A southern Idaho school district is offering a construction program for students to help combat a regional labor shortage, according to ktvb.com.
High school students from throughout the Twin Falls School District can travel to one facility to learn how to construct a building—from the foundation and framing to the exterior and interior finishes.
“They’re going to have the skills they need to go out and get that job in the trades,” says teacher Cameron Hoge.
About 75 students have enrolled in the program, and officials plan to add a second-year course that will allow students to work directly with area employers on construction sites.
With the help of local contractors, the school district developed the program to help combat Idaho’s skilled labor shortage. A 2019 survey from the Associated General Contractors of America showed 83% of Idaho contractors struggle to find qualified employees for hourly positions.
Twin Falls’ City Economic Development Director Nathan Murray says there are a limited number of contractors for city projects, and housing growth has stalled at 200 to 250 new houses per year. The labor shortage increases costs for new homes and other construction work.
Student Joselynn Ward finds the hands-on nature of the course engaging, and it is encouraging her to consider a career in construction.
“It's a lot more fun than just sitting at a desk and doing paperwork,” Ward says.
