Building Up Tomorrow's Homebuilders

Recent graduates are facing some shake ups in the job market and U.S. economy. With the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence, some careers are at risk while others are growing.

There may be a shift in career paths but homes are always in style. The homebuilding industry is in-demand and hosts a variety of high-paying options.

“Plumbers, electricians, carpenters and every other trades person in the residential construction field can earn just as much as someone with a college degree without the expense of getting a degree,” says Hollie Ruocco, CMKBD, owner of Creative Kitchen Designs.

Ruocco is passionate about inspiring the youth of today to become tomorrow’s homebuilding leaders. Unfortunately, too few young people are pursuing the trades. That’s why the AHBA Workforce Development Committee has partnered with business owners like Ruocco, as well as the Anchorage School District Career and Technical Education Department’s summer internship program. AHBA’s goal is to connect industry with interns and help solve the homebuilding industry’s workforce shortage.

Through the program, Creative Kitchen Designs welcomed two interns, Mylee Flatt, a 17-year-old senior at Service High School, and Rufus Hinks, a 17-year-old senior at South Anchorage High School.

“I have always been interested in interior design,” Flatt says. “I'm enjoying getting to understand what it takes to be a designer and seeing how to talk to clients, work with vendors, get an idea and sketch the first draft of a layout.”

“This internship has reinforced my passion for design and residential construction. This has made me realize how much I want to work in this industry,” Hinks says.

The AHBA Workforce Development Committee includes teachers and administrative staff from ASD. The committee connects students with local businesses that fit their interests. The internships are part of ASD’s Academies of Anchorage program, pushing students to explore careers. Through CTE internships, students earn credits and gain valuable connections, skills and insight into potential careers. “I would 100% recommend anyone interested in design or construction to pursue an internship. It helped me gain an invaluable overview of the industry as a whole,” Hinks said.

But it’s not just interns who benefit. The homebuilding industry is plagued by labor shortages. Introducing students to career options can help build the future workforce.

“I think over the years we will see more of the youth going into the trades than going to college, helping the shortage that we are seeing at this time in the trades. Our workforce is aging and retiring faster than we can replace them,” Ruocco said.

It’s an all around win for students, local businesses and the Anchorage community. Taking the time to inspire a student can chart the course for their future.

“I plan on coming back to Creative Kitchen Designs and becoming a fulltime designer and doing whatever steps it takes to be one,” Flatt says. From intern to interior designer, when professionals invest in students, the future is stronger for everyone.

• The Anchorage Home Builders Care Endowment awards scholarships to Alaskans seeking secondary education in the residential construction industry. The AK Trades Scholarship is AHBA’s way of supporting individuals as they work toward careers. Recipients can receive money for tuition or supplies like tools, books or gear. Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis.

• The AHBA Workforce Development Committee is making it easy for businesses to bring on interns. The AK Trades Scholarship will provide the intern with a bonus upon completion, relieving the financial burden on our member companies. This is an excellent opportunity to encourage students to explore the homebuilding industry. The intern will spend 60 hours at your company working under a mentor. Don’t miss your opportunity to help a student, plus you may even find your next team member.