The Idaho Times-News reports that a new construction program in the Twin Falls, Idaho school district could help fill a labor shortage that is limiting growth in the area. According to the article, the program is new to the district, and will allow high school students to learn key skills including foundation, framing, exterior, siding applications, and more.
According to the article, the two-hour class is split evenly between learning concepts in a classroom and working in the shop. The district also plans to offer a second-year course with the intent of moving students onto a construction site to work directly with employers. About 75 students are currently enrolled for this year.
Those who complete a course like the one offered in Twin Falls will be an “attractive hire for area contractors” according to the article. They will be ahead on the typically steep learning curve for new hires.
According to a 2019 survey from the Associated General Contractors of America, 83 percent of Idaho contractors struggled to find qualified employees for hourly positions.
Source: Idaho Times-News
