Housing Career Opportunities Await Project CRAFT Grads
Students at June 10 graduation ceremonies for the Home Builders Institute's (HBI) Project CRAFT (Community, Restitution, Apprenticeship-Focused Training) program at the Avon Park Youth Academy in Avon Park, Fla., heard encouraging remarks by Tampa builder and developer Bill Paul about the vast opportunities awaiting them in the state’s residential construction industry. “Project CRAFT has received many accolades for its unique ability to turn lives around,” said Paul. “Its graduates are prepared to work and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our great nation.” Funding for the Avon Park facility and its operations, including Project CRAFT, are provided by Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), which had a number of representatives attending the ceremonies, along with members of the state legislature. In her commencement address, Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton, the first elected female sheriff in Florida, challenged the graduates to “strive to leave behind a legacy, have a great impact on your school and community, promote excellence in all things and become a leader in society.” Avon Park is HBI’s largest Project CRAFT program, training 160 students annually. Since 1997, it has helped more than 1,000 adjudicated youths start careers in residential construction, offering training in building and apartment maintenance, carpentry, landscaping, masonry and plumbing. In addition to skills training, the students in the program receive their GEDs and work on other special diplomas. In keeping with the goal of Project CRAFT to improve the overall quality of life for its students, they also receive instruction in CPR, first aid, substance abuse, victim accountability, anger management and employability skills. There are three other Project CRAFT sites in Florida at Pembroke Pines, Orlando and Tampa. The Florida legislature has provided funding for a fourth site in the Clearwater area, which should begin operating later this summer. Students who complete the award-winning program have a recidivism rate of 15% or less, compared to a national average of more than 50%. Recognizing the singular accomplishments of this skilled trades training program, DJJ has renewed its funding for Project CRAFT for another three years. Project CRAFT training programs are also found in Mississippi, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, e-mail Dennis Torbett at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8908. | 
