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

Trade Talk Times

Summer 2026

Build Your Future in Masonry

Build Your Skills. Build Your Career. Build Something That Lasts.

Masonry is more than laying brick and block, it’s about building something that lasts. From the walls of a new school to the restoration of a historic building, skilled masons turn plans into structures that can serve communities for decades.

The industry needs the next generation of builders. As experienced tradespeople retire, employers are searching for skilled workers ready to get to work.

This fall, Build Smart Institute is launching its Masonry program, giving students the opportunity to turn an interest in hands-on work into valuable career skills. The program was developed with generous support from the Virginia Masonry Association, a partnership focused on building a strong future for Virginia’s masonry workforce.

Students won’t just learn about masonry, they’ll get to work. Using curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), students will practice masonry skills through hands-on training while learning the techniques and safety practices used on real job sites.

Students who successfully complete the program will earn an industry-recognized NCCER Masonry credential. This nationally portable credential can help graduates show employers they are ready to work and take their first steps toward a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

Learn from an Industry Expert

Students will be taught by David Baxter, whose career combines decades of professional masonry experience with 17 years as a Masonry Instructor. David is passionate about helping the next generation of skilled craftspeople develop the knowledge, confidence, and work ethic needed to succeed in today's construction industry.

Whether you're beginning a new career or expanding your construction skills, this course provides practical, real-world instruction from someone who has spent his career both building and teaching.

Seats are limited for this fall's class, so enroll today.

Visit our website or call (540) 900-3340 to learn more.

Enroll Today

Future Builders Academy

Build Smart Institute created the Future Builders Academy to introduce young people to the many opportunities available in the skilled trades. The academy also helps build the skilled workforce our communities will depend on for generations to come.

This summer, 42 young people participated in three weeks of free, hands-on construction experiences. Students gained practical skills, learned about careers in the skilled trades, and discovered how construction professionals help build stronger communities.

For many participants, the Future Builders Academy was their first chance to work directly with the construction industry. The experience gave students an opportunity to try new skills, meet industry professionals, and picture themselves in careers they may not have considered before.

We are grateful to the partners who helped make this free experience possible for youth. Virginia Housing, Ferrum College, Procon Inc., the Economic Development Department of Franklin County, the New River Valley Home Builders Association, and Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley provided valuable support and learning opportunities that helped students better understand careers in construction.

Interested in bringing the Future Builders Academy to your community? Visit the Build Smart Institute website to learn more and read this year’s program impact report.

Industry Leaders Visit Build Smart Institute

Build Smart Institute was honored to welcome Ed Brady, President & CEO of Home Builders Institute (HBI), for a tour of our training facility alongside representatives from the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association and Bedford County Economic Development this summer.

The visitors met with students, observed hands-on training in action, and learned more about the career pathways Build Smart is creating for the region's future workforce.

The visit also included a generous contribution from the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association to the Build U Scholarship Fund, highlighting the power of collaboration in expanding access to skilled trades education.

We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership, the investment in the Build U Scholarship Fund, and the time they spent with our students and staff.

Summer Courses Enrolling Now

CORE Fundamentals of Construction begins August 24th and provides students with an overview of a variety of construction careers by learning basic construction knowledge and skills.

Topics Include:

Construction Safety
Construction Math
Introduction to Construction Hand and Power Tools
Materials Handling
Introduction to Construction Drawings
Employability Skills such as critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and effective self-presentation

Students receive their OSHA 10 card, First Aid / CPR certification, and NCCER CORE credential.

Build Smart Institute also offers flexible, self-paced online courses for students seeking courses that fit into your schedule.

Students can enroll quickly and start learning immediately, whenever it works best for you.

Course Offerings Include:

Project Supervision
Project Management
Estimation
Estimating for Excavation
Effective Workplace Communication

Visit our website to view the full schedule of courses or complete an interest form to have a Build Smart team member contact you.

Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify.

Visit our Website

Building Stronger Workers From Day One

Build Smart Institute is proud to partner with Carilion Clinic to provide students enrolled in the CORE Fundamentals of Construction course with no-cost occupational health and wellness education.

Through this partnership, students receive practical instruction on injury prevention, heat stress and hydration, safe lifting techniques, hearing and lung protection, and healthy habits that support long-term success in the skilled trades.

We are grateful to Carilion for investing in the health, safety, and future of our students, helping them enter the workforce prepared to work both safely and confidently.

2nd Annual Build & Bloom Event

This spring, Build Smart Institute welcomed community members of all skill levels for the 2nd annual Build & Bloom event.

Participants enjoyed a fun, hands-on building experience, building their own mini greenhouse, and discovered the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, all while supporting the Build U Scholarship Fund.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to our sponsor CAPPS Home Building Center who helped make the event possible.

Visit our website for our full course schedule and to learn more today!

call (540) 900-3340

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