case for vocational institutions. Trade school programs are often shorter, more affordable and in many cases, students earn a wage as they learn a skill. That’s why Gen Z is turning to vocational colleges as a way to kickstart a career without the high cost. Plus, careers in the trades offer benefits for years to come. They are often high-paying, in-demand careers that offer a meaningful opportunity to specialize in a skill. 

A workforce skilled in the trades is essential to economic prosperity. From plumbing to carpentry and electrical to nursing, these careers make a big impact on everyday life. However, many of these trades are experiencing a shortage. Luckily, Gen Z is starting to close the gap. 

As the next generation begins to focus on their future, we’re here to help. Skilled workers are essential to the homebuilding industry. We want to help build a workforce. One of the ways we contribute is through scholarships. The Anchorage Home Builders Care Endowment’s AK Trades Scholarship is awarded to Alaskans seeking secondary education in the residential construction industry. 

AK Trades Scholarship is meant to help ease the financial burden. While vocational schools don’t come with hefty tuition, there are often still costs that incur. AK Trades Scholarship can be used toward the cost of tuition, books, tools and certification fees. 

Alaskan students who are interested in pursuing careers in the residential trades and plan to stay and work at home in Alaska are eligible. Our review panel looks at applications every two months. Through our scholarship we hope to empower students to choose a career in the residential homebuilding industry. Together, we can build a bright future for our students and the state. 

If you or someone you know is interested in our scholarship, fill out an application on our website, www.ahba.net/scholarship.