The Rosendin Foundation, the charitable arm of Rosendin, is addressing the nationwide construction workforce shortage with a free construction camp designed to ignite a passion for building and craftsmanship among young students. The camp allows middle schoolers to explore their interest in the skilled trades through hands-on activities such as soldering and lamp building. This summer’s camp season concluded after hosting events in Charlotte; Anaheim, California; Phoenix, Sherman and Austin, Texas from May to July, with 107 graduates selected from more than 300 applicants.

“The camp is not only about teaching construction skills but also changing industry perceptions and showing kids that construction can be a rewarding and well-respected career,” says Jolsna Thomas, President of The Rosendin Foundation. “Seeing the students’ joy and confidence as they learned each day was powerful, and we’re thankful to help invest in the next generation of construction professionals.”

The construction industry will need to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2024 to meet the current demand for labor.

“TRF Camp Build teaches my son life lessons and how to use tools,” says Viviana Villavicencio, a camper parent. “My son has enjoyed every day. Each day he shares what he learned and is excited to come back.”

“I love that the leaders of TRF Camp Build trusted us and worked WITH us instead of talking TO us,” says Aneesa Chaudhry, a returning camper.

During the camp, participants gained hands-on experience with heavy equipment operation, roofing, and other essential construction skills such as concrete and rebar work and soldering. They also built dog houses and bookshelves, which were donated to local charities.

The success of TRF Camp Build was made possible by the generous support from sponsors and in-kind donors who provided essential resources and expertise. Top sponsors included Rosendin, MPS, Milwaukee Tool, DEWALT, United Rentals, Border States, Graybar, and Sherwin Williams, which donated the funds, tools used by the campers, and build supplies contributing significantly to the program’s success.

“Through Camp Build, The Rosendin Foundation does an exceptional job of introducing students to the diverse range of careers within the construction industry,” says Gabe Flore from the Austin Electrical Training Alliance. “It effectively imparts fundamental skills that tradespeople utilize daily across the country.”

The Rosendin Foundation’s TRF Camp Build is committed to building and empowering future generations by providing them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in construction. Applications will open for the 2025 camps on January 1st, and the application deadline is March 31.

For additional information about The Rosendin Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.therosendinfoundation.org.