The 2026 Youth Remodeling Career Day
On October 14, 2026, a handful of our team members traded their traditional roles to be teachers at the Youth Remodeling Career Day (YRCD) hosted by the Professional Remodelers Organization of New England (PRO New England) at the Bolton Fairgrounds in Lancaster, MA.
[YRCD] consists of a number of different activities [where] students can come and connect directly with companies who are involved in this industry day to 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, participating in shed construction races, handling power tools, and participating 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 fifth year. In the past, our activities have focused on how to properly lay out walls when framing and how to use spatial planning to design a home. This year, we hosted two activities: The Staircase Challenge and The Hand Tool Matching Game.
The first activity, The Staircase Challenge, showcased the basics of staircase planning. Students were taught how to calculate step dimensions (rise and run) and then use our 2×4 block model to visualize the finished product.
Students were then given the chance to compete and test their knowledge of construction equipment with The Hand Tool Matching Game. We placed 10 different tools on the table, and students were given 35 labels to choose from. The fastest to correctly match the labels to the tools won (10 seconds were added to their time for every mislabeled tool). The winning time of the day was an impressive 21.59 seconds!
In addition to these activities, 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 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 Six!
