The 2024 Youth Remodeling Career Day

Michelle Glassburn, Lavallee Systems

YRCD is a unique experience for trade students across the state, exposing future remodelers to the different career opportunities available in construction. Over 600 students attend and immerse themselves in various hands-on and interactive exhibits geared toward day-to-day construction activities each year. Students cycle through several activities throughout the day, including correctly using a coping saw, bending drip edge, laying out wall framing, shed construction races, handling power tools, or partaking in mock interviews.

Our team is committed to making the trades more inclusive and welcoming to future remodelers, so it was a no-brainer to return for our third year. At previous events, our carpenters constructed two 4′ x 4′ platforms to model how to build and demolish a residential deck with composite decking and PT posts and railings. To interact with more students, this year’s activity focused on properly laying out walls when framing with essential tools and materials. Our exhibit consisted of three stations with several 2x4s on saw horses, allowing students to mark where studs should go.

Providing each student with a speed square, tape measure, and contractor pencil, and with the guidance of our carpenters, the students learned:

1. Why wall layouts are necessary. 

2. The common types of wall layouts.

3. How to lay out on center.

In addition to the wall layout activity, we added an educational station teaching students about thermal bridging in a typical wall assembly. Our lead carpenter, Josh B., built a sample model, and then our sales & estimator, Tyler, explained the process to the students.

This year, Owner and Chief Visionary Ben also participated in hosting mock interviews. The mock interviews allow students to practice their interpersonal skills and prepare them for entering the job market.

At the end of the event, students leave the fairgrounds with new tools, gear, including hardhats and safety goggles provided by PRO NE, and a copious wealth of knowledge, assisting them in becoming the best #FutureRemodelers.

BLB Design / Build’s activity, along with other exhibitions, welcomed hundreds of students who were eager to learn more about residential remodeling. BLB would like to thank PRO New England and the other sponsors for hosting an incredible event creating crucial memories and experiences for the next generation. We’ll see you next year for Year Four!