Future Builders Happy Hour

Bellingham Technical College’s Continuing Education department is launching the development of Construction Fundamentals, a new hands‑on training program built in direct partnership with residential builders across Whatcom County. Developed in response to an urgent workforce need, the program equips students with the essential safety knowledge, tool skills, and job‑site readiness required to step confidently into entry‑level roles in residential construction.

Local employers have made it clear: they need reliable, job‑ready workers who understand basic tool operation, site safety, material handling, and foundational carpentry practices. Construction Fundamentals answers that call by training students to operate hand and power tools safely, work with construction materials, complete simple framing and finish tasks, and navigate the expectations of a professional job site. Graduates will enter the workforce prepared to contribute on day one.

This program is shaped directly by industry leadership—including A1Builders, Bartholomew Construction, Bellingham Bay Builders, BIAWC, Chuckanut Builders, Ethos West Construction, Instinct Builders, and True Bearing Built—who have helped define the skills employers need and ensure the curriculum reflects real hiring demands in our region.

As a self‑supported program, BTC Continuing Education must independently raise the startup funds needed to equip the workshop and deliver high‑quality, hands‑on training. Donations will support essential purchases including tools, shop equipment, safety gear, and materials for student projects. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to bring this program to life.

By supporting Construction Fundamentals, you help expand access to living‑wage careers, strengthen the local building workforce, and open doors for community members entering the trades for the first time. Together, we can create a strong foundation for the next generation of skilled workers in Whatcom County.

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