Every October, we celebrate Careers in Construction Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the opportunities within our industry and the incredible impact we can have on future generations. As someone who has spent years in this profession, I believe more than ever that investing in our young people is one of the most important things we can do, not only for our industry, but for our communities and for South Dakota’s future.
Over the past year, our association has worked hard to create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, spark confidence, and introduce students and families to the world of building. These aren’t just events on a calendar; they are opportunities to light a spark that can turn into a lifelong career.
At the Boys & Girls Club, we’ve hosted quarterly hands-on activities centered around the building industry, giving kids the chance to build, create, and imagine what’s possible. We’ve shown up at JA Inspire events, participated in Harrisburg Learner Days, and taken part in the CTE Academy Open House, connecting directly with middle and high school students to open their eyes to career paths they may not have considered before.
Our efforts also extend to larger community gatherings. At the Sioux Empire Home Show, the Workforce Development Kids Zone was buzzing with excitement as children of all ages built their own mini cornhole sets, projects that combine fun with practical skills. At the Washington Pavilion’s First Fridays and member appreciation events, families had the chance to learn more about our industry while rolling up their sleeves to build projects together. These moments remind us that engaging families is just as important as reaching students, it takes a community to nurture the next generation of builders.
Of course, inspiring future builders also means investing in them directly. Through the Home Builders Care Foundation, we are proud to provide scholarships to both high school and postsecondary students pursuing careers in the building industry. These dollars represent more than financial support; they represent belief in the students’ potential and confidence in the difference they will make in the world.
This year also marked some exciting milestones. One of our proudest achievements has been the growth of the Frame the Future event, now in its third year. What started as a simple concept has become one of our most impactful workforce development initiatives. This fall, we welcomed students from five area schools, CTE Academy, Dell Rapids, Harrisburg, O’Gorman, and Tea, for a day filled with hands-on learning. Students rotated through interactive stations where professionals demonstrated skills in landscaping, drafting, plumbing, framing, and more. They weren’t just watching; they were learning, asking questions, and gaining real-world insights into what a career in construction can look like. The energy in the room was contagious. You could see curiosity turning into confidence and interest transforming into inspiration.
Another highlight was the rollout of our brand-new HBASE Coloring and Activity Book, designed for elementary and middle school students. Thousands of copies have already been shared across the Sioux Empire, and the response has been overwhelming. Watching kids flip through pages that make construction approachable, fun, and exciting reminds us that workforce development starts early. Sometimes, it starts with a crayon.
Careers in Construction Month is a chance to celebrate all these efforts, but more importantly, it’s a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the next generation. Our industry builds more than homes; we build opportunities, we build futures, and we build communities that last. Every event, every scholarship, every conversation is a step toward ensuring that the young people we engage with today become the leaders, innovators, and builders of tomorrow.
It’s an honor to be part of this mission, and I am proud of the work our association has done and will continue to do, to inspire the next generation. Together, we are not just building structures. We are building futures.
