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Local construction education partnerships expand: toolbox builds, skilled‑trade center coming to Hudson’s Bay
Summary
A nonprofit and local employers described students’ participation in construction projects and announced a new skilled‑trade center with employer engagement and hiring events for high school students.
A community nonprofit and local employer partners told the board that a student‑centered construction program has expanded this year and that the district is planning a skilled‑trade center at Hudson’s Bay High School.
John Gerard, owner of Quail Homes and founder of Careers in Construction Southwest Washington, told the board that high‑school students from Hudson’s Bay, Columbia River, Fort Vancouver and Skyview are prefabricating “toolbox” units to be deployed at local schools and community locations. “Could be maybe 6, 800 of these boxes will be made and, pure chaos when that happens,” Gerard said, noting busier production this week and several school‑based build events on the calendar.
Gerard also described plans for a skilled‑trade center to support regional career education. He said building permits for a Fort Vancouver building are forthcoming and that donors and employers have expressed interest in replicating a skilled‑trade hub at other sites. Gerard said the center will host employer‑student hiring events; he described an event that will feature 40+ employers and about 70 students aimed at connecting top construction students with local hiring opportunities.
Why it matters: Trustees and staff said the expansion aligns with district goals for career and technical education and could create clearer pathways to jobs for students who do not pursue four‑year college. Gerard said the site will also emphasize industry exposure and employer matchmaking, and that the initiative is intended to address local workforce needs.
Next steps: Gerard said planning and donor work is underway; staff and community partners will coordinate school scheduling, permitting and employer outreach. The district did not present any board‑level vote on funding for the center at the meeting; Gerard said community donors are underwriting initial work.
Ending: Board members thanked Gerard and district staff for advancing career‑connected learning opportunities that several speakers said have grown substantially this academic year.
