Greenwood students train for big careers with tiny buildings

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VisionGreenwood is looking to close a workforce gap in the construction industry by funding a project that puts hammers and experience in the hands of Greenwood County high school students.

The nonprofit donated $25,000 for a hands-on learning experience for high school students in the building construction program at the G. Frank Russell Technology Center, which services all three public school districts in Greenwood County.

“VisionGreenwood is intentional about identifying educational initiatives that help close workforce gaps, so we are very excited to partner with the G. Frank Russell Technology Center to help promote the abundant career opportunities in construction,” Kay Self, VisionGreenwood executive director, said in a news release. “Through this grant from VisionGreenwood, high school juniors and seniors in the RTC building construction program are able to put their learning into practice while being mentored by local contractors representing various skilled trades. Best of all, the male and female students involved in the Tiny House project are getting a glimpse into a ‘day in the life’ of a construction tradesperson, whether it be carpentry, masonry, plumbing or electrical.”

Brandon Smith, mayor of Greenwood and chairman of VisionGreenwood’s board of directors, said in the news release: “Clearly, there is a critical shortage of experienced workers in nearly every tier of the construction industry. Like many other communities, Greenwood needs and deserves an injection of skilled tradeworkers, such as carpenters, masons, electricians and more.”

The tiny house project, which kicked off during the previous school year, is well underway at the technology center. The project is about 65% complete, with final completion targeted for May 19. The plan is to auction the tiny house to the community as a way to continue this construction training in the 2023-2024 school year.

“We are very hopeful that this tiny house project will attract more non-traditional students into RTC’s building construction program — resulting in additional graduates over the next 10 years,” Jim Still, director of the G. Frank Russell Technology Center, said in the release.

Chip Whitt, work-based learning coordinator for the Russell Technology Center, students who complete the building construction program and earn their certificates are matched with Youth Apprenticeship partners.

“We believe this initial tiny house project is the beginning of something really special,” Whitt said in the release.

Ken Rauton, RTC building construction program coordinator, said three of last year’s students were placed in apprenticeships in the community during this school year.

Greenwood-area companies that partner with the RTC Building Construction program through apprenticeships include Uldrick Builders and Impresa Building Systems. For the Tiny House project specifically, Mathis Plumbing was on site to help students install the plumbing, and a licensed electrician is scheduled to help students with the house’s electrical wiring.

“At VisionGreenwood, we want the community to know that there are good paying jobs available in the construction industry — without college debt,” Self said in the release. “Programs like this one offered by the G. Frank Russell Technology Center bring students and employers together. This is the kind of partnership that aligns with our mission: providing leadership to enhance the quality of life in Greenwood through strategic long-term vision and collaborative community development initiatives.”

Formerly known as the Foundation for a Greater Greenwood County Inc., VisionGreenwood has invested more than $2.9 million into the community by supporting collaborative community development initiatives chosen for their potential to provide economic prosperity and enhance the growth and success of Greenwood.