Returning for our Second Youth in Remodeling Career Day

Yesterday, a handful of our team members traded their traditional roles to teachers at the Youth in 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, which returned last year following a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a unique experience for trade students across the state, exposing future remodelers to the different career opportunities available in construction. Over 500 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.

#FUTUREREMODELERS

Lead carpenters Josh and Josh lead the first round of students, teaching them best practices when framing wall layouts.

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 second year. Last year, 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 than last year, this year, our activity focused on properly laying out walls when framing with essential tools and materials. Our exhibit consisted of four 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.

By participating in our exhibit, each student was entered to win a Milwaukee speed square and a 25′ tape measure with legible fractions. Additionally, our marketing team ordered custom BLB M&Ms, which were a hit with the students and volunteers alike! 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 Three!