Maine HBA Brings Real-World Training to State鈥檚 Future Builders
Recognizing an aging workforce and a critical need for new talent, the (HBRAME) has partnered with the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Through HBA-led instruction, high-school students are building homes from the ground up and gaining real-world experience to shape their careers and the industry’s future.
“The average carpenter is in their 50s,” said Mark Patterson, program founder and HBRAME member. “We have to replace our workforce, and the best way is to expose kids to this and see what they want to do.”
Students enrolled in the SRTC Building Trades program split their time between traditional high-school classes in the morning and on-site construction in the afternoon. Guided by their school instructors with assistance from HBRAME members, the students complete all work – from framing and siding to interior finishes – before the house is sold on the open market.
Now in its seventh year, the program has completed five homes, with two more under construction and the foundation currently being laid for an eighth. One home is expected to be complete in winter 2025 and the other in spring 2026.
The program works in conjunction with the SRTC Building Trades, Electrical, Plumbing and Horticulture programs to give students a well-rounded view of what it takes to build a home. These programs are full scale, as they combine to create a real home in about two years that spans structural needs to exterior finishes, like landscaping. Along the way, students see what they’re interested in most and are taught the tips of the trades by real-life professionals.
“You never know what sparks a kid’s interest, whether it’s laying the floor or painting,” Patterson said. “We bring people in to talk to the kids as much as possible.”
In fact, so many students see the program’s value that there’s a waiting list for entry. Sixteen students are admitted annually, with juniors typically completing exterior work, including framing and siding, before moving on to interior finishes like cabinetry as a senior.
The program is self-sustaining, as much of the building materials are donated by local and national suppliers who care about the industry’s future. The proceeds from each home sale fund the next year’s projects, as well as scholarships and tools for students.
Continuing to prioritize the future, the program awarded more than $40,000 last year to graduating students – up from $10,000 in the first year – for scholarships and tools. Students seeking additional education are eligible for scholarships to offset tuition costs, while those directly entering the trades can receive more than $1,000 worth of tools to get them started.
“I truly believe this is the future of our workforce,” Patterson said.