Educating and Training Individuals to Become Career-Ready and Advance within Construction Industry Occupations

Trade Talk Times

November 2024

Building the Future: Careers in Construction

The fall season is a busy time for the Build Smart Institute team. September is recognized as Workforce Development Month and a time to celebrate the importance of the workforce industry to a growing national economy.

During the month, the team participated in the annual Career Quest event hosted by the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board; where middle schoolers from across the Roanoke Valley participated in hands on activities and learned about careers in the skilled trades, among others. Later in September, Build Smart students and Team members attended the Virginia Builders' Summit hosted by the Virginia Home Builder's Association. The students networked with industry leaders, and heard from a panel of industry experts, gaining valuable insights to careers in the skilled trades.

October is Careers in Construction Month. During the month, the Build Smart team worked to increase public awareness of the opportunities available in construction trade professions.

This included participating in the G.I.R.L Construction Experience hosted by The Branch Group. Girls ages 5-18 had the chance to learn and experience real-life construction, engineering and STEM concepts in a fun environment. The team also joined Pulaski County Schools at its first Careers in Construction day for middle schoolers exploring careers in the field.

Thank you to each of the community partners who made these events a success!

Professional Development Courses Enrolling Now

Investing in your career advancement is crucial, and at Build Smart Institute, we empower individuals and businesses to thrive in the competitive construction industry.

Our Career Advancement Training equips learners with essential skills that pave the way to leadership positions, ensuring they are ready to take on future challenges with confidence. By partnering with Build Smart, companies can cultivate their top talent, transforming them into the leaders of tomorrow.

Our comprehensive professional development courses include project management, blueprint reading, construction management, and communications. The courses are designed to elevate your workforce and prepare them for success.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by; our courses are available now, so take action today to enhance your skills and advance your career.

Click Here to Enroll

Instructor Spotlight

Jim Wissler, Electrical and CORE Instructor

With more than 40 years of construction industry experience, Jim began work in the construction field helping his father as a young man. Later, while serving in the Navy, he served as a Construction Electrician assigned to the plumbing shop. Jim went on to earn his college degree and holds a Journeyman's Card and Electrician License in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jim brings his expertise and knowledge to the classroom, training the next generation of electricians.

Click Here to Read Jim's Full Bio

Courses Available at The Franklin Center

Build Smart Institute has partnered with The Franklin Center to offer courses in Rocky Mount, VA.

Take advantage of localized training options while benefitting from the expertise of Build Smart Instructors.

BLR101 - Blueprint Reading

January 10 & 17

8a - 4p

Click Here to Enroll

Fall and Winter Courses Enrolling

Visit our website to view our entire fall and winter course schedule and enroll today.

Courses are available in the skilled trades and professional development including:

Carpentry

Electrical

BLR101 - Blueprint Reading

CMC101 - Construction Management

Basic Scheduling

Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify.

View Upcoming Courses

Did you know?

Build Smart designs customized training for industry employers and partners.

Using nationally recognized and custom developed curricula, we develop the training you need to take your team to the next level.

Trades in the News

WorkingNation recently published an article on the urgent need for skilled tradespeople and the importance of training for success.

Read the Article Here

Thank You!

In this season of gratitude, we are thankful for the opportunity to train the construction professionals of the future!

Thank you to each of the trainees, community partners, and supporters of Build Smart Institute that have made this year successful!

We are grateful for you!

We'd Love to Hear from You!

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