Student Chapter Opens at Acosta Job Corps Center
Students enrolled in Home Builders Institute (HBI) programs at the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center in Tucson, Ariz., last week became Student Chapter members of NAHB with the presentation of an official charter by their sponsor, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA). The new Student Chapter was chartered by the NAHB Board of Directors in January at its meeting in Orlando. Over the years, HBI has established an ongoing relationship with the Southern Arizona builders to connect students with the industry and the community. HBI students and instructors have participated in the association’s most recent Arizona Building Industry Supply Show (AZBISS), Home and Garden Show and Home and Patio Show, where they received a special tour by SAHBA President Edward Taczanowsky. HBI students also have a standing invitation to attend the association’s monthly technical meetings at which prominent members and guest speakers discuss current industry issues. Students who complete the Job Corps curriculum generally seek employment in residential construction, and membership in the Student Chapters eases that transition into the workplace by increasing their familiarity with the industry and helping them establish connections with potential employers. Funded by NAHB, corporate partners and student member dues, the chapters also provide students with access to the wide range of resources available to NAHB members. HBI, the workforce development arm of NAHB, offers training on the Acosta campus in facilities maintenance, plumbing and electrical trades — job skills for which there is strong demand in the area’s construction industry. Membership in the Student Chapters provides an added measure of preparedness for success in the workplace, leading to higher job retention rates and worker productivity. “We’re thrilled to have an NAHB Student Chapter at the Acosta Job Corps Center,” Taczanowsky said at the charter presentation. “The students, SAHBA members and the center all get a great deal from this partnership. It’s a win-win for everyone.” Future plans include collaboration at July's AZBISS, which this year will also feature a job fair for students. There are currently NAHB Student Chapters for HBI trainees at the Cassadaga Job Corps Center in N.Y., Mississippi Job Corps Center in Crystal Springs, New Haven Job Corps Center in Connecticut, North Texas Job Corps Center in McKinney, Sacramento Job Corps Center in California and Westover Job Corps Center in Massachusetts. For information on HBI’s programs in Job Corps, e-mail Maria McIntyre at HBI, or call her at 800-795-7955 x8912. To establish an NAHB Student Chapter, or for more information on the program, e-mail Page Browning, x8918. | 
